Lobster & Shrimp Pasta

Name: Lobster & Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 pound lobster meat, cut into chunks; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Globetrotter Food Guide

I absolutely love cooking with seafood, and this Lobster & Shrimp Pasta is one of my favorite dishes to prepare. The balance of fresh lobster and shrimp creates a symphony of flavors that make every bite a delight. With creamy garlic sauce and al dente pasta, this dish is perfect for any occasion. It’s incredible how simple ingredients transform into a gourmet meal with a little care and attention. I can’t wait for you to try this and see just how satisfying it can be to create something so delicious at home!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:01:27.672Z

When I first tried Lobster & Shrimp Pasta at a local restaurant, I knew it was a recipe I had to attempt in my own kitchen. The trick I learned was to not overcook the seafood; it should be tender yet perfectly cooked. This method allows the flavors of both the lobster and shrimp to shine through without being rubbery.

Pairing fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest brought this dish to life, elevating it to a restaurant-quality meal. I’ve had countless compliments from friends and family, and it’s always a hit during gatherings. Don’t skip on the fresh ingredients; they truly make all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The sweetness of lobster combined with succulent shrimp creates an irresistible flavor.
The creamy garlic sauce perfectly complements the seafood and pasta.
Quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant for special occasions.

Perfecting the Pasta

For this Lobster & Shrimp Pasta, the choice of linguine or fettuccine is crucial as their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. When cooking the pasta, aim for al dente; this texture provides a satisfying bite that can stand up to the richness of the sauce. Remember to save that reserved pasta water! It’s a secret weapon that not only helps achieve the perfect consistency but also adds flavor.

If you’re unsure about when your pasta is done, taste a strand just before draining. It should be tender but still firm to the bite, which makes it ideal for soaking up the creamy garlic sauce later. Once drained, don’t rinse the pasta; this washes away the starch that aids in sauce adhesion.

Elevating the Sauce

The creamy garlic sauce in this recipe does more than just coat the pasta; it enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster and shrimp. Heating the cream over low flame is essential; this prevents it from curdling and ensures a smooth, glossy finish. Stir vigorously as you incorporate the Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.

Consider using freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor; it melts better than pre-grated varieties, leading to a silkier sauce. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even a plant-based milk alternative, but you may need to adjust the seasoning to maintain flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your Lobster & Shrimp Pasta right after preparing it is key; the texture of both the seafood and pasta is best when fresh. A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that brightens the dish. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the finished dish for heat.

Pair this pasta with a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the seafood beautifully. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 ounces linguine or fettuccine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound lobster meat, cut into chunks
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Seafood

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the shrimp and lobster meat, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they turn opaque.

Prepare the Cream Sauce

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, enjoying your delicious Lobster & Shrimp Pasta!

Pro Tips

For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce during the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to fresh lobster meat, you can substitute it with crab meat or even cooked scallops. Both options will bring a similar touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. For a quick weeknight version, consider using frozen seafood; just ensure it's thawed completely and patted dry before sautéing to avoid excess moisture in your sauce.

Vegetarians can still enjoy a rich pasta experience by replacing seafood with sautéed mushrooms and asparagus. Use a similar cream sauce base, bringing in a dash of smoked paprika to mimic the umami notes typically contributed by the seafood.

Troubleshooting the Sauce

If your cream sauce appears too thick, don’t stress. Simply add the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve the desired creaminess. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a minute longer to thicken, but be vigilant not to overcook and separate the cream.

Should the sauce curdle or separate, try adding a small amount of cold cream while whisking continuously. It can help bring the texture back together. Always keep the heat low when making creamy sauces to avoid this common pitfall.

Make-Ahead Tips

While this Lobster & Shrimp Pasta is best served fresh, you can prep components ahead of time. Cook your pasta and store it in an airtight container with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also prepare the garlic and cream base, allowing it to cool before storing in the refrigerator for up to a day. This way, you can quickly assemble your dish on a weeknight.

Additionally, prepped seafood can be marinated with herbs and a bit of lemon juice, enhancing their flavor while saving cooking time. Just be sure to add seafood to the cooking process at the last moment to keep it tender and avoid overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of seafood?

Yes! You can substitute scallops or even crab for the shrimp and lobster if desired.

→ Is there a way to lighten the dish?

Absolutely! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or replace some of the pasta with zucchini noodles.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

For best results, it’s recommended to make this dish fresh, but you can prepare the sauces and cook the seafood ahead.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the seafood beautifully.