Creamy Lobster Pasta Recipe with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

This creamy lobster pasta combines tender lobster chunks with a rich tomato-cream sauce. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, it tastes like a meal from a fine dining restaurant.

I like to serve it with a simple salad and cheesy garlic bread.

lobster pasta in a white bowl.

Table of Contents

  • Reasons to Make This Recipe…
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Pro Tips
  • Storage
  • Creamy Lobster Pasta Recipe

I recently made lobster rolls and had leftover lobster meat. Leftover lobster is perfect in pasta the next day — this version was especially delicious.

Reasons to Make This Recipe…

  • Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Restaurant-quality flavor with approachable technique.
  • Flexible — swap lobster for chicken, shrimp, or crab if you prefer.
  • Comforting, flavorful, and elegant.
A collage of four photos showing how I made the tomato cream sauce, added the lobster meat, and mixed in the pasta.

Ingredient Notes

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

Lobster – Cooked lobster meat works perfectly. If you prefer to start with raw lobster, briefly sauté it in a bit of olive oil until opaque. For frozen lobster, thaw fully and pat dry before using. Use tails, claws, knuckle, or a mix.

Pasta – I used mezzi rigatoni, but any pasta shape will work, including spaghetti. Cook to al dente for best texture.

Wine – Optional. Use a dry white wine, not a sweet or fruity variety.

creamy lobster pasta up close.

Pro Tips

  • Cook the pasta to al dente and avoid overcooking the lobster to keep it tender.
  • Season the sauce well with salt and pepper.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to balance the tomato acidity if needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Seafood is best eaten soon after cooking.

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lobster pasta in a white bowl.
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Creamy Lobster Pasta

By Julie Maestre
This creamy lobster pasta features lobster chunks in a savory tomato cream sauce. Minimal ingredients and effort deliver an elegant dinner.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • 1 lb mezzi rigatoni, cooked according to package instructions
  • ½ lb cooked lobster meat
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • ½ onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon Calabrian chilies, optional
  • ½ cup white wine, optional
  • 1 cup pasta water, reserved from cooking the pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ lemon
  • 2 teaspoons parsley, fresh
  • 2 teaspoons basil, fresh
  • chives, for garnish, optional
  • sugar, to taste
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • olive oil

Instructions 

  • Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and Calabrian chilies and cook about 20 seconds.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  • Pour in the white wine and let it cook for 1 minute. Add the reserved pasta water and lemon juice and simmer for another minute.
  • Add the heavy cream and a pinch of sugar; simmer 1 minute. Stir in the Parmesan, basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Gently fold in the cooked lobster and warm it through for a few seconds—avoid overcooking.
  • Toss in the pasta, adjust seasoning, garnish with chives, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you don’t have Calabrian chilies, substitute red pepper flakes.
  • If you prefer not to use wine, substitute chicken or seafood stock.

Nutrition

Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guide.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 541
Keyword: lobster pasta

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