Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells
A luxurious yet approachable dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. This recipe combines sweet, tender lobster with a creamy, garlicky filling, all nestled in giant pasta shells and baked under a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
For the Lobster Filling:
· 12-14 jumbo pasta shells
· 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped (fresh or frozen/thawed; see note)
· 2 tbsp unsalted butter
· 4 garlic cloves, minced
· ⅓ cup shallot, finely diced
· 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
· 4 oz cream cheese, softened
· ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
· ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped + more for garnish
· 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
· 1 tsp lemon zest
· 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
· ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
· Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
· 4 garlic cloves, minced
· ¼ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or seafood stock
· 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Topping:
· 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
· ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
· Paprika for dusting
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells:
· Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
· Add jumbo shells and cook for 2-3 minutes less than package instructions (they should be al dente and pliable but not fully cooked). They’ll finish cooking in the oven.
· Drain carefully to avoid breaking shells and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. Drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
· In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
· Stir in white wine (or stock) and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
· Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and set aside.
- Prepare the Lobster Filling:
· In a medium skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
· Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more.
· Add the chopped lobster meat and toss to warm through (about 2 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
· In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
· Gently fold in the warm lobster mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble:
· Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
· Pour about ⅓ of the garlic butter sauce into the bottom of the dish and spread evenly.
· Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each pasta shell with the lobster mixture. Place them snugly in the baking dish, seam-side up.
· Pour the remaining garlic butter sauce evenly over the shells.
- Top and Bake:
· Sprinkle the shells with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano. Lightly dust with paprika.
· Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
· Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is golden and sauce is bubbling.
· Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra color (watch carefully).
- Serve:
· Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
· Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Pro-Tips & Notes
· Lobster Options: You can use fresh lobster meat (from 2-3 steamed 1.5 lb lobsters), thawed frozen lobster meat, or even high-quality lobster tails. Chopped, large shrimp or lump crab make excellent substitutes.
· Pasta Prep: To prevent shells from tearing, stir gently while boiling and handle with care when draining.
· Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish (up to the baking step) 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold.
· Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems thin after baking, transfer the baked shells to a platter, pour the sauce into a saucepan, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly before drizzling over top.
This is an elegant, restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress. The rich garlic butter sauce, sweet lobster, and creamy cheese create a symphony of flavors in every bite. Enjoy!