Description
Lobster Pasta with Herb Parmesan Sauce is a quick and luxurious 22-minute dish combining tender lobster tails poached in butter with al dente pasta. Tossed in a fragrant garlic herb parmesan sauce with fresh thyme, basil, and a hint of lemon zest, this elegant pasta is perfect for a sophisticated yet easy dinner for two.
Ingredients
Pasta and Lobster
- 12 ounces pasta
- 3 lobster tails (5 ounces each)
Butter Poaching and Seasoning
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic (peeled and smashed)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Garlic Herb Parmesan Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (stripped from stems)
- 2 tsp fresh basil (torn apart)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Zest of half a medium lemon
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
For Serving
- Fresh basil
- Additional parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large dutch oven or pot, bring about 5 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Lobster Tails: Use kitchen shears to gently cut along the bottom shell of the lobster tails from top to tail tip. Carefully extract the meat, including from the flap portion, removing any veins. Pat the lobster meat dry with paper towels and season with kosher salt.
- Butter Poach Lobster: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat along with a smashed garlic clove. Add lobster tails and cook in the butter, flipping after 1-2 minutes, until lobster is opaque and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes total. Remove lobster from pan and chop into large chunks.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Parmesan Sauce: In the same pan with butter, add minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, torn basil, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned. Turn off heat.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add hot cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the pan. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and toss thoroughly with tongs to melt cheese and combine ingredients into a creamy sauce.
- Add Lobster: Gently fold chopped lobster meat into the pasta mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the lobster chunks.
- Serve: Plate the lobster pasta immediately while hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese to taste.
Notes
- Use kitchen shears carefully when cutting lobster shells to avoid injury.
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a smooth, creamy sauce with the parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer more spice, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Ensure not to overcook lobster to keep it tender and juicy.
- Fresh herbs and lemon zest are key to imparting bright, fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
