Lobster Spaghetti

Lobster Spaghetti is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by everydaygourmettv on YouTube.

Prep: 14 min | Cook: 42 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min

Cost: $33.43 total, $8.36 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Lobster Tails (raw, meat removed from shells; shells saved for stock (about 300 g meat total))
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (for searing shells and sautéing aromatics)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 2 pieces French Shallots (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 250 grams Cherry Tomatoes (one punnet, halved)
  • 2 tablespoons Pernod (anise‑flavored spirit for flambé)
  • 120 ml Dry White Wine (dry, such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 120 ml Tomato Passata (smooth crushed tomatoes)
  • 120 ml Cooking Cream (heavy cream; prevents curdling in acidic sauce)
  • 1 zest Lemon (zest only, no juice)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Tarragon (optional, finely chopped)
  • 400 grams Spaghetti (dry)
  • to taste pinch Salt (for seasoning)
  • to taste pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Blanch Lobster Shells

    Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, plunge the raw lobster shells in for about 30 seconds, then remove and set aside.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: boiling water

  2. Roughly Chop Shells

    Roughly chop the blanched shells into bite‑size pieces; this will release maximum flavor later.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Sear Lobster Shells

    Heat the large sauté pan until very hot, add olive oil, then toss in the chopped shells. Cook, shaking occasionally, until they turn a bright orange and become fragrant.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: high heat

  4. Flambé with Pernod and Add Wine

    Add Pernod to the pan, ignite carefully to flambé and burn off the alcohol, then pour in the white wine and let it reduce briefly.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high heat

  5. Strain Shell Stock

    Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or jug, pour the shell mixture through, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Melt Butter and Add Olive Oil

    Return the pan to medium‑high heat, add butter and a splash of olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  7. Sauté Aromatics

    Add the finely chopped shallots, garlic, and dried chili flakes. Cook, stirring, until the shallots are translucent and fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Add Cherry Tomatoes

    Add halved cherry tomatoes, gently crush them with the back of a spoon to release juices, and sauté until they begin to blister.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  9. Incorporate Lobster Stock

    Pour the strained lobster stock (and any remaining Pernod‑wine reduction) into the pan. Bring to a gentle boil and let it bubble for a minute.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  10. Add Tomato Passata and Simmer

    Stir in the tomato passata, bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5–6 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: low simmer

  11. Cook Spaghetti

    While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  12. Finish Sauce with Cream and Lemon Zest

    Stir the cooking cream into the sauce, then add the lemon zest. Keep the heat low and whisk until the sauce is glossy.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low

  13. Add Lobster Meat

    Toss the pre‑cut lobster meat into the sauce, cooking just 1–2 minutes until heated through. Avoid overcooking.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low

  14. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Drain the spaghetti, reserving a splash of cooking water. Add the pasta to the pan, toss to coat, adding a little pasta water if needed for a silky finish.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: low

  15. Add Fresh Herbs

    Stir in the finely chopped chives, parsley, and optional tarragon. Toss briefly and remove from heat.

    Time: PT2M

  16. Plate and Serve

    Divide the pasta among warm plates, drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh herbs.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Contains shellfish, Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 13, 2026

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Lobster Spaghetti

Recipe by everydaygourmettv

A luxurious yet surprisingly quick Italian-inspired pasta featuring sweet lobster meat, a fragrant shell stock, Pernod‑flambé, and a silky tomato‑cream sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a decadent weekend dinner.

MediumItalianServes 4

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
38m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$33.43
Total cost
$8.36
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sear lobster shells until bright orange to develop deep flavor.
  • Flambé with Pernod to remove harsh alcohol notes.
  • Do not overcook lobster meat; add at the very end.
  • Add cooking cream after the sauce has reduced to prevent curdling.
  • Finish with fresh herbs for brightness.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and flambé carefully to avoid burns.
  • Use long tongs when igniting the Pernod.
  • Be cautious when working with boiling water and raw lobster shells.
  • Watch the pan while the sauce reduces to prevent scorching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Spaghetti with Lobster in Italian cuisine?

A

While lobster is not a traditional staple in everyday Italian cooking, it has long been a luxury ingredient in coastal regions such as Liguria and Campania, where seafood pastas are celebrated during festivals and special occasions. Serving lobster with pasta signals a festive, upscale meal, often enjoyed at holidays or weddings.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of lobster pasta exist in Italian cuisine?

A

In the Amalfi Coast, lobster is paired with linguine, garlic, and a light tomato‑olive oil sauce. In Sardinia, a simple butter‑saffron sauce (buridda) is used. The recipe here blends the southern tomato‑cream style with a Pernod‑flambé twist, creating a modern yet respectful homage to those regional dishes.

cultural
Q

How is Spaghetti with Lobster traditionally served in coastal Italian regions?

A

Traditionally, the pasta is tossed with the sauce and served on a shallow, wide plate, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. It is often accompanied by a crisp white wine such as Vermentino and a simple green salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Spaghetti with Lobster traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Lobster pasta is reserved for special celebrations—Christmas Eve, New Year’s, weddings, and seafood festivals—because of the expense and luxury of lobster. It symbolizes abundance and hospitality.

cultural
Q

How does Spaghetti with Lobster fit into the broader Italian seafood cuisine tradition?

A

Italian coastal cuisine celebrates the marriage of fresh seafood with simple, high‑quality ingredients. This dish follows that tradition by letting the lobster’s sweet flavor shine, supported by a modest tomato‑cream base and aromatic herbs, embodying the Italian principle of “less is more.”

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Spaghetti with Lobster versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh lobster shells, Pernod (or pastis), dry white wine, ripe cherry tomatoes, and high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil. Acceptable substitutes are prawns for lobster, dry sherry for Pernod, and regular canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Spaghetti with Lobster?

A

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled zucchini, or a classic Caprese make excellent side dishes. For a full Italian feast, serve with a crisp Vermentino or a chilled Prosecco.

cultural
Q

What makes Spaghetti with Lobster special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The combination of a shell‑based stock, flambéed with anise‑flavored Pernod, and a finishing cream creates a layered, aromatic sauce rarely found in home cooking. This technique elevates a simple pasta into a restaurant‑quality dish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spaghetti with Lobster?

A

Common pitfalls include over‑cooking the lobster meat, which makes it rubbery; letting the sauce boil after adding cream, causing curdling; and not reducing the shell stock enough, resulting in a watery sauce. Follow the timing cues and keep heat low when adding cream.

technical
Q

Why does this Spaghetti with Lobster recipe use Pernod for flambé instead of plain brandy?

A

Pernod adds a subtle anise flavor that complements shellfish, enhancing the sea‑sweetness of the lobster stock. Plain brandy would provide alcohol but lack the aromatic nuance that makes the sauce uniquely Italian‑Mediterranean.

technical
Q

Can I make Spaghetti with Lobster ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the lobster stock and sauce a day ahead; keep them separate from the pasta and lobster meat. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding the lobster and pasta just before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel everydaygourmettv specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel everydaygourmettv specializes in approachable gourmet recipes that blend classic techniques with everyday ingredients, focusing on seafood, pasta, and seasonal dishes for home cooks.

channel
Q

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

A

Everydaygourmettv emphasizes quick, high‑impact flavor tricks—like using shell stock and flambé—while keeping prep times realistic for home kitchens. Other channels may focus on traditional, slower‑cooked meals; everydaygourmettv aims for restaurant‑level results in under an hour.

channel

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