Buttery Lobster Pesto Pasta with Mafaldine
A luxurious pasta dish featuring tender lobster, creamy pesto, and ruffled mafaldine, all tossed in a buttery garlic sauce.
- Prep15 min
- Cook30 min
- Total45 min
- DifficultyMedium
- Servings2
This recipe brings together the sweetness of lobster with the freshness of homemade basil pesto. The mafaldine pasta, with its wavy edges, catches every bit of the creamy sauce, making each forkful a delight.
The lobster is quickly sautéed in butter with garlic and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, which adds a subtle warmth. The pesto, made with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan, provides a nutty contrast. A splash of pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta, and extra cheese on top finishes it beautifully.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Process until you reach your desired consistency, about 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Set the pesto aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the mafaldine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/3 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped lobster tails and Old Bay seasoning, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes, until the lobster is no longer opaque. If using the lobster claws, add them after about 2 minutes of cooking. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the drained pasta to the pan with the lobster. Add the pesto and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve immediately.
💡 Tips
- For a smoother pesto, add a few ice cubes while blending to keep it bright green.
- If you can't find mafaldine, use pappardelle or tagliatelle.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as lobster can be salty.
Inspired by a recipe from Tasty