Description
There’s nothing better than Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta—tender lobster tossed with a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This indulgent dish is perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you just want to treat yourself to restaurant-quality flavors at home!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Lobster:
- 2 lobster tails (or 1 cup cooked lobster meat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce)
For Garnish:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Lobster
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lobster tails and cook for 4-5 minutes, until shells turn bright red.
- Remove and let cool slightly, then cut open the shells and remove the meat. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add lobster meat, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Cook for 2 minutes, then set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In the same pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, until tomatoes soften.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Gently fold in the cooked lobster and sprinkle with fresh basil.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, and lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lobster if Possible – The sweetness enhances the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Lobster – It should be tender, not rubbery.
- For Extra Flavor – Add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- For a Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American