Indulgent Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe

Heavenly Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Seafood lovers rejoice over this decadent creamy lobster & shrimp pasta bake that promises pure culinary magic.

Luxurious ocean flavors meld perfectly with rich, velvety sauce in every single bite.

Succulent lobster and plump shrimp dance together, creating an irresistible symphony of tastes and textures.

The dish brings restaurant-quality elegance directly to your dining table with minimal effort.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of tender seafood and perfectly cooked pasta.

Fresh herbs and a golden, crispy top make this recipe a showstopper that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Dive into this extraordinary seafood sensation and treat yourself to a memorable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 872 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake Ingredient Notes

For Seafood and Pasta Base:
  • Shrimp: Sweet ocean gems that add delightful texture and marine flavor to the dish.
  • Crab: Delicate, tender protein that brings luxurious coastal richness to the pasta.
  • Pasta: Hearty foundation that captures and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
For Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Butter: Silky base that creates luxurious depth and smooth consistency.
  • Flour: Magical thickening agent that helps bind the sauce beautifully.
  • Milk: Creamy liquid that creates a luscious, velvety sauce texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Tangy, rich ingredient that adds incredible smoothness and depth.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides robust flavor and golden color.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, aged cheese that brings sophisticated, savory undertones.
For Finishing and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Creole Seasoning: Zesty spice blend that infuses bold, Southern-inspired warmth.
  • Onions: Aromatic base that adds sweet, savory foundation to the dish.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that elevates and deepens overall flavor profile.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping that creates irresistible golden, crunchy texture.

Tools That Make This Seafood Bake Easy

  • Large pot: For boiling and draining pasta perfectly.
  • Large skillet: Essential for sautéing seafood and creating creamy cheese sauce.
  • 9×13 baking dish: Sprayed with non-stick cooking spray for easy baking and serving.
  • Whisk: Crucial for creating smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Needed for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring pasta and mixing ingredients.
  • Cheese grater: If using block cheese that needs grating.
  • Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes.

Instructions for Creamy Lobster and Shrimp Pasta

  • Ocean's Treasure Preparation

Select fresh lobster and shrimp from your local seafood market. Choose ingredients that look vibrant and smell clean.

  • Pasta Foundation

Cook pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside in the cooking pot, ready for the seafood mixture.

  • Seafood Sauté

Heat butter in a skillet and gently cook onions and garlic. Add shrimp and crab, seasoning with Creole spices until shrimp turns a beautiful pink color. Combine this fragrant mixture with the cooked pasta.

  • Creamy Sauce Creation

In the same skillet, craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour. Slowly add milk, creating a smooth base. Incorporate cheeses until they melt into a silky mixture.

  • Layering Magic

Transfer the pasta and seafood blend into a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, ensuring every morsel is coated. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.

  • Oven Transformation

Bake in a preheated oven until the top turns golden brown and edges bubble with excitement. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors meld together perfectly.

Add-Ons That Boost Richness and Flavor

  • Seafood Swap Sensations: Replace lobster with crab, scallops, or a mix of your favorite seafood for a personalized twist that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust Creole seasoning to match your heat preference – use mild for delicate palates or increase for a zesty kick that wakes up taste buds.
  • Breadcrumb Bonus: Toast panko crumbs in a dry skillet before topping for extra crunch and a nutty, golden-brown texture that elevates the entire dish's mouthfeel.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Vegetable Boost: Fold in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus to add nutrition, color, and a fresh layer of flavor that complements the rich seafood and cheese sauce.

Serving This Pasta Dish to Impress

  • Seafood Dinner Delights: Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake
  • Fresh Garden Salad: Toss together crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta. The fresh, tangy salad cuts through the dish's decadent flavors.
  • Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cheese sauce. The crispy texture perfectly complements the creamy pasta's smoothness.
  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Pour a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the seafood's delicate flavors. The wine's acidity will beautifully contrast the dish's creamy richness.
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a nutritious and vibrant side dish. The vegetables add a light, fresh element to the indulgent pasta bake.

Pasta Bake Storage That Maintains Texture

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate portions into individual servings for easier reheating and to maintain maximum freshness.
  • Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap the pasta bake tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Keep frozen for up to 3 weeks, ensuring best quality and taste when sealed properly.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.
  • Advance Preparation Hack: Assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and proceed with original recipe instructions.
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Indulgent Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe

Indulgent Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired creamy lobster & shrimp pasta bake delivers luxurious seafood comfort in one elegant dish. Succulent shellfish nestled in rich sauce promises delightful flavors that transport diners directly to coastal Italian kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, large, peeled, tail off, deveined, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup (120 g) crab meat, lump
  • 1 lb (454 g) cavatappi pasta
  • 4 cups (960 ml) milk
  • 2 ½ cups (280 g) cheddar cheese, sharp, grated
  • 2 ½ cups (280 g) Gruyere cheese, grated
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 stick (113 g) butter
  • 34 green onions, sliced
  • ½ tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsps Creole seasonings, all-purpose
  • ¼ cup (30 g) flour, all-purpose
  • ½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Set oven to 400°F and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick coating for seamless release.
  2. Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and reserve in the original pot for convenient mixing.
  3. Seafood Sauté: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until aromatic, then introduce shrimp and crab, dusting with Creole seasoning and cooking until shrimp transforms to a vibrant pink.
  4. Cheese Sauce Creation: Using the same skillet, craft a smooth roux by whisking flour into melted butter, then gradually stream in milk while stirring constantly, integrating remaining Creole seasoning and melting cheese varieties until silky.
  5. Harmonious Blend: Fold cream cheese into the velvety sauce, adjusting seasonings, then combine with seafood and pasta, ensuring comprehensive coating and even distribution.
  6. Layered Assembly: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, alternating layers with cheese sprinklings, then crown with panko breadcrumbs and a butter drizzle for textural contrast.
  7. Bake & Rest: Bake for 20-25 minutes until surface achieves a golden-brown hue with bubbling edges, then allow 5-10 minutes of resting to harmonize flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and lobster for the best flavor and texture.
  • Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, maintaining a perfect bite.
  • Seasoning Secret: Adjust Creole seasoning to taste, balancing heat and flavor without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
  • Cheese Consistency: Grate cheese fresh for smoother melting and richer, more authentic creamy sauce texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 872
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1047 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 30 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 177 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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