Lobster Pasta

Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta – Restaurant-Style Recipe

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🦞 Lobster Pasta: Luxurious, Flavorful, and Unforgettable

Lobster Pasta

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

There are some dishes that just sing, that make your heart feel a little lighter and your taste buds truly dance. This Lobster Pasta is one of those culinary treasures. Imagine tender, succulent lobster pieces, bathed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, all intertwined with perfectly al dente pasta. Every forkful is a symphony of flavors – the delicate sweetness of the lobster, the bright tang of tomatoes, the fragrant whisper of garlic and herbs, all brought together by a silky, comforting creaminess. It’s a dish that feels incredibly special, yet is wonderfully approachable to make. Perfect for a romantic dinner, a celebratory evening, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something truly extraordinary without leaving your cozy kitchen.

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Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
💥 Vibe: Luxurious, Indulgent, Rewarding

Jump Ahead

What You’ll Need

Lobster Pasta

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this magical meal. We’re working with fresh, vibrant components that build layers of incredible flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this restaurant-quality dish to your own table:

  • 2 small (1.25 lb each) live lobsters, or 1 lb cooked lobster meat (tail, claw, knuckle meat)
  • 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 small shallots, finely minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Lobster Pasta

Creating this luxurious dish is a delightful journey, and I promise, each step is worth the effort! Take your time, savor the aromas, and get ready for a truly special meal.

  1. Prepare the Lobsters: If using live lobsters, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the lobsters, headfirst. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until bright red. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Once cool enough to handle, twist off the tails and claws. Using kitchen shears, cut along the underside of the tail to remove the meat. Crack the claws and knuckles to extract all the precious meat. Roughly chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Build the Sauce Base: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine has mostly evaporated.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through gently, about 2 minutes.
  6. Combine and Finish: Add the chopped lobster meat, fresh parsley, and fresh basil to the sauce. Gently toss to combine and warm the lobster through for just 1-2 minutes; you don’t want to overcook it. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a perfectly luscious, silky consistency.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Enjoy every exquisite bite!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Lobster Pasta

This Lobster Pasta is a showstopper on its own, but a few creative tweaks can make it uniquely yours!

  • Smoky Sensation: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce along with the garlic for a subtle, earthy depth that beautifully complements the lobster.
  • Zesty Brightness: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving. It brightens every flavor!
  • Veggie Boost: Stir in some sautéed spinach, asparagus tips, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of sauce simmering for extra color and nutrients.
  • Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Perfect Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette and a basket of warm, crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A chilled glass of the white wine you used in the recipe would be divine.

Reviews

These heartwarming notes from our community truly make my day!

Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I made this for my husband’s birthday, and he said it was better than any restaurant lobster pasta he’s ever had! The sauce is just incredible – so rich and flavorful. Thank you for this amazing recipe!”

Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was a bit intimidated by cooking lobster, but your instructions were so clear and encouraging. It turned out perfectly! The cream and tomato balance is spot on. A new special occasion favorite!”

Sarah M. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Absolutely divine! I used frozen cooked lobster meat, and it still tasted incredibly fresh and luxurious. The hint of red pepper flakes was just right. My family devoured it!”

FAQ

We love helping you feel confident in the kitchen! Here are some common questions about making this delightful Lobster Pasta:

Q: Can I use frozen lobster meat?
A: Absolutely! If using frozen cooked lobster meat, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Add it to the sauce just long enough to warm through, as it’s already cooked.

Q: What’s the best pasta to use?
A: Long, flat pastas like linguine or fettuccine are traditional and hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you could also use spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even a short pasta like rigatoni if you prefer.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the tomato-cream sauce (steps 3-5) a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, then proceed with adding the lobster and pasta.

Q: What if I don’t drink alcohol? Can I substitute the white wine?
A: Yes! You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. While the wine adds a lovely acidity and depth, the broth will still help deglaze the pan and build flavor.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience. This Lobster Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and celebrate the beautiful moments in life, big or small. The joy of cooking it, the anticipation of that first creamy, lobster-filled bite, and the sheer pleasure it brings to those around your table, truly warms the soul. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some good music, and create this masterpiece. You deserve this little slice of culinary heaven!

Recipe Note

For an even richer flavor and color, if you’re cooking whole lobsters, consider simmering the reserved lobster shells in a cup or two of water for 15-20 minutes after extracting the meat. Strain and use this fragrant lobster broth in place of some of the pasta water or even a portion of the cream for a deeper seafood essence.

Lobster PastaLobster Pasta

Prep Time: rep: 30 minutes, 
Cook Time: Cook: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course, Pasta, Seafood
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 750 calories per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 live lobsters (1 to 1.5 lbs each) OR 1 lb cooked lobster meat
  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped (or 1/2 small yellow onion)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon zest from 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1.Prepare the Lobster: If using live lobsters, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Plunge lobsters headfirst into the water and cook for 8-10 minutes (for 1-1.5 lb lobsters) until bright red. Remove with tongs and let cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, twist off the tails and claws. Crack shells and extract all the meat, chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. (Alternatively, if using pre-cooked lobster meat, ensure it’s thawed and cut into bite-sized pieces).

2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

3. Sauté Aromatics: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked lobster meat and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce that coats the pasta. Stir in the 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and lemon zest (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. 6. Serve: Divide the lobster pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Chef’s Notes: For best results, use fresh lobster. If live lobster is unavailable, pre-cooked lobster meat or frozen lobster tails can be used, adjusting cooking times. A splash of dry white wine can be added to the sauce for extra depth and bright flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and a squeeze of lemon.

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