Description
Buttered Lobster Pasta is a luxurious yet simple dish featuring tender lobster meat sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with linguine in a creamy lemon butter sauce. This American main course combines rich seafood flavors with the brightness of lemon, perfect for a special dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces dried pasta linguine or fettuccine
Seafood
- 2 lobster tails (about 8 ounces each)
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare Lobster: While the pasta cooks, use kitchen shears to cut down the top of the lobster shells and gently remove the meat. Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Lobster: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lobster meat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until opaque and just cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat well, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish Dish: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Offer finely grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the lobster or it will become tough and rubbery.
- Shrimp can be substituted for lobster for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing flavor.
