Creamy Cajun Lobster Pasta
Creamy Cajun Lobster Pasta is an indulgent, flavorful dish that will make any meal feel special. With succulent lobster tails, a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a true seafood lover’s dream. The creamy sauce is made with garlic, shallots, a hint of tomato paste, and a blend of seasonings that give it a deliciously spicy kick.
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This pasta can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for both a quick weeknight meal or a romantic dinner. And with the option to add a dash of crab boil for extra heat, it’s easy to customize the spice level to your liking. Let’s get cooking!
Key Takeaways
- Lobster Tails: Use 1 tail per person for a generous portion.
- Creamy Cajun Sauce: A mix of heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and tomato paste gives the sauce its richness and spice.
- Pasta Choice: Fusilli Col Buco or any long pasta works well to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Optional Heat: Add crab boil to the lobster and pasta for an extra kick of heat.
Ingredients
- Lobster tails
- Long pasta (Fusilli Col Buco or your choice)
- Butter
- Shallot, diced
- Green onions, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato paste
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt & Pepper
- Garlic & Herb seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan, freshly grated
- Optional: Crab boil
Directions
1
Boil Lobster: In a large pot, boil the lobster tails for 4-6 minutes (you can use frozen tails if needed). Remove the tails and let them cool before de-shelling and cutting into bite-sized pieces. Add the pasta to the same pot of water and boil until al dente.
2
Cook Aromatics: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced shallot, green onion, and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, garlic & herb, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors together. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and some freshly grated Parmesan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4
Combine and Cook: Add the lobster pieces and pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cover and let cook for 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors marry.
5
Optional Heat: For extra spice, boil the lobster and pasta in crab boil seasoning.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of seafood instead of lobster?
Absolutely! Shrimp, crab, or even scallops would be excellent substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since some seafood, like shrimp, cooks faster than lobster.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, you can easily control the spice level. Use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. You can also omit the crab boil if you want to keep the heat to a minimum.
What is the best type of pasta for this dish?
Long pasta like Fusilli Col Buco, spaghetti, or fettuccine works well because it holds the creamy sauce nicely. However, you can also use shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh due to the cream-based sauce. If you need to make it ahead, cook the pasta and lobster separately and prepare the sauce when you’re ready to serve. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid separating the sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese or a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
Creamy Cajun Lobster Pasta
Ingredients
- 2-4 Lobster Tails I like to do at least 1 per person
- Fusilli Col Buco or any Long Pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot diced
- ½ bunch green onions diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Cajun seasoning
- garlic powder
- S&P
- Garlic & Herb
- Italian Seasoning
- red pepper flakes
- 1 pint heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Parmesan freshly grated
- Optional: ¼ cap Crab Boil
Instructions
- Boil lobster tails for 4-6 minutes (can boil frozen if needed), take out lobster tails to cool before de-shelling and cutting. Add pasta to same water and boil till al dente.
- In saucepan, add butter, onion, green onion, and garlic. Let cook 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add in tomato paste and spices. Let cook a few minutes to marry together. Then add in heavy cream, chicken broth, and some fresh grated Parmesan. Let come to a simmer.
- Add in lobster pieces and pasta. Cover and let cook 6-8 minutes.
Notes
Creamy Cajun Lobster Pasta is a luxurious, comforting dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender lobster, spicy Cajun flavors, and a velvety cream sauce is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something a bit more decadent. Plus, it’s versatile—you can dial up the spice with a bit of crab boil or keep it mild. Serve this with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and perhaps a slice of garlic bread, and you’re in for a feast that’s restaurant-worthy right at home!
