Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta is a luxurious dish that offers a perfect balance of rich, creamy tomato sauce with succulent lobster. The combination of sweet lobster and tangy tomatoes, finished with a touch of cream, creates an indulgent meal that’s quick to prepare but elegant enough for special occasions. This dish is sure to impress your guests with its stunning presentation and exquisite flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz linguine or fettuccine

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped (or shrimp as an alternative)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot, add linguine or fettuccine, and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.

   • Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

   • Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Combine Pasta and Lobster:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

   • Gently fold in the lobster meat and heat for about 2-3 minutes.

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Season and Serve:

   • Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Protein: 35g

The Perfect Pasta Base

The foundation of any great pasta dish lies in the pasta itself, and for this recipe, linguine or fettuccine are the perfect choices. These pasta varieties hold the creamy sauce well and offer a satisfying texture. The key is to cook the pasta to al dente, which means it retains some firmness when bitten into, providing a perfect base for the creamy sauce.

After boiling the pasta and reserving a bit of the cooking water (which will come in handy to adjust the sauce’s consistency), you’ll be ready to toss the pasta into the skillet where the creamy tomato sauce will be waiting. The reserved pasta water helps the sauce bind to the noodles, making every bite perfectly coated with that luxurious, creamy tomato sauce.

Making the Creamy Tomato Sauce

The heart of this dish is the creamy tomato sauce, which is rich, tangy, and full of depth. It starts with sautéing garlic in olive oil, which creates a fragrant, flavorful base. The garlic is then followed by fire-roasted diced tomatoes, which bring a smoky depth to the sauce that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the heavy cream. Simmering the tomatoes for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together, creating a tangy, savory sauce.

Once the tomato base is ready, the heavy cream is added, which gives the sauce its luscious texture. As it simmers, the sauce thickens slightly, taking on a velvety richness that coats the pasta perfectly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, which adds an extra layer of savory depth, and you’ve got the ideal base for your lobster to shine.

The Sweet, Succulent Lobster

Lobster is the star of this dish, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness to balance the richness of the tomato cream sauce. Using cooked lobster meat is ideal, as it reduces preparation time, and chopping the lobster into bite-sized pieces ensures that every forkful has a bit of lobster in it. If lobster isn’t available, shrimp makes a great alternative with a similar texture and sweetness.

The lobster is gently folded into the sauce and heated for just a few minutes, allowing it to warm up without overcooking. The delicate lobster flavor is enhanced by the creamy tomato sauce, and each bite offers a wonderful balance of rich and sweet.

Bringing it All Together

Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine the pasta and lobster. The cooked pasta is added directly to the skillet, where it’s gently tossed in the creamy sauce until fully coated. If the sauce appears too thick, the reserved pasta water is added a little at a time to loosen it up to the perfect consistency. This ensures that the sauce evenly coats the pasta, creating the ideal texture for each bite.

Seasoning with salt, pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat) helps elevate the flavors, and the dish is ready for serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and a touch of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta, while garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. A glass of crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the pasta and enhances the dining experience.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta is approximately 550 calories, making it a hearty meal that delivers a good amount of protein (35g per serving) from the lobster and pasta. The fat content (25g) comes from the olive oil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, which contribute to the creamy texture and rich flavor of the sauce.

While the dish is slightly higher in carbohydrates (50g), it offers a satisfying and filling meal. With the addition of lobster, this dish also provides a good source of lean protein, making it a balanced option for those who enjoy indulgent meals without sacrificing nutritional value.

Conclusion: A Perfect Balance of Elegance and Comfort

Creamy Tomato and Lobster Pasta offers the perfect combination of indulgence and elegance. The rich, creamy tomato sauce with succulent lobster creates a dish that is both comforting and luxurious. With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and impressive results, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or a delicious weeknight dinner. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating yourself to a luxurious meal, this dish will impress with its rich flavors, smooth texture, and exquisite balance of sweet and savory.