Lemon-scented Linguine with Scallops, Cauliflower and Lemon

By ACK Kitchen • January 23, 2011 • 1 Comments

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Author Notes: This is a riff on a pasta recipe from a vegetarian cookbook. I added savories like toasted pine-nuts and garlic, and of course, the scallops knock it out of the veg category! - ACK Kitchen

Serves 6

2 Cloves garlic, minced
8 Tbs olive oil, divided
1 cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup fresh parsley, minced
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup pecorino romano cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 pound whole wheat linguine
3/4 pounds Bay Scallops, rinsed and patted dry
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon Minced parsley leaves

Place oven rack in highest position and pre-heat oven to 475 degrees. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add pasta. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with 4 TBs olive oil and season with salt and pepper, place on prepared baking sheet and roast for 15-18 minutes, adding minced garlic halfway through the cooking time. Cauliflower should be nicely browned around the edges when done.
In a large bowl, toss the scallops with the paprika and cayenne pepper.
In a saute pan large enough to hold the scallops, melt butter and 1 TB olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot but not smoking, add the scallops, stirring constantly, until scallops are translucent; about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a serving dish, combine parsley, lemon zest, juice, capers and red pepper flakes with remaining 3 TBs of olive oil. Add cooked pasta, roasted cauliflower and scallops, toss to combine. Top with toasted pine-nuts. Sprinkle with pecorino and remaining tablespoon of parsley.