Gourmet Seafood Cassolette

 Indulge in this elegant and decadent seafood cassolette, featuring a luxurious trio of shrimp, scallops, and crab in a rich, creamy white wine and Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a impressive dinner party starter.

Yields: 2-3 main course servings or 4-6 appetizer portions

Ingredients

• Seafood Medley:

  • ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ½ lb sea scallops

  • ½ lb lump crab meat, carefully picked over for shells

• Aromatics & Base:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

  • ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Seafood: Pat the shrimp and scallops dry with a paper towel (this ensures a good sear). Increase the heat to medium-high and add them to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and the scallops are lightly golden on the outside and opaque. Avoid overcooking.

3. Combine Seafood: Gently stir in the lump crab meat and season the entire mixture with salt and pepper.

4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by about half, which will take 1-2 minutes.

5. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Serve: Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and divide the mixture into warm mini casseroles, ramekins, or serving bowls. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips for Success

• The Key is Freshness: For the most tender and flavorful result, use the freshest, highest-quality seafood you can find.

• Don't Overcook: Shrimp and scallops cook very quickly. They are done as soon as they turn opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

• Perfect Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty bread, flaky puff pastry shells, or a side of angel hair pasta to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

• Wine Note: Choose a dry white wine you would enjoy drinking. The flavor is central to the sauce, so avoid "cooking wine."