Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta

This Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta is a delightful combination of fresh, summery flavors and indulgent richness. The recipe is designed to be simple and quick, taking only about 25 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a special meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Pre-cooked lobster is used to save time while ensuring the dish remains decadent and flavorful. The burst of cherry tomatoes, a splash of brandy, and the cream come together to create a luxurious, glossy sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta and fresh herbs.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Mafaldine or other long pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • ¼ cup brandy (can substitute white wine)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾–1 pound cooked lobster meat, cut into chunks
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • Fresh basil, torn

Directions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, season with salt and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and release their juices (about 10 minutes).
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the brandy, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to medium. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to one minute shy of al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta water and drain.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce pan along with the remaining butter. Toss to coat, adding splashes of pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
  6. Add the cooked lobster to the pasta and gently toss until incorporated and warmed through.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and basil.

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients)

  • Calories: ~500–600
  • Protein: ~25–30g
  • Fat: ~20–25g
  • Carbohydrates: ~50–60g
  • Fiber: ~4g
  • Sodium: ~400–600mg

Enjoy this elegant and easy-to-make dish as a centerpiece for your next meal!

A Dish Designed for Convenience and Elegance

What makes this recipe stand out is its practicality without compromising on flavor. Using pre-cooked lobster saves both time and effort, allowing even novice cooks to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. The process is streamlined, taking approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. Despite the quick preparation, the dish doesn’t skimp on sophistication, making it ideal for romantic dinners, family celebrations, or even dinner parties where you want to impress your guests without being stuck in the kitchen.

The Harmony of Flavors

The flavor profile of this dish is meticulously crafted to deliver a layered and memorable experience:

  • Lobster: Its naturally sweet and succulent taste forms the centerpiece of the dish, offering a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: These provide a burst of freshness and a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the cream.
  • Brandy: Adding a splash of brandy introduces a subtle warmth and depth, while also enhancing the overall aroma.
  • Heavy Cream: This is the element that ties everything together, lending a velvety smoothness to the sauce.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil add a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness, keeping the dish vibrant and well-rounded.

The inclusion of red pepper flakes offers a gentle kick of heat, making the dish even more dynamic.

The Versatility of Mafaldine and Pasta Pairing

Mafaldine pasta, with its ruffled edges, is a fantastic choice for this recipe. It captures the creamy tomato sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor. However, the dish is highly versatile, allowing you to experiment with other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine, based on your preference or what you have on hand. The pasta serves as the perfect canvas, allowing the luxurious lobster and sauce to shine.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

To achieve optimal results, here are some valuable tips:

  1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the pasta to just shy of al dente is crucial. It will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing its flavors without becoming overly soft.
  2. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water from the pasta pot acts as a natural thickener for the sauce, helping you achieve the perfect consistency.
  3. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dish relies on a few key components, their quality significantly impacts the final result. Fresh herbs, good-quality olive oil, and a reliable brandy or wine make all the difference.
  4. Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or an extra splash of brandy can transform the dish.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets this Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta apart from other seafood pasta dishes is its thoughtful balance of indulgence and approachability. The use of everyday ingredients like cherry tomatoes and olive oil, combined with the elegance of lobster and brandy, ensures the dish feels both elevated and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that can adapt to different occasions, whether you’re aiming for casual refinement or something more celebratory.

Pairing Suggestions

Enhance your dining experience by pairing this dish with:

  • Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the richness of the cream and the sweetness of the lobster.
  • Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the dish with a refreshing, tangy crunch.
  • Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to mop up the sauce—an absolute must for pasta lovers.

Conclusion: A Culinary Triumph

This Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The dish encapsulates the best of both worlds—simplicity and sophistication. With its quick preparation time and exquisite flavor, it’s a testament to the idea that luxurious meals don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to share it with you.

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