Buttered Lobster Pasta Recipe

Imagine diving into a rich, creamy pasta dish where succulent chunks of lobster are paired with a luscious butter sauce that coats every noodle. Buttered Lobster Pasta is the kind of dish that makes you feel fancy and indulged, but it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or a weeknight treat, it’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. The perfect balance of sweet lobster, buttery goodness, and al dente pasta will have you craving seconds—and thirds!

Why You’ll Love Buttered Lobster Pasta

• Luxurious yet Simple: It feels like a five-star restaurant dish, but the recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet lobster meat with a buttery garlic sauce is absolutely mouthwatering. Trust me, you’ll be savoring every bite.
• Quick & Elegant: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect when you’re looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Love a bit of spice? Add red pepper flakes. Want a little tang? A squeeze of lemon will do the trick. It’s a versatile dish that you can tweak to your taste.

Ingredients in Buttered Lobster Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this elegant dish to life. The ingredients are simple, but together they create a rich, indulgent meal that feels like a treat.

For the Lobster:

• Lobster tails: Fresh or frozen, you’ll need 2-3 lobster tails. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them first.
• Salt and pepper: To season the lobster meat and bring out its natural sweetness.

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: A long pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti works best for this dish. The noodles will soak up that delicious buttery sauce.
• Olive oil: For cooking the lobster, a light drizzle of olive oil will do the trick.

For the Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce. Make sure to use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that irresistible aroma and flavor to the sauce.
• Lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens up the richness of the butter and complements the lobster perfectly.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
• Heavy cream: To make the sauce creamy and rich. It brings everything together and gives the pasta a silky texture.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Lobster

If using lobster tails, cut them in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Season the lobster tails with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet, flesh side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the lobster is cooked through and opaque. Remove the lobster from the skillet and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the butter sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Lobster

Toss the chopped lobster meat into the pasta, stirring gently to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just to warm the lobster through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Buttered Lobster Pasta

• With a side salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta perfectly.
• With garlic bread: You can never go wrong with crispy, buttery garlic bread for dipping in that luscious sauce.
• With a glass of white wine: A crisp, chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would pair wonderfully with this dish.

Additional Tips

• How to cook lobster tails: You can boil, bake, or grill the lobster tails before adding them to the pasta. However, pan-searing them in a skillet gives them a great texture and flavor.
• Use fresh lobster if possible: Fresh lobster tails will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure they are thawed properly and patted dry.
• Don’t overcook the lobster: Lobster cooks quickly, so be careful not to overdo it. It should be tender and juicy, not rubbery.
• Customize the sauce: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 540
Total Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 32g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
A1: Yes, just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Thaw them in the refrigerator for several hours or under cold running water if you’re short on time.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! While long pasta like linguine or fettuccine is ideal, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

Q3: How do I make the sauce a little lighter?
A3: To lighten the sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly thinner, but still delicious.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the lobster and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat the sauce gently before tossing with the pasta.

Q5: Can I use a different seafood instead of lobster?
A5: Yes! Shrimp, crab meat, or scallops would be excellent substitutes for lobster in this dish.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A7: Yes! You can add sautéed spinach, peas, or asparagus for some extra color and nutrition.

Q8: How can I add a little spice?
A8: Add red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili to the butter sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

Q9: Can I make the sauce without cream?
A9: Yes! You can make a lighter sauce by using a bit of chicken or vegetable broth instead of cream, though the result will be less rich.

Q10: Can I use store-bought lobster meat instead of fresh lobster tails?
A10: Yes, you can use pre-cooked lobster meat, but be sure to add it at the end just to heat it through so it doesn’t overcook.

Conclusion

This Buttered Lobster Pasta is a decadent, flavorful dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. With sweet lobster, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish will make you feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen. Enjoy every rich, savory bite!

Print