Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta

Name: Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine or spaghetti; 2 lobster tails, cooked and meat removed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Cakes & Treats

I can't resist the luxurious combination of garlic and lobster in this pasta dish. Every time I make it, I'm reminded of summer evenings by the beach, where the aroma of garlic butter fills the air. The sweet, succulent lobster meat pairs perfectly with the garlic-infused sauce, creating a rich experience that elevates any dinner. It’s quick to prepare yet feels indulgent, perfect for date nights or impressing friends. Let me guide you through this delightful recipe that brings a taste of the ocean right to my kitchen!

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2026-01-20T03:55:12.548Z

When I first tried making Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta, I was pleasantly surprised at how simple yet elegant it turned out. The secret lies in balancing the flavors: fresh lobster, quality pasta, and that real garlic butter that ties it all together. It’s truly a dish that feels special without consuming too much of my evening.

What I discovered through trial and error is that cooking the lobster just enough to preserve its tenderness is crucial. I recommend using a good quality pasta, as the sauce clings beautifully. Fresh herbs tossed in just before serving add a pop of color and freshness that I love!

Why You'll Love This Dish
Decadent garlic butter sauce that enhances the lobster flavor
Quick preparation for a gourmet meal in under 40 minutes
Perfectly cooked lobster that melts in your mouth

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh lobster tails is crucial for achieving the best flavor in this dish. Look for lobster that is sweet and firm to the touch. If you can't find live lobster, frozen tails can be a suitable alternative; just ensure they are thoroughly thawed before cooking. Fresh ingredients will provide a better texture and taste, making the garlic butter sauce more vibrant and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

The quality of the garlic is another key factor. I recommend using fresh garlic cloves rather than pre-minced options, as fresh garlic will offer a more potent and aromatic flavor. When sautéed in butter, the garlic should become fragrant and golden without browning too much. This is when you'll get that rich, indulgent taste that pairs beautifully with the lobster.

Techniques for Perfect Pasta

Cooking the pasta al dente is essential for balancing the texture with the buttery sauce. Add the pasta to a pot of salted boiling water and start checking for doneness a minute or two before the package instructions suggest. Ideally, the pasta should have a slight bite; it will continue cooking slightly in the pan with the lobster and garlic butter sauce.

When reserving pasta water, remember that it contains starch, which acts as a natural thickener for the sauce. Only use half a cup, as needed, to avoid making the dish watery. Adding the reserved pasta water early will help emulsify the sauce, ensuring that every strand of pasta is coated in that luscious garlic butter mixture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta!

Ingredients

8 oz linguine or spaghetti
2 lobster tails, cooked and meat removed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're all set to whip up this incredible dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add Lobster and Combine

Chop the cooked lobster into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet along with the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat with the garlic butter.

Toss Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through.

Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the luxurious flavors!

Your Garlic Butter Lobster Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed. Dig in!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use fresh lobster if available. If you cannot find fresh, high-quality frozen lobster tails will work. Additionally, don't rush the garlic
letting it become aromatic will elevate the dish significantly.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time on busy evenings, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance. Simply cook the garlic and butter mixture, cool it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you're ready to enjoy the dish, gently reheat the sauce in the skillet before tossing in the lobster and pasta for a seamless finish.

If you'd like to prep the lobster, it can also be cooked and shelled ahead of time. Cooked lobster meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just ensure it’s sealed properly to avoid drying out.

Serving Suggestions

For an elevated dining experience, consider serving the garlic butter lobster pasta alongside a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula balances the richness of the pasta and adds a refreshing component to the meal.

Pairing this dish with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, can further enhance the flavors of the garlic and lobster. A crisp, citrusy wine will complement the sweetness of the lobster and the acidity of the lemon beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use shrimp instead of lobster?

Yes, shrimp is a great substitute and will still create a wonderful garlic butter pasta.

→ How do I know when the lobster is cooked?

Lobster is cooked when its flesh is opaque and firm. Overcooking can make it tough, so be vigilant!

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the pasta and garlic butter in advance and combine them right before serving.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Linguine or spaghetti are ideal, but feel free to use any pasta that you enjoy!