Rotini with Fennel, Bay Scallops and Pernod

Pasta and seafood are one of those great culinary matches made in heaven. Boosting the natural flavor of anise-intoned fennel with a splash of Pernod is what makes this dish truly sing.

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Pasta and seafood are one of those great culinary matches made in heaven. Boosting the natural flavor of anise-intoned fennel with a splash of Pernod is what makes this dish truly sing.

SERVINGS
4

COOK TIME
40

INGREDIENTS
1 pound bay scallops
1 fennel bulb
3/4 pound dried rotini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Pernod, or other anise-flavored liqueur
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

PREPARATION
1. Trim base from fennel bulb; remove and discard stalks at the point where they branch from the bulb. Reserve the bulb and chop 2 Tbsp. of the feathery leaves. Cut off and discard any discolored parts of the bulb. Quarter the bulb lengthwise and slice thinly crosswise. Set aside.

2. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the reserved fennel and garlic, and saute until the fennel is crisp-tender and beginning to color, about 3 minutes. Add the scallops and saute until opaque in the center, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add Pernod and cook for 30 seconds more.

4. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the scallop mixture, lemon juice and lemon zest; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with the reserved chopped fennel leaves.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(based on individual servings)
Calories: 439
Total Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 37 mg
Sodium: 361 mg
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Protein: 29 g

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