Scallops Mascarpone

recipe yields 6 servings

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package medium seashell pasta
6 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 (10 ounce) package sliced fresh button mushrooms
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 pound scallops, rinsed and patted dry
¼ cup milk
1 (8 ounce) container mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons butter


Directions

Step 1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, until al dente.

Step 2
Melt 6 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mix in the parsley and garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and asparagus and season with salt, pepper and onion powder; cook, stirring occasionally until asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes depending on the thickness. Place the scallops in the pan, and cook briefly on each side until lightly browned and the center is cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from the heat when scallops are just finished.

Step 3
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the milk, mascarpone cheese and remaining butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sauce is warm and butter is completely melted and blended in. Stir this sauce into the scallops and vegetables along with the pasta and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts
Per Serving: 714 calories; protein 35.3g; carbohydrates 63.2g; fat 37.8g; cholesterol 133.9mg; sodium 359.6mg