Description
Creamy Lobster & Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
“Indulge in a luxurious seafood pasta with rich, creamy sauce, buttery shrimp, and succulent lobster—perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home!”
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
250g fettuccine or linguine
Salt (for boiling water)
For the Seafood:
1 lobster claw (or whole lobster tail, cooked)
10 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and let it reduce slightly.
Add heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Toss in spinach and let it wilt.
Combine & Serve
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Top with shrimp and lobster. Let everything heat together for a minute.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Enjoy this creamy, garlicky seafood pasta with a glass of white wine for the ultimate gourmet experience!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a flawless dish. First, prep all ingredients before starting: grate the Parmesan, mince all garlic, and chop the herbs. Begin by boiling the pasta water. As it heats, sauté the shrimp as instructed. Once removed, immediately start the sauce in the same pan to capture all the flavorful bits. When the sauce is simmering and smooth, your pasta should be al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. Toss the drained pasta directly into the creamy sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it. Finally, gently fold in the cooked seafood to warm through without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this pasta immediately for the best texture. Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the seafood. A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly. For a complete meal, start with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Accompany with crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the luxurious sauce. For a special touch, garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a lemon wedge on the side.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta. Sauté shrimp in garlic butter and set aside. In the same pan, create a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with broth, cream, and spinach. Combine the pasta with the sauce, then add back the shrimp and lobster to warm. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked lobster? Yes, pre-cooked lobster meat is an excellent time-saver. Add it at the very end with the shrimp just to heat through, preventing it from becoming rubbery.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Do not boil vigorously if using half-and-half to prevent separation.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating can make the seafood tough.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep components (chop, grate, peel) ahead, but cook and combine just before serving. The pasta can become soggy and the seafood overcooked if assembled too early.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the sauce? For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor profile will change but will remain creamy and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they will continue to cook when added back to the sauce. Cook only until just pink and opaque. Do not add the Parmesan cheese to a boiling liquid, as it can become grainy; let the sauce simmer gently first. Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will soften further when tossed in the sauce. Finally, do not skip deglazing the pan with broth after cooking the shrimp, as those browned bits are key for deep flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lobster & Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a stunning yet approachable centerpiece for any special dinner. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can confidently create a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen. The combination of tender seafood, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is sure to impress. Remember to use quality ingredients, avoid the common pitfalls, and serve it with your favorite accompaniments for a truly memorable dining experience.