Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the lobster tails dry with paper towels.
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut down the center of the lobster shell lengthwise.
- Gently pry open the shell and loosen the lobster meat, but leave it attached at the tail end.
- Drizzle the lobster meat with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the lobster tails meat-side down in the hot skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through.
- The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook.
- Remove the lobster tails from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Once cool enough to handle, remove the lobster meat from the shells and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet (or a clean one), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let the wine reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir in lemon juice at the end.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Gently fold in the cooked lobster meat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Don't overcook the lobster; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. The white wine adds depth; substitute chicken broth if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings. The garlic butter sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Cooked lobster can be stored in the refrigerator for a day. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed. For variations, try shrimp or chicken instead of lobster, or add vegetables like asparagus or spinach. Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
