Bay Scallop Pasta with Tomatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 9 to 10 minutes, or according to package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water, and set aside.

Wipe out the pot, and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add tomatoes, stirring occasionally, and cook until they start to burst, 5 to 7 minutes; crush some with the back of a spoon. Stir in white wine, olives, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops all at once, coating with oil; don't move or shake the pan for 1 minute. Gently flip the scallops, and cook until firm and opaque, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Do not overcook scallops.

Add the pasta to the tomato mixture, toss to coat, and add reserved pasta water, if necessary. Divide the pasta mixture evenly among 4 shallow bowls and top with the scallops. Lightly drizzle with more olive oil, if desired, garnish with parsley, and serve.