Seared Scallop Cavatappi in Creamy White Wine Sauce

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi according to package directions. Drain and reserve.
2. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the fennel and season with salt and pepper. Cook, allowing the fennel to caramelize on one side, about 3 minutes before flipping and doing the same on the second side. It should be caramelized on the outside and soft on the inside when pierced with a knife. Remove from pan.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Increase heat to high. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Place them in the pan in a single layer. If they don’t fit, do them in 2 batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Allow scallops to brown on one side (about 1 minute) then flip and brown the second side. Remove from pan.
4. Add the shallots to the pan and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds). Deglaze the pan with the white wine. Cook down just to take away the raw alcoholic flavor (about 1 minute). Add the cream and cook another minute. Stir in the dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add the pasta and fennel to heat through.
5. For each serving, divide the pasta between 4 bowls. Place 5 scallops on each plate.