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.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Filling

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

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Topping and Garnish

1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Fresh parsley for garnish

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3 stuffed shells)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: lobster pasta, garlic butter sauce, stuffed pasta shells, seafood recipe, baked pasta, gourmet dinner