This Lobster Pasta is a true treat! With tender lobster, creamy sauce, and pasta, it’s a delicious mix that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a special dinner or a fun night in!
Truth be told, I could eat this dish every day. The lobster adds fancy flair, and the sauce is so good, you might want to save some for bread-dipping later! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or fettuccine as they hold the sauce well. If you prefer something gluten-free, you can swap for chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles!
Lobster: Fresh cooked lobster meat is best for flavor. If you can’t find it, try using shrimp or crab meat. Pre-packaged lobster meat is also a convenient option.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk for a creamy texture.
White Wine: If you’d like to skip the wine, just use more broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity without the alcohol.
How Do You Get the Sauce Just Right?
Making the sauce for lobster pasta is key to a delicious dish. Start by sautéing the shallots and garlic in butter until soft—this builds flavor. When adding cream, take care not to let it boil; keep the heat low to prevent curdling. If your sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Cook shallots and garlic on medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer white wine until reduced, then add cream and butter.
- Focus on a gentler heat while combining everything; this keeps the sauce smooth!
Enjoy your cooking and feel free to adjust as per your taste! 🍽️
How to Make Lobster Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
For the Lobster Sauce:
- 1-1.5 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped (including claws and tail)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delectable Lobster Pasta recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. The pasta will need 10-12 minutes to become perfectly al dente, and the sauce takes another 10-15 minutes to develop its wonderful flavors. So, get ready to impress with this quick yet luxurious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Sauté Shallots and Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, cooking for about 1-2 minutes, or until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the Lobster:
Now it’s time to add the delicious lobster meat! Toss the chopped lobster into the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is warmed through. Once done, remove the lobster from the skillet and set it aside for later.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the dry white wine (if using) and allow it to simmer until it reduces by half, which should take about 3 minutes. Once reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
5. Combine Cheese and Seasoning:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until well combined. Don’t forget to taste and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
6. Mix in the Lobster:
Carefully return the cooked lobster to the skillet, gently folding it into the creamy sauce to coat it evenly.
7. Toss the Pasta:
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing it all together. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Finish with Parsley:
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of flavor. Your Lobster Pasta is almost ready!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the pasta onto plates, garnishing with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your rich, creamy, and indulgent lobster pasta that bursts with seafood flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Lobster for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge the sealed bag in cold water for a quicker thaw. Once thawed, chop it before adding it to the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, simply skip it and replace it with an extra splash of lobster or chicken broth for added flavor, or use a squeeze of lemon juice to introduce acidity without the alcohol.
How Can I Store Leftover Lobster Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to prevent it from drying out.
What Can I Serve with Lobster Pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed asparagus. The bright flavors of a side salad or the crunch from garlic bread complement the richness of the pasta nicely!
