Scallops over Creamy Lemon Fettuccine

Remove the pasta from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature. Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Using a zester or the small side of a box grater, finely grate the lemon to get 2 teaspoons. Halve the lemon crosswise; squeeze the juice into a bowl, straining out the seeds. Snap off and discard the tough, woody stem ends of the asparagus; cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces (keeping the pointed tips intact). Peel and finely chop the shallot. Roughly chop the artichokes. Using your hands, carefully separate the pasta strands. Pick the mint leaves off the stems.  

In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the breadcrumbs and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pan. 

In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the asparagus pieces in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the chopped shallot, chopped artichokes, and capers. Season with salt, pepper, and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until combined and the vegetables are softened. Transfer to a bowl. Rinse and wipe out the pan.

Meanwhile, add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Using your hands, remove and discard the tough side muscle from each scallop. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned scallops in an even layer. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned. Flip and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Turn off the heat.

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked vegetables, cream, butter, lemon juice, half the cheese, and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until combined and the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Turn off the heat. Serve the finished pasta topped with the cooked scallops, toasted breadcrumbs, remaining cheese, and mint leaves (tearing just before adding). Enjoy!