If you’re craving a dish that feels like a celebration on your plate, the Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines the luxuriousness of tender lobster meat with the bright, juicy burst of cherry tomatoes all tossed in a rich, buttery sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti. It’s perfect for a special dinner yet simple enough to make without fuss, transforming humble ingredients into an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the succulent lobster meat to the vibrant burst of cherry tomatoes, every component is simple yet essential.
- 1 whole lobster (about 500g or 1lb of lobster meat): The star of the dish, providing sweet and tender seafood flavor.
- 7 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps create the luscious sauce that coats the pasta.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Combines with butter to sauté aromatics and prevent burning.
- 1 shallot, finely diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced: Infuses the dish with its unmistakable punchy aroma.
- 1/4 cup white wine: Adds acidity and a delicate fruity note that balances the richness.
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- 10 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta shape to catch the buttery sauce and lobster pieces.
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped: Provides fresh herbal brightness and a lovely green contrast.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a refreshing zing to lift all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
How to Make Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster
Start by boiling the whole lobster in salted water until it’s cooked through, about 8-10 minutes depending on size. Once cooled slightly, remove the meat from the shell carefully, making sure to take out all the tender bits. Cut the lobster meat into bite-sized chunks so it’s ready to mingle with the pasta later.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. This water will come in handy to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced shallot and garlic. Sauté gently until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, careful not to brown the garlic as you want a mellow undertone.
Step 4: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Wine
Next, add the whole cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to blister and burst, releasing their juicy sweetness. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a beautifully balanced sauce with bright acidity and depth.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter along with the lobster chunks, letting the butter melt into the sauce and coat the lobster. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to combine. If the sauce feels thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season well with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up.
How to Serve Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle plenty of freshly chopped parsley over the top right before serving for a burst of herbal freshness and vibrant color contrast to the rich pasta. You can also add a light grating of parmesan if you love a cheesy touch that complements the buttered sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sumptuous pasta pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover buttery sauce. Steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans also add a nice fresh and crunchy texture next to the rich pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls with the lobster shell artfully arranged on the side. Alternatively, toss in some edible flowers or microgreens for an extra touch of elegance that will wow your guests and make this Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe look as stunning as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe, store the pasta and lobster in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy this decadent meal again without losing much of the flavor.
Freezing
While lobster pasta is best eaten fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to one month. However, freezing might slightly affect the texture of the lobster and the tomatoes, so reheating gently is key to preserving as much quality as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can dry out the lobster meat and cause uneven warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen lobster meat is a great convenience option. Just thaw it fully before cooking and add it towards the end of the sauce preparation so it stays tender and flavorful.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is ideal for this recipe because its long, thin strands hold the buttery sauce and chunkier lobster pieces perfectly. However, linguine or fettuccine can be lovely alternatives too.
Can I substitute cherry tomatoes with other tomatoes?
You can, but cherry tomatoes’ natural sweetness and juiciness make them especially suited to this dish. If using larger tomatoes, dice them and ensure they cook down enough to create that luscious sauce.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, replace the butter with a high-quality olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The sauce will still be delicious but a bit lighter in texture.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Definitely! Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe feels luxurious and impressive but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a dinner party or special celebration.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about the combination of butter, lobster, and bursting cherry tomatoes that just feels like a hug on a plate. This Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether to impress friends or simply treat yourself to a deliciously decadent meal at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every buttery, blissful bite!
Print
Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
This Buttered Lobster Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a decadent yet simple dish combining sweet, tender lobster meat with buttery sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes. The garlic and shallot-infused butter, deglazed with white wine, creates a rich flavor coating perfectly paired with al dente spaghetti and the brightness of lemon juice and parsley.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 whole lobster (lobster meat approximately 500g / 1lb)
Produce
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Pantry
- 7 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 10 oz spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare lobster meat: Cook the whole lobster by boiling or steaming until fully cooked, then remove the meat and chop it into bite-sized pieces, keeping it aside for later use.
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- Make the butter sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to blister and soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and allow the wine to reduce by half to concentrate the flavor.
- Add lobster meat: Return the lobster meat to the skillet and gently toss to combine and warm through, cooking for 2-3 minutes more.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately while warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Fresh lobster provides the best flavor, but cooked lobster meat can be used as a shortcut.
- Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for deglazing.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving (optional).
- Make sure not to overcook the lobster or pasta to keep textures tender and pleasant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
