Description
This Buttered Lobster Pasta is a decadent yet simple dish that combines tender lobster meat with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and a hint of white wine. Perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers luxurious flavors balanced by fresh parsley and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick way to enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Lobster
- 2 lobster tails (about 6–8 oz each), cooked and meat removed from shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Lobster: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add lobster meat, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and lightly browned. Remove lobster and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine (or pasta of choice) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Lobster: Add drained pasta and cooked lobster back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute lobster with shrimp or crab for variation.
- Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- White wine is optional; substitute with chicken broth or omit entirely.
- Ensure lobster tails are pre-cooked or use leftover cooked lobster meat to save time.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
