Description
This Lobster Pasta is an elegant yet surprisingly simple dinner made with tender lobster, garlic, butter, fresh lemon, and a light creamy sauce tossed with pasta. It’s perfect for a special occasion or whenever you want an impressive seafood meal at home.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
Lobster
- 2 lobster tails, cooked and meat removed, or about 1 1/2 cups cooked lobster meat
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or seafood stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare Lobster Meat: Cut the cooked lobster meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat Butter and Oil: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine or seafood stock and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook gently until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Season the Sauce: Add fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
- Add Lobster and Warm Through: Gently fold in the lobster meat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until warmed through to keep the lobster tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Do not overcook the lobster, as it can become tough.
- Shrimp or crab can be substituted for lobster.
- Add more red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
