Making the Viral Lobster Bisque Pasta from Trader Joe’s

Ingredients

• 1 cup Trader Joe's Lobster Bisque (canned, ready‑made)
• 8 oz Lobster Tails (cooked, shells removed; can substitute frozen shrimp)
• 8 oz Spaghetti (any long pasta works)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved; can use canned diced tomatoes)
• 0.25 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 5 leaves Fresh Basil (chopped for garnish)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

1. Prep the aromatics

   Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.

   Time: PT5M

2. Cook the pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook al dente according to package directions, usually 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: boiling

3. Sauté aromatics

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; sauté another 1–2 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

4. Cook the seafood

   Add the lobster tails (or shrimp) to the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, for 2–3 minutes until just pink and opaque.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: medium

5. Add tomatoes

   Stir in the halved tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, allowing them to soften.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium

6. Create the bisque sauce

   Pour the Trader Joe's lobster bisque into the skillet, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: simmer

7. Combine pasta and sauce

   Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss for 2 minutes, ensuring every strand is coated. If needed, add a little pasta water to achieve a silky texture.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium

8. Plate and garnish

   Divide the pasta between two plates. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil on top. Serve immediately.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

620

Protein

32g

Carbohydrates

70g

Fat

15g

Fiber

3g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Trader Joe's Lobster Bisque: Tomato bisque, Seafood stock
• Instead of Lobster Tails: Frozen shrimp, Crab meat
• Instead of Spaghetti: Linguine, Fettuccine
• Instead of Olive Oil: Butter, Canola oil
• Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
• Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallots
• Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes
• Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper
• Instead of Salt: Sea salt
• Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
• Instead of Fresh Basil: Italian parsley
• Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot
• Skillet or Large Frying Pan
• Colander
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Spoons
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Serving Plates

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Sauté onions and garlic until translucent but not browned.
• Cook lobster tails/shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
• Simmer the bisque sauce until it thickens; adjust consistency with pasta water if needed.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Add a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the aromatics for extra depth.
• Use fresh, high‑quality lobster bisque for the richest flavor.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright contrast.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if sauce thickens.

Freezer: Not recommended; the sauce may separate and the pasta can become mushy.

Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the bisque sauce up to step 6 and refrigerate; reheat gently before adding cooked pasta.
• Chop aromatics and measure spices in advance to speed up cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions