Description
Rich, elegant, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta will make any meal feel like a special occasion. Tender lobster meat is tossed in a luscious tomato-cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, creating a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. Whether you’re treating yourself or cooking for guests, this pasta is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work great)
- 2 lobster tails (about 1 cup cooked lobster meat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken or seafood broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Lobster
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cut the lobster tails down the center and remove the meat. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the lobster for 3-4 minutes until it turns opaque and is cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Sauté the minced garlic and shallots for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or seafood broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Lobster
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Gently fold in the cooked lobster, allowing it to warm through for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Plate the pasta, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and top with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Lobster: Cook the lobster just until it turns opaque to keep it tender and juicy.
- Balance the Acidity: The lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley brings a pop of color and flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a little pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American