Butter Poached Lobster with Pasta in Herb and Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality celebration right at home, the Butter Poached Lobster with Pasta in Herb and Cream Sauce Recipe is guaranteed to impress. Imagine sweet, tender lobster tails gently poached in rich butter, then nestled into a luxurious pasta tossed with a delicate herb and cream sauce that perfectly balances brightness and indulgence. This dish is the ultimate comfort food elevated, and once you try it, it will be your go-to for special dinners or when you want to treat yourself to something truly exceptional.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from the freshness of the lobster to the creamy texture of the sauce, making the final dish a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. These simple yet essential components come together to create that irresistible buttery richness and herby brightness, making each bite unforgettable.

• 8 Lobster Tails (about 4 oz each): The star of the dish, providing succulent, tender seafood flavor.
• 1 cup Salted Butter: For the luxurious poaching liquid that infuses the lobster with richness.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps sauté aromatics without burning.
• 2 Shallots, diced: Bring subtle sweetness and delicate onion flavor.
• 4 cloves Garlic: Essential for that warm, robust background flavor in the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle kick to balance creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for a subtle spice and aroma.
• 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce to silky perfection.
• 1 pound Pasta: Your choice of shape, perfectly cooked to hold the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds a lovely herbal note.
• 1/2 cup White Wine: Provides acidity and depth to brighten the sauce.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
• 1 cup Pasta Water: Used to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Adds fresh, tangy brightness to balance the butter and cream.
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan: Brings umami depth and savory richness.
• 3 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Butter Poached Lobster with Pasta in Herb and Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Start by carefully cutting through the top shell of each lobster tail to expose the meat. This allows the butter to directly poach the tender flesh. Using a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium-low heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown. Gently place the lobster tails in the warm butter and poach them slowly for about 8 to 10 minutes until the meat is opaque and tender. This gentle cooking method will keep the lobster juicy and rich without any fuss.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the lobster is poaching, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until just al dente because it will continue cooking once combined with the sauce. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Herb and Cream Sauce

In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and softly sweat the diced shallots until translucent. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the aromatics and cook for a minute to get rid of any raw taste. Slowly whisk in the white wine to deglaze the pan, then gradually add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens beautifully. Season with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and the lovely herbs de Provence for a deep herbal aroma.

Step 4: Combine Lobster, Pasta, and Sauce

Slice the poached lobster meat into bite-sized chunks and gently fold it into the cream sauce. Toss the drained pasta into this glorious sauce, making sure every strand is coated perfectly. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle grated Parmesan to bring the sauce together with a subtle tang and cheesy richness. Lastly, stir in freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.

How to Serve Butter Poached Lobster with Pasta in Herb and Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal notes. For a little extra zest, a few thin lemon slices or a light dusting of Parmesan will elevate the presentation and layers of flavor delightfully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread is also a fantastic companion, perfect for sopping up every bit of that addictively creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancy dinner, serve the pasta nestled inside the lobster shells for stunning visual impact. Alternatively, plate it elegantly in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few microgreens on top for a restaurant-style touch that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover butter poached lobster and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the lobster is delicate, so consume sooner rather than later to maintain its tender texture.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cream sauce and pasta mixture separately without the lobster. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Lobster meat doesn’t freeze well after cooking, as it can become rubbery.

Reheating

Gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the sauce and lobster from becoming tough or unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, frozen lobster tails work well as long as they are properly thawed overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even poaching and preserves the tender texture we want for this recipe.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Long noodles like linguine or fettuccine are ideal because they hold onto the rich cream sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy once mixed with the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on butter and cream for its signature indulgence. For a dairy-free version, consider substituting butter with a plant-based alternative and using full-fat coconut cream, keeping in mind the flavor will be quite different.

How do I know when the lobster is perfectly cooked?

The lobster meat will turn opaque and firm to the touch but still tender when perfectly cooked. Poach gently in butter over low heat to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a tough texture.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! The Butter Poached Lobster with Pasta in Herb and Cream Sauce Recipe is a fantastic choice for celebrations, date nights, or anytime you want to impress with a luxurious yet approachable dish that tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen.

Final Thoughts

With its beautiful balance of buttery lobster, herby cream sauce, and satisfying pasta, this Butter Poached Lobster with Pasta in Herb and Cream Sauce Recipe is a delightful way to elevate your dinner table. It’s easier to prepare than it looks and will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this culinary indulgence—your taste buds will thank you!

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