Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make Giada's Lobster Linguine

Recipe by Food Network

A luxurious holiday pasta featuring sweet lobster meat, crispy bacon, a velvety tomato‑cream sauce, and bright herbs. Perfect for a festive dinner that looks as good as it tastes.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
23m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.39
Total cost
$6.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Crisp the bacon without burning it.
  • Do not overcook garlic; it should stay fragrant, not browned.
  • Cook linguine al dente and finish it in the sauce.
  • Add Parmesan before tossing to help the sauce cling.
  • Add lobster at the end, off the heat, to keep it tender.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard when crisping bacon.
  • Handle cooked lobster shells carefully to avoid cuts.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of lobster linguine in Italian cuisine?

A

Lobster pasta, especially linguine, is a classic dish of the Italian coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant. It became a luxury dish in the 20th century, often served at special occasions and holiday feasts, symbolizing celebration and abundance.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lobster linguine in Italian cuisine?

A

In the Amalfi Coast, lobster is paired with a simple garlic‑olive oil sauce, while in Sicily it may appear with a tomato‑saffron broth. The creamy tomato‑cream version, like this recipe, reflects a more modern, festive adaptation.

cultural
Q

How is lobster linguine traditionally served in coastal Italian celebrations?

A

It is typically served as a primo (first course) on large platters, garnished with fresh herbs, a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, and sometimes a sprinkle of grated Pecorino. The dish is meant to be shared family‑style during holidays and weddings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is lobster linguine traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Lobster linguine is often featured at Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and wedding banquets in Italy, where seafood symbolizes prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.

cultural
Q

What makes lobster linguine special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The combination of sweet lobster meat with a rich, pink‑cream tomato sauce and aromatic herbs creates a balance of sea‑sweetness, acidity, and richness that is rare in everyday Italian cooking, making it a standout festive dish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lobster linguine?

A

Common errors include overcooking the garlic, boiling the lobster meat, and cooking the pasta past al dente. Each of these can mask the delicate lobster flavor and create a heavy, greasy sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this lobster linguine recipe use heavy cream instead of just tomato sauce?

A

Heavy cream adds a velvety texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato puree, creating a pink sauce that highlights the lobster without overwhelming it.

technical
Q

Can I make lobster linguine ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to the cream stage and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, add the cream and lobster at the end, and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making lobster linguine?

A

The sauce should be smooth and slightly glossy with a pink hue, coating each strand of linguine. The pasta should retain a firm bite, and the lobster meat should be tender and just warmed through.

technical
Q

How do I know when the lobster linguine is done cooking?

A

When the linguine is al dente, the sauce clings to the noodles, and the lobster is heated but still pink and tender, the dish is ready. A quick taste will confirm the seasoning and texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Network showcases a wide range of cooking shows, chef demonstrations, and recipe tutorials covering various cuisines, techniques, and holiday meals, aimed at both beginner and experienced home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Food Network often blends classic Italian techniques with modern twists, emphasizing high‑production values, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and tips from renowned chefs, making traditional dishes like lobster linguine accessible to a broad audience.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Gluten-Free Pepperoni Herb Pizza

Gluten-Free Pepperoni Herb Pizza

A homemade gluten‑free pizza loaded with pepperoni, fresh herbs, and a blend of mozzarella and Italian cheeses. The dough combines gluten‑free flour, almond flour, and tapioca flour for a crisp yet chewy crust, and the pizza comes together in under an hour.

1 hr 13 min
Serves 4
$7
4 views
ItalianEasy
Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara

A classic Italian spaghetti carbonara made with pancetta, Parmesan, garlic, and a silky egg‑cheese sauce—no cream, no jar sauce. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner.

36 min
Serves 4
$32
299 views
ItalianMedium
Puglian Onion Tart

Puglian Onion Tart

A flavorful tart inspired by Puglia, Italy. Gently caramelized onions, cherry tomatoes, black olives and capers, all wrapped in a homemade three‑layer puff pastry. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this rustic tart is seasoned with oregano and olive oil.

2 hrs 50 min
Serves 6
$8
11 views
ItalianMedium
How to make OLIVE GARDEN'S

How to make OLIVE GARDEN'S

A hearty, restaurant‑style Pasta Fagioli soup inspired by Olive Garden. Tomato‑based broth with lean ground beef, kidney and Great Northern beans, vegetables, and al dente ditalini pasta. Cook the pasta separately for perfect texture and finish with a quick simmer.

1 hr 53 min
Serves 6
$32
4 views
ItalianMedium
Pasta with Broccoli and Sausage (Classic Italian Cooking)

Pasta with Broccoli and Sausage (Classic Italian Cooking)

A quick, classic Italian-inspired pasta tossed with sweet Italian sausage, crisp broccolini (or broccoli), garlic, chili flakes, and a silky olive‑oil sauce finished with grated Parmesan. Ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

40 min
Serves 4
$32
25 views
ItalianEasy
Classic Italian Pomodoro Sauce

Classic Italian Pomodoro Sauce

A silky, vibrant tomato sauce made from whole aromatics and San Marzano tomatoes, finished with fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano rind for depth. Perfect for pasta or any dish calling for tomato sauce.

55 min
Serves 4
$11
14 views
ItalianEasy