Creamy Bay Scallop Spaghetti

Ingredients and Weight:

• Spaghetti - 500g (1 lb)
• Bay scallops - 500g (fresh, cleaned)
• Cream cheese - 200g (7 oz)
• Butter - 50g (2 oz)
• Garlic - 3 cloves (minced)
• White wine - 1 cup
• Fresh lemon juice - 2 tbsp
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - a few sprigs for garnish (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the scallops by cleaning them thoroughly under running water, removing any beards or debris.
2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Raise the heat to high and add the scallops. Sauté for a few minutes, just until they start to turn opaque.
5. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half.
6. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the scallop mixture and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Squeeze in the lemon juice and toss again. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
9. Serve immediately in warm bowls.

Nutritional Information: (Based on average values; may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: Approximately 550 calories per serving (based on 8 servings)
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 28g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy, with a light lemony tang.
• A perfect blend of seafood and pasta, making it a luxurious yet simple dish to prepare.
• The scallops provide a sweet and tender texture that pairs well with the smooth spaghetti.

User Comments:

1. "The scallops were so fresh and the cream cheese added such a rich flavor to the spaghetti."
2. "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The lemon juice gave it a nice tangy taste."
3. "I love how easy this dish was to make, yet it was so impressive."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure the scallops are very clean to avoid any sandiness or impurities.
• Use fresh ingredients for best results, especially the scallops and lemon juice.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, especially the salt and lemon juice.