Fresh Lobster Pasta

Fresh Lobster Pasta is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Gennaro Contaldo on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $35.35 total, $8.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Lobster (about 1.5 lb meat, cleaned and shells saved for stock)
  • 4 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, divided)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 medium Carrot (diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 small Red Chili (thinly sliced, optional heat)
  • 1 tablespoon Anchovy Paste (or 4 mashed anchovy fillets)
  • 1 tablespoon Capers (rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (dry, such as Pinot Grigio)
  • 400 grams Canned Crushed Tomatoes (no added water, quality brand)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 1 whole Lemon (zest and juice)
  • 400 grams Spaghetti (durum wheat, uncooked)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lobster

    Ask your fishmonger to clean the lobster, removing the shell, veins and any green tomalley. Keep the meat in bite‑size pieces and set the shells aside for a quick stock if desired.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Make the Tomato‑Wine Base

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, minced garlic and sliced chili. Sauté 3‑4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Anchovies and Capers

    Stir in 1 Tbsp anchovy paste (or mashed anchovies) and 1 Tbsp capers. Cook 1‑2 minutes until the anchovy melts and releases its umami.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Deglaze with Wine

    Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

  5. Simmer the Tomato Sauce

    Add the 400 g crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

    Time: PT20M

  6. Cook the Spaghetti

    While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 400 g spaghetti and cook al dente according to package directions (usually 9‑11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 100°C

  7. Sauté Lobster with Aromatics

    In the same skillet (or a clean one), add the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil, a pinch of sliced chili and a little minced garlic. Swirl and cook for 30 seconds, then add the lobster meat. Add a splash of white wine and heat through for 2‑3 minutes; the lobster should be just cooked, not rubbery.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Combine Pasta, Sauce and Lobster

    Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the lobster. Pour the tomato‑wine sauce over, toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Finish with chopped parsley, lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Plate and Serve

    Divide the pasta among warm plates, drizzle with a final drizzle of olive oil, and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
560
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains dairy: no, Vegetarian: no, Vegan: no

Allergens: Shellfish, Fish (anchovies), Gluten

Last updated: April 13, 2026

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Fresh Lobster Pasta

Recipe by Gennaro Contaldo

A luxurious yet simple Italian seafood pasta featuring sweet lobster meat tossed with a bright tomato‑wine sauce, garlic, chili, anchovies, capers and fresh parsley. Perfect for a special dinner or a celebration.

MediumItalianServes 4

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

Source Video
19m
Prep
42m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$35.35
Total cost
$8.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cleaning and portioning the lobster without over‑cooking it.
  • Reducing the white wine properly to avoid a raw alcohol taste.
  • Simmering the tomato sauce long enough to develop flavor and thicken.
  • Adding the lobster at the end to keep it tender.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a lid nearby.
  • Handle live or freshly boiled lobster with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to prevent slips.

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

Lobster has long been a luxury ingredient in coastal Italian regions such as Liguria and Campania, where it is paired with simple pasta to let the sea flavor shine. The dish reflects the Italian philosophy of using the freshest seafood with minimal, high‑quality ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Spaghetti with Lobster in Italian cuisine?

A

In the Amalfi Coast, the lobster is often served with linguine, cherry tomatoes, and a touch of orange zest. In Sardinia, a similar pasta uses a saffron‑infused broth. The Gennaro Contaldo version stays true to a classic tomato‑wine base with chili for a gentle heat.

cultural
Q

How is Spaghetti with Lobster traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically plated hot, tossed with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, and a thin slice of lemon on the side. It is served as a primo (first course) in a multi‑course meal, often followed by a light salad and a glass of crisp white wine.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Spaghetti with Lobster traditionally enjoyed in Italian culture?

A

Because lobster is a premium ingredient, the dish appears at special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday feasts, especially in coastal towns where fresh seafood is abundant.

cultural
Q

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

A

Italian cuisine celebrates the harmony of simple, seasonal ingredients. Spaghetti with Lobster embodies this by marrying the humble pasta with the opulent flavor of lobster, enhanced by a modest tomato‑wine sauce that lets the sea taste dominate.

cultural
Q

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

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh lobster meat, extra‑virgin olive oil, San Marzano tomatoes, dry white wine, anchovies, capers, garlic, chili, parsley and lemon. Acceptable substitutes are large shrimp or crab for lobster, canned diced tomatoes for fresh, and fish sauce for anchovies.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Spaghetti with Lobster?

A

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled zucchini, or a simple bruschetta with fresh tomatoes complement the richness of the lobster pasta. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino balances the flavors beautifully.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the lobster, which makes it rubbery, not reducing the wine enough, leaving a raw alcohol taste, and letting the tomato sauce boil too vigorously, which can make it watery. Follow the timing cues and keep the heat moderate.

technical
Q

Why does this Spaghetti with Lobster recipe use anchovy paste and capers instead of a heavier seafood stock?

A

Anchovy paste and capers provide a concentrated umami boost without adding extra liquid, keeping the sauce light and allowing the lobster’s natural sweetness to stand out. A heavy stock would mask the delicate flavor.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Gennaro Contaldo specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Gennaro Contaldo focuses on authentic Italian home cooking, sharing simple yet flavorful recipes, traditional techniques, and stories from Italian culinary culture, all presented with Gennaro’s warm, personable style.

channel

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