01 -
First things first, get your shrimp peeled and deveined, and pat your scallops dry. This is important for a good sear, honestly. Chop your onion and celery, and mince that garlic. I always get a little teary-eyed chopping onions, but it's worth it! Get all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, it makes everything flow so much smoother, trust me on this one.
02 -
In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt a tablespoon of butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your onion and celery, cooking until they soften, about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – oh, the smell! Push the veggies to one side, add the shrimp and scallops, and sear quickly for about 1-2 minutes per side until they just start to turn opaque. Don't cook them through; they'll finish in the oven!
03 -
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir it in, cooking for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. This is where the magic begins! Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and gets all bubbly and luxurious. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. I usually hum a little tune while whisking; it makes the process more enjoyable!
04 -
Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste it, hon! Adjust seasonings as you like. This is your chance to make it yours. Add the frozen mixed veggies and the partially cooked seafood back into the sauce. Gently stir to combine, making sure everything is coated in that delicious, creamy goodness. Let it simmer for just a couple of minutes to warm through and let the flavors meld. The aroma is just incredible at this point!
05 -
While your filling is simmering, prepare your Cheddar Bay biscuits according to the package directions. This usually means combining the mix with water and adding the shredded cheddar cheese. I like to make mine a little on the smaller side so they fit nicely on top of the pot pie, but you do you. Don't overmix the dough, or they'll be tough – a lesson I learned the hard way once! Just mix until combined.
06 -
Pour your creamy seafood filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish if your skillet isn't oven-safe. Arrange the biscuit dough rounds over the top of the filling, leaving a little space between each. Pop it into a preheated oven (check your biscuit mix for temperature, usually around 375-400°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbly. Brush with the melted garlic butter from the biscuit mix when they come out, oh my goodness! The kitchen smells like heaven, honestly.