Lobster Tails and Garlic Pasta

Lobster Tails and Garlic Pasta is an elegant and flavorful dish that combines succulent, buttery lobster with a rich garlic-infused pasta. This restaurant-quality meal is surprisingly easy to make at home, making it perfect for special occasions, date nights, or when you simply want to indulge in a luxurious seafood dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and Impressive: Perfect for celebrations or romantic dinners.
• Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce enhances the sweetness of the lobster.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Works with different pasta types and additional seafood.
• Balanced and Light: Rich flavors without being overly heavy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lobster Tails:

• 2 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Garlic Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup white wine (or seafood stock)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or set the broiler to high.
2. Using kitchen scissors, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping at the base.
3. Gently pull the meat up, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base.
4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Brush the lobster meat generously with the butter mixture.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes (or broil for 6-8 minutes) until the lobster is opaque and cooked through.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 1 minute less than al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

3. Make the Garlic Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
3. Stir in heavy cream (if using), Parmesan cheese, and butter, mixing until smooth.
4. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add some reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.

4. Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the pasta and place the cooked lobster tails on top.
2. Drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Creamy Lobster Pasta: Use heavy cream in the sauce for a richer dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
• Surf and Turf: Serve with a grilled steak for a complete luxury meal.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Add shrimp for extra seafood flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as lobster texture changes when frozen and reheated.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to prevent drying out.

FAQs

How do I know when the lobster is fully cooked?

The lobster meat will turn opaque and firm, with an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Can I grill the lobster tails instead?

Yes! Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine hold the sauce well.

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the buttery, garlicky flavors.

Can I use pre-cooked lobster meat?

Yes, just warm it in the garlic butter sauce for a few minutes before serving.

Do I have to use white wine?

No, you can substitute with seafood stock or chicken broth.

How do I prevent overcooking lobster?

Bake or broil just until the lobster turns opaque; overcooked lobster becomes tough.

What can I serve with this dish?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus pair beautifully.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and omit the heavy cream.

Conclusion

Lobster Tails and Garlic Pasta is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. The combination of tender lobster, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this a meal to remember. Whether for a special occasion or just a luxurious night in, this recipe delivers elegance and flavor in every bite. Try it today and savor the taste of the sea!

O

Print