Description
This creamy lobster pasta is a luxurious and comforting dish that combines tender cooked lobster tails with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta is tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with paprika, heavy cream, and fresh parsley for an indulgent seafood meal that is quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces (225g) uncooked pasta (spaghetti, bucatini, or tagliatelle)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (double cream in the UK)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Lobster
- 4 lobster tails, 4 ounces each, cooked, peeled, and chopped
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a medium saucepan filled with salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Prepare Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to brown it. Stir in the paprika and cook for an additional 10 seconds to release its flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic and butter. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring over heat until the cheese has completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Lobster: Add the chopped cooked lobster meat into the cream sauce and mix gently to coat the lobster evenly. Heat through to warm the lobster.
- Toss Pasta and Adjust Consistency: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta with the sauce and cook for 1 minute to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Optionally, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the pasta before serving to add brightness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor; avoid pre-grated or powdered Parmesan.
- Cooked lobster tails can be prepared ahead of time or purchased pre-cooked for convenience.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Adding paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky depth to the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice enhances the seafood flavor and balances the creaminess if you prefer a tangy note.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
