Description
Creamy Spicy Lobster Pasta is a luxurious, flavorful dish featuring tender lobster meat tossed in a rich, spicy cream sauce made with garlic, shallots, white wine, and Parmesan. This quick stovetop recipe is perfect for seafood lovers craving a sophisticated yet approachable main course, enhanced with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and smoky paprika.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Seafood and Garnish
- 12 ounces cooked lobster meat (claw, tail, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and melt the butter together. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Spices and Wine: Stir in red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Continue cooking the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Lobster: Gently fold in the cooked lobster meat and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the lobster is warmed through, taking care not to overcook it to preserve its tenderness.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest over the pasta before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp or crab for the lobster if desired for a different seafood variation.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the lobster to maintain its delicate texture.
- Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.
