Got 15 minutes to make a delicious meal? Well, that’s all it takes, from start to finish to make this beautiful and delicious meal. Yes, that’s right, 15 minutes…less than take-out.

Here in New York City we are currently in a heat wave advisory, so turning the oven on is not a favorable way to cook. Even stove top cooking is best left to a minimum to cut down on the heat and cost of air conditioning. So what’s a person to prepare that is quick, easy and delicious? How about this recipe? Scallops with chorizo and farfelle (bow tie)pasta. Yum! Just a few basic ingredients and you can impress! This recipe was created for one person, moi, but you may adjust according to how many people you will be serving.

I decided to add in some delicious chorizo sausage for that added flavor and protein. Chorizo sausage links contain their own fat, so there is no additional oil used. (Nice way to cut down on calories). There is no added salt or pepper (chorizo has its’ own spice) Just some sweet chopped shallot and fresh Italian, flat leaf parsley.

I love seafood and eat it several times a week. Fish, shrimp, squid, scallops , clams or lobster. Whatever I am in the mood for and best of all, what is on sale. I purchase sustainable, wild or organic. It is tasty, low in calories and high in nutrients. If you are not a big “Seafood or fish” eater, scallops may be a good place to start. They are sweet and meaty and not fishy. They do not require much seasoning, just a quick saute on each side for a few minutes.

Scallops are actually an excellent source of a very important nutrient for cardiovascular health, vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak. In addition to their vitamin B-12, scallops are a good source of magnesium and potassium, two other nutrients that provide significant benefits for the cardiovascular system. Magnesium helps out by causing blood vessels to relax, thus helping to lower blood pressure while improving blood flow. Potassium helps to maintain normal blood pressure levels, and aids in muscle pain. So why not incorporate these beauties into your life?

To start, I purchased 1 chorizo sausage link at the butcher counter. Do not purchase chorizo salami. There is a difference. You want the chorizo link. I then went to the fish monger and purchased 6 pieces of wild sea scallops. When I came home I rinsed the scallops and patted them dry. I cut the link into 1 inch pieces. Chopped my parsley and shallot and put everything aside. I then started to heat up my water for the pasta. Once that came to a boil I started to prepare my scallops and chorizo.

Once the pasta was finished I tossed it in with the parsley to the scallops and chorizo to mix and plated it into a nice pasta bowl.

Voila! A perfect summer meal in less than 15 minutes!

I hope you try this recipe and provide me your feedback. As always, Enjoy!

Scallops with Chorizo and Farfalle Pasta

Ingredients: Serves 1

• 1 chorizo sausage link
• 6 pieces wild sea scallops
• 1 small shallot, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup flat leaf Italian parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup dry Farfalle pasta

Preparation:

Add water in a small pot for the pasta. Once it comes to a boil add in the pasta and season liberally with salt. Cook according to package directions.

Rinse and pat dry the scallops. Slice the chorizo sausage link into 1 inch slices. Chop the parsley and shallot. Set ingredients aside and have ready to add in.

Preheat a non-stick skillet. Add in the chorizo and cook over a medium low heat for 3 minutes. Turn pieces over and cook an additional 3 minutes.

Add in the shallots and scallops. Cook for 2 minutes. Turn the scallops over and cook an additional 2 minutes. Make sure to move the shallots around in the pan to prevent from burning. Add in the cooked pasta and chopped parsley. Gently toss to incorporate and serve.