If you are craving a seafood dish that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor and rich, creamy texture, then you absolutely cannot miss this Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Combining succulent shrimp and tender lobster with a luscious sauce infused with zesty lemon and peppery notes, this pasta is the ultimate indulgence that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of fresh seafood sweetness, tangy brightness, and just the right hint of spice, making it an instant favorite to share with friends or treat yourself to any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors that shine through every forkful. From the creamy Parmesan and fresh lemon zest to the perfectly cooked lobster and shrimp, these essentials come together effortlessly to make magic happen in your kitchen.
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the luscious sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the seafood to tender perfection.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Provides creamy depth and helps build the base flavor.
- 6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein with natural sweetness and tender texture.
- 4 ounces cooked lobster meat: Adds indulgence and a luxurious seafood flair.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory aroma and flavor that complements seafood beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning: Brings the perfect citrusy zest and peppery kick.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle touch of heat.
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Brightens the entire dish with fresh citrus punch.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a silky, rich sauce that envelops every ingredient.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and slight nuttiness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings a pop of color and herbal freshness to finish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your linguine or fettuccine according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente — tender but with a little bite. Once done, drain well but make sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is a little secret that helps marry the sauce and pasta together later with silky smoothness.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a vibrant pink and are just opaque inside. This quick sear locks in their natural sweetness and keeps them tender and juicy — a perfect protein base for this pasta.
Step 3: Add Lobster and Garlic
Next, stir in the cooked lobster meat along with the minced garlic, allowing them to sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes. The garlic releases its fragrant aroma and infuses the seafood with subtle savory notes while the lobster warms through without toughening up.
Step 4: Season and Build the Sauce
Sprinkle in the lemon pepper seasoning along with crushed red pepper flakes if you want that gentle kick of heat. Stir thoroughly to coat the seafood evenly in the flavors. Then add the fresh lemon juice and zest, and pour in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, which lets the cream thicken slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Combine
Once the sauce has thickened just enough, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a rich and velvety finish. Toss in the cooked pasta and gently combine, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if you’d like to loosen the sauce so it clings perfectly to every strand. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add not only a burst of green color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens each bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a few thin lemon slices can elevate the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This seafood pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with a touch of garlic and olive oil. These light accompaniments provide balance while keeping the spotlight on the luscious Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this pasta in warm shallow bowls to keep it cozy and inviting. For a bit of drama, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. You can even plate the seafood atop a nest of pasta to showcase the luxurious lobster and shrimp pieces front and center, making your creation feel like a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this delightful Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seafood tastes best fresh, so try to enjoy it sooner rather than later for maximum flavor and texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not recommended due to the creamy sauce and delicate seafood, which may separate or become rubbery after thawing. For best results, savor this pasta fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the shrimp tough and the sauce grainy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Yes, frozen lobster and shrimp work perfectly as long as you thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and maintains the nicest texture and flavor in the dish.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
Absolutely! You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk to make the sauce lighter, though it may be slightly less rich and creamy. Adjust cooking time slightly to avoid curdling and keep it smooth.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your taste, giving your Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe an exciting kick without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.
What pasta works best with this recipe?
Linguine or fettuccine are ideal choices because their flat surfaces hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to experiment with spaghetti or even penne if you prefer—it’s all about what you enjoy.
How can I add vegetables to this dish?
Adding baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even sautéed asparagus pieces can bring extra color, nutrients, and freshness to your pasta. Just toss them in during the final minutes of cooking so they stay vibrant and tender-crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels luxurious yet comes together with relative ease, perfect for impressing guests or making any evening feel special. I encourage you to try it out and savor the bright, creamy, and indulgent flavors that make it such a standout. Trust me, it will quickly become a go-to recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
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Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
Description
Lemon Pepper Lobster Shrimp Pasta is a decadent yet quick-to-make seafood pasta featuring tender shrimp and succulent lobster meat in a creamy lemon-infused sauce. This dish beautifully balances the zesty brightness of lemon pepper seasoning with the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan, creating a flavorful dinner perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
Seafood
- 6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 ounces cooked lobster meat (claw or tail)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving half a cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add Lobster and Garlic: To the skillet, add the cooked lobster meat and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Season the Seafood: Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the shrimp and lobster mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen lobster and shrimp—be sure to thaw seafood completely before cooking.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream.
- Add baby spinach or sautéed cherry tomatoes for extra color, flavor, and nutrients.
