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Creamy Lobster Shrimp Spaghetti

shrimp pasta recipe

A luxurious pasta dish featuring tender lobster and succulent shrimp in a silky cream sauce.

This restaurant-worthy seafood pasta combines two premium ingredients for a meal that’s special yet surprisingly simple to make.

Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or anytime you crave something truly exceptional.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 cup cooked lobster meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced (optional)
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare your seafood. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels. Check lobster meat for any shell fragments and cut into bite-sized pieces if needed.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until it begins to foam slightly. Add minced garlic and optional diced shallot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. If using, add optional red pepper flakes and stir for 15 seconds to infuse the oil. Then add shrimp to the pan, cooking just until they begin to turn pink and curl slightly, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  5. Add lobster meat to the pan and gently toss to combine with the garlic butter. Since the lobster is already cooked, you’re simply warming it through, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
  6. If using, add white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Allow the liquid to reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce starts to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Slowly sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  9. Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and coat every strand. Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  10. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using, add lemon zest and halved cherry tomatoes, gently stirring to incorporate.
  11. Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to further thicken and cling to the spaghetti.
  12. Serve immediately on warmed plates, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, optional fresh basil, and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For best results, avoid overcooking the seafood as it can quickly become tough. Both shrimp and lobster need just enough heat to warm through.

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, as the cream sauce may separate when reheated.

You can substitute the seafood with other options like scallops or crab meat if preferred.

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

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