There is something truly magical about seafood paired with fresh herbs and a luxuriously creamy sauce, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this Lobster Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Cream Recipe. Imagine tender lobster meat tossed with aromatic tarragon, parsley, and chives, all wrapped up in a rich, velvety parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to each strand of perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a touch of gourmet indulgence at home, this dish brings a perfect balance of freshness and decadence that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each of these ingredients is simple yet essential, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so memorable. From the buttery lobster to the fresh herbs and creamy parmesan sauce, every component shines when combined thoughtfully.
- 1/2 lb pasta like spaghetti, linguini, or bucatini: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the herbs and lobster.
- 12-14 oz lobster meat: Claw meat, tail meat, or a mix gives you tender, sweet bites of lobster.
- Pinch salt: Enhances every flavor without overpowering the delicate lobster.
- Pinch fresh cracked black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 tsp fresh minced tarragon: The hint of anise flavor elevates the seafood beautifully.
- 1-2 tsp fresh minced parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of green color to the dish.
- 1 tbsp minced chives: Offers a mild oniony sweetness that complements the cream.
- 4-5 garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma.
- 1/3 cup water reserved after cooking pasta: Perfect for loosening the sauce and helping it cling better to the pasta.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates that luscious, creamy texture that ties everything together.
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts a savory, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp fresh minced tarragon, 1 tsp fresh minced parsley, 1 tbsp minced chives: These extra herbs finish the sauce with bright, fresh notes.
- Salt and 1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper: Adjust seasoning to taste and balance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Lobster Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Cream Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you do anything, take a moment to prep all your ingredients. Measure out the pasta, mince the herbs, and cut the lobster meat if needed. Cooking this dish moves fast, so having everything ready will keep you calm and in control.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining – this magical ingredient helps give your sauce the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 3: Sauté Lobster Meat with Butter and Herbs
Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the lobster meat along with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and half of your fresh minced tarragon, parsley, and chives. Toss everything gently and cook for just a couple of minutes until the lobster is warmed through and fragrant. Set the lobster aside while you build the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Herb Sauce
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in the reserved pasta water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, and the remaining fresh herbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and is silky smooth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Lobster in the Sauce
Return the cooked pasta to the pan and toss it well to coat every strand with the flavorful sauce. Then, carefully fold in the lobster meat until everything is heated through and beautifully combined. Your Lobster Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Cream Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Lobster Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make this dish shine even brighter. Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten up the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and special, so it pairs wonderfully with light, crisp accompaniments. Think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to add some green crunch. Garlic bread on the side is never a wrong choice, helping mop up every last creamy, herby bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and nestle chunks of lobster on top. Garnish with herb sprigs or edible flowers to evoke the freshness of your Lobster Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Cream Recipe. Serving in shallow bowls helps keep the luscious sauce pooling perfectly for each forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers quickly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep well for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate the tender lobster and creamy sauce.
Freezing
Because this dish contains delicate seafood and cream, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of both the lobster and the sauce, making it less pleasant when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent overcooking the lobster and curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. Frozen lobster works well and makes the recipe more accessible without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have tarragon? Can I substitute it?
Yes, tarragon has a unique flavor but you can use a mix of basil and a tiny pinch of fennel seed if you want a similar anise-like note. Fresh dill can also work in a pinch for a different but complementary taste.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for the cream?
For a lighter version, you can try using full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, though the final flavor will be slightly different. Be mindful that parmesan cheese contains dairy, so total non-dairy substitution would involve replacing the cheese as well.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lobster meat and herbs in advance. Cook the pasta just before serving to keep it fresh and perfectly al dente. The sauce is best made fresh, but you could prepare garlic and herb mixes in advance to streamline the process.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Long pasta like linguini, spaghetti, or bucatini is ideal as it captures the creamy sauce beautifully. Bucatini adds a fun bite with its hollow center, while linguini and spaghetti are classic and elegant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels both special and approachable, this Lobster Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Cream Recipe is truly a winner. The way the fresh herbs dance with the luxurious cream and sweet lobster is a celebration of flavors that’s bound to delight. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite recipe to impress family and friends with ease.
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Lobster Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This luscious Lobster Pasta recipe combines tender lobster meat with a creamy, herb-infused sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant dish that cooks quickly, ideal for a special weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb pasta (spaghetti, linguini, or bucatini)
Lobster and Herbs
- 12–14 oz lobster meat (claw, tail, or a mix)
- 1/2 tsp fresh minced tarragon (plus extra later)
- 1–2 tsp fresh minced parsley
- 1 tbsp minced chives
- Pinch salt
- Pinch fresh cracked black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional 1/2 tsp fresh minced tarragon
- 1 tsp fresh minced parsley
- 1 tbsp minced chives
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting because this recipe cooks quickly. Read through all the steps first to ensure smooth cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously salt it. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Heat Pan and Add Butter: Preheat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add unsalted butter and let it melt.
- Cook Lobster Meat: Add lobster meat to the pan along with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon minced tarragon, 1 teaspoon minced parsley, and 1 tablespoon minced chives. Toss to coat in butter and herbs, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lobster is warmed through. Remove lobster from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Pasta Water and Simmer: Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Make Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy whipping cream, grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon tarragon, 1 teaspoon parsley, 1 tablespoon chives, 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Gently mix and heat until sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce and toss well to coat the noodles evenly.
- Combine Lobster: Fold the warmed lobster meat back into the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Plate the lobster pasta immediately while warm and enjoy your elegant, creamy seafood dish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it helps thin and bind the sauce perfectly.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted if fresh aren’t available.
- Lobster meat cooks quickly—avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- If you prefer, swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest at the end for an optional bright citrus kick.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for optimal melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian