Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells

 

🦞 Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells: A Luxurious Twist on Comfort Food

Few things feel more indulgent than lobster — and few things feel more comforting than baked pasta. Put them together, and you’ve got something truly unforgettable: Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells. It’s creamy, savory, slightly garlicky, and absolutely packed with tender lobster meat nestled inside oversized pasta shells, all baked under a layer of rich cheese or a light cream sauce.

Whether you're cooking for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or just spoiling yourself on a weeknight (and why not?), this dish delivers major flavor with elegance and warmth in every bite.

---

🍝 Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Dish

• Decadent yet approachable – Looks fancy, but simple to make

• Garlicky butter + lobster = magic – The pairing is timeless and irresistible

• Make-ahead friendly – Prep it early, then bake when ready

• Customizable – Works well with shrimp, scallops, or even crab if lobster isn’t available

• Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for impressing guests or celebrating something special

---

🧄 Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Lobster Filling:

• 12–15 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and cooled

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups cooked lobster meat, chopped (tail or claw)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

---

For the Light Garlic Cream Sauce (optional but highly recommended):

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

---

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Cook Pasta Shells

• Boil jumbo shells in salted water until just al dente (they'll continue cooking in the oven). Drain and cool.

2. Prepare Garlic Butter Lobster Filling

• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

• Stir in lobster meat and cook for 1–2 minutes to warm through.

• Remove from heat and mix in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Make the Cream Sauce (Optional)

• In a small saucepan, melt butter and cook garlic until fragrant.

• Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.

• Slowly whisk in cream. Cook until slightly thickened.

• Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Spoon a little cream sauce (if using) into the bottom of a baking dish.

• Fill each shell with a generous spoonful of lobster filling and place into the dish, open side up.

• Pour remaining cream sauce on top (or drizzle with a bit of melted butter if skipping sauce).

• Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.

5. Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

6. Serve

• Garnish with more parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and cracked pepper. Serve hot.

---

🧠 Tips for Success

• Use pre-cooked lobster: Save time by buying pre-cooked lobster tails or claw meat.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly underdone is best so it doesn’t fall apart while baking.

• Let the filling cool slightly before stuffing: It’s easier to work with.

• Double the sauce if you like things extra creamy!

---

🧊 Make Ahead & Storage

• Make ahead: Assemble the shells and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours.

• Freeze: Freeze the unbaked dish (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.

• Leftovers: Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

---

🥂 Perfect Pairings

• Wine: A chilled Chardonnay or buttery Pinot Grigio

• Salad: Arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar

• Bread: Warm crusty baguette or garlic bread

• Veggies: Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans

---

💡 Variations to Try

Variation	How to Do It
Seafood mix	Add shrimp, scallops, or crab to the filling
Spicy Cajun version	Add Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce
No sauce	Skip the cream and serve with just garlic butter drizzle
Low-carb	Use roasted zucchini boats instead of pasta shells
Lemon-herb twist	Add zest and fresh thyme or tarragon for brightness

---

🎉 Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells are a showstopping dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the elegance of seafood and the comfort of baked pasta. Rich without being heavy, fancy without being fussy — it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something memorable.

So go ahead: pour a glass of wine, light a candle, and treat yourself (or your guests) to something truly special.