- 1 pound dry sea scallops, tough side muscle removed (see Note)
- 1 fennel bulb
- 12 ounces whole-wheat fusilli or rotini
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Pernod or other anise-flavored liqueur
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- If scallops are large, halve or quarter them, depending on size.
- Trim base from fennel bulb; remove and discard stalks at the point where they branch from the bulb. Reserve the bulb and chop 2 tablespoons of the feathery leaves. Cut off and discard any discolored parts of the bulb. Quarter the bulb lengthwise, core and slice thinly crosswise. Set aside.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced 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 (or other liqueur) and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the scallop mixture, lemon zest and lemon juice; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with the reserved chopped fennel fronds.