Seared Scallops with Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce

This elegant dish features perfectly seared scallops paired with a creamy basil pesto sauce. The tender scallops are seared to perfection, while the creamy sauce adds a burst of flavor with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It's a delightful seafood dish that's sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 10 large sea scallops
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat

Add scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through

Meanwhile, prepare the basil pesto sauce

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil

Blend until smooth

Transfer the pesto to a saucepan and stir in heavy cream

Heat over low heat until warmed through

Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste

Serve seared scallops with creamy basil pesto sauce drizzled over the top