Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta

Name: Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 200g fettuccine or linguine; Salt, to taste; 2 lobster tails, cooked and chopped; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

When I first tried making garlic butter lobster pasta at home, I was amazed by how simple yet luxurious this dish turned out to be. The combination of sweet lobster meat, rich garlic butter, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that feels like a special occasion in every bite. I love how the freshness of parsley and the hint of lemon can elevate the dish even further. It’s an indulgent treat that you can whip up for a fancy date night or just for yourself, because you deserve it!

Created by

Jocelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-20T03:16:18.988Z

My first attempt at making garlic butter lobster pasta was a revelation. After boiling the lobster tails, I realized how the garlic infused into the butter creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. The secret lies in not overcooking the lobster, as it can become tough. I learned to add the garlic right after the lobster was cooked, allowing it to marry with the butter for a rich flavor.

Perfecting the balance of flavors was a journey, and now I serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. This simple addition brightens up every plate, making this dish not just a meal but an experience I cherish.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Succulent lobster that pairs beautifully with garlic and butter
Satisfying pasta that absorbs all the flavors
Easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for a celebration

      

Perfect Pasta Preparation

Cooking the pasta to the right texture is crucial for this garlic butter lobster pasta. I recommend cooking the fettuccine or linguine until al dente—typically about 8-10 minutes for dried pasta. It's important to taste it a minute or two before the package suggests; you want the pasta tender but still firm enough to hold its shape. Make sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid can be a lifesaver for adjusting your sauce later.

Avoid rinsing the pasta after draining, as this washes away the starch that helps the sauce adhere. Instead, let it sit for a minute in the pot while you prepare the lobster sauce. This slight cooling allows the pasta to absorb more flavors and reduces the chance of it becoming sticky. Throwing in a dash of oil while it rests can help, but make sure not to overdo it to keep that beautiful sauce coating.

Lobster Sauce Secrets

The butter and garlic combination is what makes this sauce irresistible. Ensure your butter is unsalted, as this allows you to control the seasoning better. When melting the butter in the skillet, keep the heat at medium to medium-low—this prevents the garlic from burning, which can introduce a bitter flavor to the dish. Cook until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes; you should see small bubbles forming around the garlic but not browning.

For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after the garlic has cooked but before adding the lobster. Allow it to simmer until reduced by half. This technique not only enhances the dish's depth but also complements the sweet lobster meat. If you’re unable to find lobster tails, shrimp or crab can serve as fantastic substitutes, although the cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

For the Pasta

200g fettuccine or linguine
Salt, to taste

For the Lobster Sauce

2 lobster tails, cooked and chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to check all your ingredients before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your garlic butter lobster pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add Lobster

Add the chopped lobster to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lobster sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges and parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious garlic butter lobster pasta!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh lobster. If you can't find fresh, frozen lobster meat works but should be thawed before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your garlic butter lobster pasta even further, consider serving it with a light arugula salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula complements the richness of the pasta perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast. If desired, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can add another layer of flavor, but do so sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish’s main elements.

Presentation is important too. Use warmed plates to serve, as this will help keep the dish hot longer. For a touch of elegance, garnish with a few extra chopped parsley leaves and a lemon wedge on the side, encouraging diners to add a spritz of freshness as they desire.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta and prepare the lobster sauce separately. Combine them just before serving to ensure the flavors remain vibrant. You can store leftover lobster sauce in the fridge for up to two days, but be aware that reheating might require a splash of pasta water to keep it from becoming too thick.

For freezing, I recommend not freezing the pasta, as it can become mushy once defrosted. Instead, freeze the lobster sauce in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use shrimp instead of lobster?

Yes, shrimp can be a great alternative with similar cooking times and flavors.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.

→ What wine pairs well with garlic butter lobster pasta?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the dish beautifully.