Cozy Lobster Pasta Bake Recipe: A Luxury Comfort Classic

Seafood lovers rejoice as this creamy lobster pasta bake emerges as the ultimate comfort dish for elegant dining.

Rich, succulent lobster meat nestles perfectly in a velvety sauce that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender pasta shells catch every drop of the luxurious cream-based mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Each forkful delivers a decadent experience that transcends ordinary weeknight meals.

Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs add depth and brightness to this indulgent recipe.

Weekend entertaining or a special date night calls for this showstopping pasta that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Dive into this restaurant-quality dish that guarantees to impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for That Rich Lobster Pasta Bake

• Elbow Macaroni: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, choose high-quality pasta with good texture and ridges to hold sauce effectively.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for cheese sauce, select unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create silky consistency, ensure fresh and lump-free.
• Whole Milk: Delivers luxurious creaminess, opt for full-fat version for maximum richness.

• Cheddar Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Bring deep, complex cheese flavor, select aged varieties for more intense taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and subtle kick, choose smooth, high-quality French-style mustard.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle aromatic undertone, select pure, fresh powder without additives.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

• Lobster Meat: Delivers elegant seafood richness, select fresh or high-quality frozen meat for best results.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates delightful crunchy layer, choose fine, dry breadcrumbs for even coating.

Tools for Prepping Lobster Pasta Bake Like a Pro

• Large Pot: For cooking macaroni perfectly and draining.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for creating creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour, milk, and preventing lumps.
• 2-Quart Baking Dish: Perfect for baking the lobster pasta casserole.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for folding pasta and mixing ingredients.

Baking Your Lobster Pasta Bake Without Stress

• Pasta Preparation

Boil elbow macaroni until tender, then drain and set aside for the delicious creation ahead.

• Creamy Sauce Base

Gently melt butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour until a light golden color emerges. Pour milk slowly, stirring continuously to create a silky smooth foundation.

• Cheese Fusion

Remove from heat and blend in cheeses, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy and uniform.

• Lobster Love

Fold tender lobster chunks and cooked pasta into the velvety sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously coated.

• Baking Magic

Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs across the top for a golden, crunchy finish.

• Oven Transformation

Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Ways to Elevate Lobster Pasta Bake Flavor

• Fresh Seafood Selection: Choose freshly caught lobster for the most succulent and sweet flavor. Opt for cooked lobster meat from the tail or claw to save preparation time and ensure tender texture.
• Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles. Swap out traditional cheeses for a personal twist on this classic comfort dish.
• Crispy Topping Tricks: Mix panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan for extra crunch and depth. Try adding chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the breadcrumb topping for a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Veggie Boost Option: Incorporate diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and color. Sauté vegetables lightly before mixing into the pasta to enhance their flavor and maintain a perfect texture.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking for even heating and optimal results.

Serving Up the Lobster Pasta Bake Nicely

• Seafood Feast Night: Gather friends and family for a delightful dinner centered around this luxurious lobster pasta bake, making it a special occasion meal.
• Elegant Side Pairings: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to complement the rich, creamy lobster dish.
• Wine Companion Suggestion: Pour a chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the decadent cheese and seafood flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Garnish and Presentation: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes to the golden, bubbly pasta bake.

How to Store Lobster Pasta Bake for Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover lobster pasta bake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Revive chilled pasta by sprinkling 1-2 tablespoons of milk before microwaving. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute warmth evenly and prevent drying out.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap the unbaked pasta dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the pasta bake into individual serving containers before refrigerating. This method simplifies mealtime, reduces waste, and allows easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during busy weeks.

Rustic Lobster Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic seafood pasta combines succulent Maine lobster with creamy sauce in this irresistible bake. Cheesy, herbed pasta layers deliver rich coastal flavors that comfort and delight diners you’ll want to share this with.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup lobster meat (cooked, chopped)
• 8 oz (226 g) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (mixed with melted butter)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside for later incorporation.
2. Roux Foundation: In a saucepan, craft a smooth roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until achieving a golden complexion, creating a rich base for the sauce.
3. Sauce Development: Gradually introduce whole milk to the roux, stirring constantly to maintain silkiness, simmering until the mixture thickens into a luxurious consistency.
4. Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and integrate sharp cheddar, gruyère, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, blending until a uniform, velvety sauce emerges.
5. Ingredient Fusion: Tenderly combine cooked macaroni and succulent lobster meat with the cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
6. Baking Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish for the pasta mixture.
7. Topping Application: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then generously distribute across the pasta surface to create a crisp, golden crown.
8. Final Baking: Bake for 20 minutes until thoroughly heated, then broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfectly bronzed, crunchy exterior.
9. Serving Refinement: Allow the pasta bake to rest briefly, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to harmonize before presenting this decadent dish.

Notes

• Pasta Precision: Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain ideal pasta bite.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter carefully to avoid burning, creating a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure silky consistency.
• Topping Tip: Broil briefly to create a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust without burning the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg