I have to say, the first time I made this Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe, I felt like I had brought a little slice of restaurant-quality magic into my own kitchen. The buttery, golden scallops paired with the zesty lemon drizzle and the creamy, cheesy risotto.

It’s pure perfection on a plate. I couldn’t stop sneaking spoonfuls of risotto while preparing this, and trust me, it’ll be hard to resist for you too. Whether you’re planning a date night or just looking to spoil yourself, this recipe shines every time. You can also enjoy similar recipes like Easy Baked Scallops for more seafood inspiration.

What You’ll Need to Gather

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Large sea scallops (1 pound): For that tender texture and slightly sweet flavor. Pat them dry before cooking for the best sear.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the scallops and sauté the onion perfectly.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates that deliciously buttery sauce.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds a bright, citrusy aroma to the dish.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Balances the creaminess and richness of the flavors.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): A simple seasoning that enhances the ingredients.
Arborio rice (1 cup): Essential for a creamy, luxurious risotto. Don’t substitute with regular rice.
Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): Warm the liquid for a smooth risotto consistency.
Dry white wine (½ cup): For flavor depth. Pick something fruity and crisp.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Always grate it fresh; it melts better and tastes superior.
Onion (½ cup, finely chopped): Adds flavor to the risotto base.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A key part of the risotto’s flavor foundation.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A garnish that adds freshness and color.
Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): A mild oniony garnish to lift the risotto.

Note: Serves 4 generously.

Delightful Variations to Explore

This recipe is highly adaptable, so you can tweak it to meet your preferences.

Make it dairy-free by swapping butter with plant-based alternatives and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Add a kick of spice to the butter sauce by tossing in chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Boost the risotto with sautéed mushrooms or green peas for more texture and flavor.
Go gluten-free as this recipe already is; just confirm wine and broth labels.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Here’s the total time you’ll need to create this meal masterpiece.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Use

Having the right tools is a game-changer for this dish.

Large skillet to get that golden sear on the scallops.
Medium saucepan to keep the broth warm for risotto perfection.
A large saucepan for cooking the risotto.
A microplane or zester to easily zest the lemon.
Wooden spoon to stir your risotto for that creamy consistency.

How to Make Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto?

Creating this bistro-quality meal is easier than you think! Take it step by step and enjoy the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Risotto Base

Start by heating your broth in a saucepan over low heat. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat olive oil and butter, then sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and soft. Add the Arborio rice, letting it toast slightly to add a nutty aroma. Stir in the white wine and allow it to evaporate. Then, gradually ladle warm broth into the rice, stirring constantly. This step releases the starches, giving you creamy, dreamy risotto. Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

Pat the scallops completely dry to ensure a golden crust, then season well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Finish by adding butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, spooning the melted buttery sauce over the scallops as they cook. This creates an incredibly flavorful glaze.

Step 3: Plate and Serve

Spoon the creamy Parmesan risotto onto warm plates, creating a bed for the scallops. Top the risotto with the seared scallops and drizzle the zesty lemon butter sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm and full of heavenly aromas.

Tips for Next-Level Flavor

Every detail counts when making an exceptional dish, so here are my tips for perfection!

Dry your scallops well to avoid steaming and to get a perfect crust.
Keep stirring your risotto to create that signature creamy texture. It’s a rewarding arm workout too!
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking scallops, as this traps steam and prevents browning.
Always use fresh lemon for the sauce. The vibrant flavor makes all the difference.

Serving Ideas for an Elegant Dish

To highlight the beauty of this meal, serve it in shallow, wide bowls. Lay the scallops on top of the risotto in an evenly spaced circle, then drizzle buttery sauce generously over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, and a light sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation. For an extra touch, add a lemon slice on the side or whole chive stalks across the plate.

Nutritional Information

For each serving, here’s what you can expect nutritionally from this indulgent dish.

Calories: 420
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 18g

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare parts of it ahead.

Risotto Make-Ahead: Store cooked risotto in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating on the stove to restore the creamy texture.
Scallop Storage: Refrigerate cooked scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a hot skillet briefly to avoid rubbery texture.
Freezing Options: While the risotto loses its silky texture when frozen, scallops freeze well for up to 3 months in a sealed container. For instance, you might want to try adding sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor, similar to this Baked Mushrooms in Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe?

This recipe pulls out all the stops, and here’s why you’ll crave it time and again.

Restaurant-quality flavors that you can easily recreate at home.
Elegant presentation to impress, paired with minimal effort.
Adaptable for any diet. With minor tweaks, it works for dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegetarian preferences.
Perfectly balanced textures and flavors. Creamy risotto pairs beautifully with the zesty, buttery scallops.

Once you try this Lemon Butter Scallops over Parmesan Risotto, you’ll be hooked on its indulgent yet approachable flavors. Enjoy every dreamy bite! For more meal ideas, check out these Lunch Recipes that pair beautifully with this dish.