Lobster Pesto Pasta
This rich and indulgent dish combines buttery lobster with a vibrant homemade basil pesto. The mafaldine pasta and its ruffled edges meet a creamy, garlicky sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The lobster is sautéed in butter, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning, adding a subtle warmth and depth. A pesto made with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and Parmesan brings a fresh and nutty contrast. Finished with a touch of reserved pasta water for silkiness and extra Parmesan for garnish, this dish is a perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Check out Brandon on Instagram @brandongouveia for more recipe inspo!
Tasty Team
Total Time
45 minutes
45 min
Prep Time
15 minutes
15 min
Cook Time
30 minutes
30 min

Total Time
45 minutes
45 min
Prep Time
15 minutes
15 min
Cook Time
30 minutes
30 min
Ingredients
for 2 servings
Pesto
- 4 cups packed whole fresh basil leaves
- ¾ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 whole lemon
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 8 oz mafaldine pasta
Lobster
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 lobster tails, meat removed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cooked lobster claws (optional)s
Preparation
- Make the pesto: In a food processor, process the basil, pine nuts, cheese, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until the pesto reaches your desired consistency, about 3 minutes, stopping as needed to scrape down sides. Set aside.
- Make the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ⅓ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Set aside.
- Make the lobster: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the butter, and let it melt. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped lobster tails and Old Bay seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes, until the lobster is no longer opaque. (If using lobster claws, add them to the mixture after about 2 minutes of cooking.) Remove from heat.
- Add the drained pasta to the lobster mixture in the pan. Add the pesto and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish with more cheese, and serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
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