Scallops with White Wine Cream

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love making Scallops with White Wine Cream because it's a dish that always impresses with its elegance and rich flavors. The sweetness of the scallops perfectly complements the creamy, aromatic sauce infused with white wine and garlic. I enjoy cooking this dish on special occasions or simply when I want to treat myself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. With just a few ingredients and steps, I can create a stunning plate that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Penelope Dawson

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:25:09.186Z

When I first tried making Scallops with White Wine Cream, I was amazed at how quickly I could create a dish that felt like a gourmet treat. The key is to ensure your scallops are dry and sear them at the right temperature; this achieves that beautiful golden crust while keeping them tender inside. I also enjoy adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

The white wine and cream come together in a luscious sauce, but don’t forget to scrape the pan! The fond left in the skillet is packed with flavor and essential for creating a truly memorable dish. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of buttery scallops and rich, creamy sauce
  • Quick to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions
  • Elegant presentation that impresses guests without extensive effort

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare the Scallops with White Wine Cream:

Ingredients

  • 8 oz scallops, patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to make Scallops with White Wine Cream:

Sear the Scallops

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the scallops and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.

Create the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it reduces by half.

Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the scallops to the pan, cooking for an additional minute to heat through.

Serve

Serve the scallops with the rich white wine cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or over pasta!

Secondary image

Pro Tips

  • To ensure the scallops sear well, make sure they are completely dry and do not overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary. For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best results.

→ What type of white wine should I use?

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well for this recipe.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

While the sauce is best fresh, you can prepare the wine and cream mixture in advance and reheat gently before adding the scallops.

→ What can I serve with scallops?

These scallops pair beautifully with pasta, risotto, or a light salad.

Scallops with White Wine Cream

I love making Scallops with White Wine Cream because it's a dish that always impresses with its elegance and rich flavors. The sweetness of the scallops perfectly complements the creamy, aromatic sauce infused with white wine and garlic. I enjoy cooking this dish on special occasions or simply when I want to treat myself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. With just a few ingredients and steps, I can create a stunning plate that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Penelope Dawson

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 8 oz scallops, patted dry
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 tablespoon butter
  4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  5. 1/2 cup white wine
  6. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the scallops and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it reduces by half.

Step 03

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the scallops to the pan, cooking for an additional minute to heat through.

Step 04

Serve the scallops with the rich white wine cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or over pasta!

Extra Tips

  1. To ensure the scallops sear well, make sure they are completely dry and do not overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary. For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 24g