Name: Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American Seafood
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells; 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, look no further than these Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells. This recipe perfectly combines tender pasta shells stuffed with rich, creamy lobster filling, all smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. With every bite, the sweet lobster sweetness mingles beautifully with the garlic, herbs, and cheesy goodness, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home. Whether for a special occasion or an impressive weeknight dinner, Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells will quickly become one of your favorite dishes to share with loved ones.

Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this dish right is all about the balance of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Each element adds a crucial layer of taste and texture, from the tender pasta to the buttery sauce that ties everything together.

12 jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessel to hold the rich lobster filling for an elegant presentation and satisfying bite.
1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped: The star ingredient offering sweet, delicate seafood flavor that makes this dish truly special.
1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy softness to the filling, keeping it light yet luscious.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a nutty depth that complements both the lobster and the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with fragrant warmth and boldness.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the filling with a fresh herbal note and adds a pop of color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Helps balance and enhance all the flavors in the filling.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: The base of the heavenly garlic butter sauce that coats each shell.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that signature garlic aroma and flavor in the sauce.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides a silky texture and richness that marry perfectly with butter and cheese.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes and thins the sauce to just the right consistency.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to create a luscious, cheesy finish.
1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for a golden, crispy crunch after baking.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A final touch of freshness and color to make each serving pop.

How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready when your shells are stuffed and sauced. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente — firm but tender — which is essential for holding the filling without falling apart. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly before stuffing.

Step 2: Make the Lobster Filling

In a bowl, mix together the chopped lobster meat, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Season well with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors. The creamy ricotta balances the sweet lobster, while the garlic and herbs add layers of aromatic depth that make the filling irresistible.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Gently spoon the lobster mixture into each jumbo pasta shell. Don’t be shy — fill them generously for an impressive presentation and a satisfying bite every time. Place the stuffed shells neatly in a lightly greased baking dish, ready to be smothered in sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the 3 cloves of minced garlic, sautéing until wonderfully fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and gradually add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and silky smooth. This sauce is the true magic that ties the delicate lobster filling with the pasta.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the creamy garlic butter sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring each one is bathed in that luscious goodness. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a deliciously crunchy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The result is a dish that looks as good as it tastes, with a beautiful contrast of creamy and crisp textures.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When the baking is done, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, green finish that complements the rich flavors. Now your Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells are ready to wow anyone lucky enough to dig in.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells

Garnishes

A sprinkle of additional fresh parsley not only brightens the appearance but adds nice herbal notes that cut through the richness. You might also consider a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for a zesty contrast that livens up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is rich and filling, pairing it with a crisp salad—like arugula with a lemon vinaigrette—or roasted seasonal vegetables can create a balanced meal. Steamed asparagus or garlicky green beans also complement the garlic butter sauce perfectly, adding a fresh and healthy touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, serve these stuffed shells in individual shallow ramekins with sauce spooned over each shell, creating a visually striking plate. Alternatively, arrange them on a large platter garnished with herbs and edible flowers to impress guests. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a spicy twist for those who like a bit of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy the flavors again without sacrificing quality, as the sauce and filling maintain their creamy texture wonderfully.

Freezing

You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking by arranging them in a freezer-safe dish and covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but doing it in the oven helps retain the crispy breadcrumb topping and avoids sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before mixing into the filling. Using fresh cooked lobster is ideal, but good-quality frozen lobster works wonderfully too.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cream cheese or cottage cheese can be good alternatives, though they will alter the texture slightly. For a dairy-free option, try mashed tofu seasoned well to mimic the creamy consistency.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

While the essence of this dish centers on lobster, you can swap the lobster meat with roasted mushrooms or a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version that still feels indulgent and flavorful.

Can I prepare this recipe without baking it?

Baking helps meld the flavors and develop the crispy topping, but you could assemble the shells and warm them gently on the stove, covered, to soften the cheese and heat the filling if pressed for time. The texture will be different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together?

After cooking the shells, rinse them briefly with cold water and toss lightly with a little olive oil to keep them separate and easy to stuff.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells—every forkful is comfort, luxury, and pure joy rolled into one. This recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate good ingredients and great company. I encourage you to try making this dish at home; it’s easier than it looks and guarantees a memorable, mouthwatering experience that your family and friends will adore. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Delicious garlic butter lobster-filled jumbo pasta shells combine tender lobster meat with creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, all baked in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This decadent seafood pasta dish is perfect for special occasions or a gourmet dinner at home.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your stuffed pasta shells.
Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped lobster meat, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix gently until well incorporated.
Stuff Shells: Carefully spoon the lobster mixture into each cooked pasta shell, then arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish in a single layer.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Cream and Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Pour Sauce Over Shells: Evenly pour the garlic butter sauce over the stuffed pasta shells, making sure each shell is generously coated.
Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the shells to create a crispy golden crust when baked.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve hot for a rich, flavorful dish.

Notes

Using cooked lobster meat saves prep time and ensures the lobster stays tender during baking.
Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy after baking.
For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter in the sauce.
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.
Breadcrumbs can be toasted beforehand with a bit of butter and garlic for an extra crispy and flavorful topping.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Seafood