Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re a seafood lover who’s looking to impress with minimal effort, “Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce” might just become your go-to dish. Succulent lobster tails, nestled in a rich cream sauce, all tangled up with perfectly cooked pasta—this dish is a celebration of exquisite flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent Flavor: The lobster and cream combination creates a luxurious, silky sauce that feels like a special indulgence.
  • Simple Elegance: Despite its gourmet status, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party.
  • Customizable and Versatile: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your dietary needs or available ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, this dish is sure to dazzle your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using just a handful of ingredients, the Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce offers a delightful depth of flavor. Each component contributes to the overall elegance and satisfaction of the dish.

  • Tagliolini or other long pasta: Provides the perfect base for soaking up the rich cream sauce.
  • Lobster tails: The star of the show, offering tender and sweet meat.
  • Heavy cream: Adds richness and a silky texture.
  • Shallot: Infuses the dish with a subtle onion-like sweetness.
  • Garlic: Enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic depth.
  • Dry white wine: De-glazes the pan, adding acidity and balance.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of fresh, tangy flavor and a pop of color.
  • Tarragon: Offers an anise-like freshness that complements the lobster.
  • Lemon zest: Lifts and brightens the dish with citrusy notes.
  • Butter: Adds a creamy, rich finish to the sauce.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Don’t hesitate to make it uniquely yours—whether you’re craving different flavors, or accommodating dietary preferences, the flexibility is endless.

  • Shrimp Swap: Swap in shrimp for lobster to make a more budget-friendly option that still brings the seafood charm.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace the lobster with grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a delightful vegetarian version.
  • Herb Mix-Up: Try basil or chives in place of tarragon for a slight twist in herbaceousness.

How to Make Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce

Step 1: Preparing the Lobster

Begin by breaking down the lobster. For whole lobsters, this involves humanely dispatching and shelling them, whereas for pre-prepped tails, simply cut through the shells using kitchen shears. Roughly chop the lobster meat to prepare for cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the Base Ingredients

Mince the garlic and shallots, and chop the tarragon. Zest your lemon and slice the cherry tomatoes. In a skillet, sweat shallots in olive oil until they turn translucent, then add garlic and allow its scents to infuse. Follow with tomatoes, allowing them to blister beautifully.

Step 3: Building the Sauce

De-glaze the pan with white wine, then stir in the lobster, tarragon, and cream. Let the lobster cook gently in the sauce, adding richness while remaining tender. Emulsify with butter and add lemon zest, letting those zesty oils deepen the sauce’s profile.

Step 4: Combining for Perfection

Add your pasta, cooked al dente, to the silky sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Introduce pasta water if needed to achieve your perfect sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting flavors as needed.

Pro Tips for Making Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce

  • Perfect Lobster Preparation: Use kitchen shears to easily remove meat from lobster tail shells—sharp scissors make all the difference!
  • Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, slowly mix in reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.
  • Freshness Factor: Fresh tarragon really elevates the dish—it’s worth seeking out the herb for its unique flavor.
  • Time Management: Prepare your ingredients before starting to cook—this makes maneuvering through the recipe a breeze.

How to Serve Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce

Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish with lemon zest, chopped chives, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add color, freshness, and just a hint of heat to complement the dish’s richness.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad, a slice of crusty bread, and a chilled glass of champagne make perfect partners, ensuring a balanced meal that doesn’t overshadow the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in individual bowls to highlight the beautiful mix of ingredients, or pile it high on a platter for a family-style feast that encourages everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind the pasta may absorb some sauce during storage.

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as cream sauces can separate upon thawing. However, if needed, freeze before combining the pasta with the sauce for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help bring the sauce back to its original creaminess without compromising the texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?

    Yes, frozen lobster tails can be used. Ensure they’re fully thawed before beginning to maintain even cooking and optimal texture.

  2. What if I don’t have tarragon?

    Basil or chives can be an excellent substitution, lending fresh herbal notes to the flavor profile.

  3. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Use coconut cream and a plant-based butter alternative to create a dairy-free version while maintaining richness.

  4. What wine pairs best with this dish?

    A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully, balancing the creamy sauce and enhancing the lobster’s sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Give this Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce a try and treat yourself to a culinary experience right at home. With every bite, you’re in for a gourmet adventure that’s both comforting and indulgent. Enjoy the taste of elegance in every forkful, and watch as it transforms a regular night into something spectacular!

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Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce Recipe

Lobster Pasta with Cream Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 101 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French/Italian Fusion

Description

A luxurious and flavorful lobster pasta with a rich cream sauce, infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and cherry tomatoes, perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Seafood

  • 2 med Lobster tails (6-8 oz of meat)

Pasta

  • 8 oz Tagliolini or other long pasta

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 Shallot
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 cup Dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup Cherry tomatoes sliced lengthwise
  • 2 sprigs tarragon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tbsps Butter (or more)

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Lemon juice, chopped chives, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lobster: If using live lobster, kill it quickly by cutting down on the head line, twist off the tail and claws, and remove the shell with scissors. If using pre-cooked lobster tails, cut down the middle of the shell from top to tail end with kitchen shears and gently extract the meat, chopping it roughly.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sweat the minced shallots until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook until blistered. Carefully add white wine off the heat, scraping any bits from the pan.
  4. Add Lobster Meat & Cream: Add the chopped lobster meat, minced tarragon, and heavy cream to the skillet. Cook until the lobster is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Finish Sauce: Add butter and emulsify it into the sauce, then stir in lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
  6. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water as necessary, adding more cream if desired.
  7. Serve: Garnish with extra lemon zest, chopped chives, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread and a glass of champagne.

Notes

  • Save the lobster shells for making lobster stock, which can be used in other recipes for added flavor.
  • If using boxed pasta, reduce the amount of heavy cream by half and add more if needed to get the desired sauce consistency.
  • For a richer flavor, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/3 of recipe)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 46 mg

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