Lobster & Shrimp Pasta
Highlighted under: Simple Global Recipes
I absolutely love making Lobster & Shrimp Pasta for special occasions or a cozy night in. The combination of sweet lobster and succulent shrimp, entwined with a creamy garlic sauce, creates a dish that's as indulgent as it is delicious. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that reminds me of my summer vacations by the seaside. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and I often find myself returning to this recipe when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something truly special.
When I first attempted making Lobster & Shrimp Pasta at home, I was surprised by how achievable it was. The key to getting the perfect sauce lies in allowing the garlic to infuse the cream without burning it—about 2 minutes is ideal. This is my go-to recipe when I want to create a restaurant-quality dish that impresses everyone at the table.
One of the best aspects is the versatility of the dish. You can switch up the seafood based on what's available, but I find that the sweetness of the lobster pairs beautifully with the slight brininess of the shrimp. This combo elevates the entire meal and gives it a gourmet touch without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent pairing of fresh seafood and creamy sauce
- Elevates weeknight dinners to something special
- Impress your guests with a restaurant-quality dish
Perfecting the Sauce
The creamy garlic sauce is the heart of the Lobster & Shrimp Pasta. When sautéing garlic, aim for a gentle heat—medium is ideal—to avoid burning. Under-cooked garlic can be bitter, while perfectly cooked garlic becomes fragrant and golden. By simmering the heavy cream for a few minutes, you allow it to reduce slightly, enhancing its richness. Look for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon; this is a sign it’s ready to deliver a luscious taste to your seafood.
Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but also adds a umami depth that complements the sweetness of the lobster and shrimp. Freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-packaged versions, which often contain anti-caking agents. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well, though it’s saltier, so adjust seasoning as necessary. For a bit of zing, consider adding a splash of white wine after the garlic; let it reduce before adding the cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Seafood Selection and Cooking Tips
Choosing high-quality seafood is crucial for a dish as elegant as this. If you're near a coast, fresh lobster and shrimp are worth seeking out. Frozen options are perfectly acceptable and often just as fresh, so don’t hesitate to use those for convenience. When cooking shrimp, watch for their color change; they should be a bright pink with a slightly curled shape. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so monitor cooking times carefully—3-4 minutes in the sauce is just right for tender results.
If you’d like to make this dish even more special, consider adding other seafood, such as scallops or clams. Adjust cooking times accordingly, ensuring each seafood component reaches a safe internal temperature—145°F for shrimp and scallops, and 140°F for lobster. If you use raw shrimp, add them in at the same stage as you add the sauce, ensuring they cook fully without compromising the delicate texture of the lobster.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious Lobster & Shrimp Pasta.
Seafood & Pasta
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 8 oz lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Make sure all seafood is fresh for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked Lobster & Shrimp Pasta.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Add the lobster and shrimp, cooking until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Mix with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Lobster & Shrimp Pasta!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. This will give your dish a delightful warmth and depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Lobster & Shrimp Pasta can be made ahead to simplify your hosting process. Prepare the creamy sauce and seafood separately, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, avoiding boiling to maintain its creamy texture. Once warmed through, add the cooked pasta, and finish with the seafood; this keeps everything fresh and avoids overcooking.
Freezing is less ideal due to the cream sauce's texture, but if necessary, you can freeze the sauce separately in a zip-top bag. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore its original consistency.
Serving Suggestions
For an elevated dining experience, serve your Lobster & Shrimp Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a crisp, fresh salad. A drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving can brighten the dish, enhancing the flavors of the seafood. I also love to serve it with a chilled glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the richness of the dish.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could turn this recipe into a baked pasta dish. After mixing the pasta with the sauce and seafood, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly. This variation adds a delightful crispy texture on top, making it a cozy dish for a cooler evening.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen lobster and shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.
→ What other seafood can I include?
Feel free to add scallops or crab meat for a seafood medley.
→ Can I make this dish in advance?
It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to combine with the pasta and seafood.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Lobster & Shrimp Pasta
I absolutely love making Lobster & Shrimp Pasta for special occasions or a cozy night in. The combination of sweet lobster and succulent shrimp, entwined with a creamy garlic sauce, creates a dish that's as indulgent as it is delicious. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that reminds me of my summer vacations by the seaside. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and I often find myself returning to this recipe when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something truly special.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Simple Global Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Seafood & Pasta
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 8 oz lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Add the lobster and shrimp, cooking until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. This will give your dish a delightful warmth and depth of flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 26g