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Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta Shells

Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta Shells

Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta Shells is a luxurious yet comforting seafood pasta dish featuring succulent lobster meat coated in a rich garlic butter cream sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for elegant dinners or indulgent weeknight meals, ready in under 30 minutes with a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood & Pasta

  • Fresh lobster meat, cooked or live lobster tails (about 1 lb)
  • 8 oz pasta shells

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lobster: Start by gently poaching or boiling lobster tails until just cooked through, then carefully remove the meat and chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using pre-cooked lobster, simply cut it into chunks and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add Cream and Parmesan: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Then sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes luxuriously creamy.
  5. Combine Lobster and Pasta: Add the lobster chunks and cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Season and Garnish: Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Finish by folding in chopped fresh parsley for a hint of herbal brightness.

Notes

  • Fresh lobster is key for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook lobster to avoid rubbery texture; cook just until opaque and tender.
  • Use high-quality unsalted butter to enhance the sauce’s taste.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your flavor preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter lobster pasta, seafood pasta, lobster shells recipe, creamy lobster pasta, easy lobster recipe