Imagine the buttery decadence of a lobster roll meeting the cozy twirl of pasta: that’s exactly what you get with Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta. This dish is luxurious yet unfussy, bringing together golden, nutty brown butter, sweet lobster meat, and tangy lemon all tossed with silky noodles. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you need a little weeknight indulgence, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an absolutely unforgettable meal.

Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where each element adds something special—be it richness, brightness, spice, or texture. Every bite is a harmony of tastes and colors, all crafted from accessible pantry staples and a touch of fresh seafood.

Pasta (8 oz linguine or spaghetti): Choose a long noodle that will soak up every drop of that sumptuous sauce—linguine or spaghetti both fit the bill perfectly.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Unsalted allows you full control over seasoning, and it’s the key player in getting that signature nutty brown butter flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a mellow, savory base that pairs beautifully with the richness of lobster.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just enough to lend a gentle heat without overpowering the delicate seafood.
Dry white wine or seafood stock (1/4 cup): Wine gives a subtle acidity that balances the butter, while stock infuses deeper seafood notes—choose your adventure!
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Makes the sauce irresistibly silky and rich, just like a classic lobster roll filling.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and a touch of acidity to cut through the richness.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the citrus aroma, making each bite sing with fresh flavor.
Cooked lobster meat (8 oz, chopped): Both claw and tail meat work—use fresh or frozen to keep things simple and succulent.
Chopped fresh chives (1 tablespoon): A pop of color and a mild oniony bite to finish everything off.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every component of the dish to perfection.
Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers (optional): Sprinkle on top for that signature “lobster roll” crunch.

How to Make Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Right before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water—this magic liquid will help create a silky sauce later. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you move on to the transformative sauce.

Step 2: Brown That Butter

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Watch closely as it melts and starts to foam—within 3 to 4 minutes, golden brown flecks will appear and a nutty aroma will bloom in your kitchen. Brown butter is the soul of this recipe, giving Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta its deep, toasty character. Don’t rush; let the butter get beautifully golden but never burnt!

Step 3: Build Flavors

As soon as your butter is browned, stir in the minced garlic and, if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Let these sizzle for just 30 seconds so the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown. Gently pour in the wine (or seafood stock), being careful—it may sputter a bit! Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, reducing and concentrating all those flavors.

Step 4: Creamy Lemon Sauce

Turn down the heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The cream melds with the brown butter, creating a silky, luscious sauce, while the lemon adds just the right amount of brightness—classic lobster roll flavors, now in pasta form! Give it all a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Marry the Lobster and Pasta

Add the chopped lobster meat to the skillet and gently cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it’s warmed through—be careful not to overcook! Next, toss in the drained pasta, using your reserved pasta water a splash at a time to help the sauce coat every strand. Stir gently so you don’t break up those glorious chunks of lobster.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Off the heat, toss in the fresh chives and, if you love a little crunch, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers. Your Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta is now ready to dazzle! Serve immediately while everything is hot, buttery, and just begging to be twirled onto your fork.

How to Serve Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing takes this pasta from delicious to drop-dead gorgeous. Shower it with chopped chives for a burst of green, a final dusting of lemon zest for citrusy sparkle, and don’t skip the golden breadcrumbs or buttery cracker crumbs—they bring an addictive crunch, reminiscent of the best part of a lobster roll.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is rich and luxurious, serve it with something fresh on the side to balance things out. A simple arugula salad with a squeeze of lemon or a stack of roasted asparagus is lovely. Crusty bread is always welcome to mop up any leftover sauce—you won’t want to leave a drop behind!

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow guests, serve Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta in shallow bowls topped with extra lobster meat for dramatic flair. For date night, try twirling individual nests of pasta on small plates and dotting with chive oil or microgreens. Hosting a crowd? Serve family-style on a big platter and let everyone dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making for an irresistible next-day lunch.

Freezing

While lobster itself freezes well, the cream sauce in Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta can separate after thawing, so freezing isn’t recommended for this dish. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store in the fridge for short periods.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore the sauce’s silkiness. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the lobster pieces or overcooking them. You can also microwave in short bursts, but stovetop reheating yields the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster for Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta?

Absolutely! Frozen lobster meat works beautifully—just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the pan so your sauce stays rich and creamy.

What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?

Long noodles like linguine, spaghetti, or even fettuccine are perfect since they catch and hold onto the luscious sauce. Short pastas like penne are fine, but you’ll love the silky twirl of something longer.

Is there an alternative to white wine in the sauce?

Definitely—use seafood stock, chicken broth, or even vegetable broth for a family-friendly, non-alcoholic option. Each gives a subtly different flavor, but all work well.

How can I make this dish even more luxurious?

Add extra lobster, and finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of caviar on top if you’re feeling especially fancy. You can also toss in a bit of freshly grated parmesan, though the traditional recipe is so rich you might not need it!

Can I prepare Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta ahead of time?

The sauce and lobster are best cooked just before serving, but you can prep the lobster meat and measure out your ingredients ahead. The pasta can also be cooked and lightly oiled in advance; just refresh it in boiling water for 30 seconds before using.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta, now’s your moment to bring a little coastal indulgence to your table. It’s easy enough for a cozy night in, but spectacular enough to wow your friends or family. Give it a try soon—you deserve this kind of delicious!

Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and elegant pasta dish with a twist – Brown Butter Lobster Roll Pasta. This creamy seafood pasta is elevated with the rich flavors of brown butter, tender chunks of lobster meat, and a hint of zesty lemon. Topped with fresh chives and crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s a delightful main course that’s perfect for a special dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti)

Brown Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine (or seafood stock)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Additional Ingredients:

8 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Salt and pepper to taste
Toast breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Make the Brown Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until golden brown and fragrant. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in wine, cook for 1-2 minutes, then add cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Add Lobster: Stir in lobster meat and cook until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Toss in cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chives and optional toasted breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers. Serve hot.