Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta

Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta is a decadent fusion of buttery lobster rolls and creamy pasta. Featuring sweet lobster meat tossed in a nutty brown butter sauce with garlic, herbs, and lemon, this dish delivers coastal comfort and restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich brown butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of lobster
• Inspired by the classic lobster roll with a pasta twist
• Quick and easy, yet luxurious enough for special occasions
• Balanced with lemon, herbs, and Parmesan for depth and brightness

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz linguine or other pasta
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped oregano or parsley
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped parsley and chives
• Old Bay seasoning (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5 minutes).
3. Add onion, celery, and garlic to the butter. Cook until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon juice, thyme, oregano, chili flakes, and pepper. Simmer briefly.
5. Pour in reserved pasta water and stir. Add the pasta and Parmesan. Toss until creamy and well combined.
6. Gently fold in lobster meat and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley and chives.
8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness
• Use white wine to deglaze the pan after browning butter
• Swap linguine for fusilli or orecchiette for more sauce hold
• Top with garlic butter breadcrumbs for extra texture

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth
• Not suitable for freezing as lobster and pasta texture may suffer

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before using.

What type of pasta works best?

Linguine, fettuccine, or short shapes like fusilli hold the sauce well.

How do I brown butter?

Melt and cook until golden and fragrant, watching closely to prevent burning.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check your Parmesan.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from chili flakes—adjust to taste.

What herbs can I use?

Thyme, parsley, and chives work beautifully. Tarragon or dill are great additions.

Can I substitute the Parmesan?

Yes, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

How do I avoid overcooking the lobster?

Add it last and heat just until warmed through.

Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

Optional, but it adds classic lobster roll flavor.

Can I prepare parts ahead?

Yes, make the brown butter base and chop lobster ahead. Assemble fresh for best texture.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta is a luscious and satisfying dish that brings together rich butter, sweet lobster, and fragrant herbs in a creamy pasta. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special celebration, it’s an impressive meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Print