Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells

Okay, picture this: tender jumbo pasta shells, stuffed to the brim with rich, buttery lobster filling, baked in a dreamy garlic butter sauce… drooling yet? These Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells are the kind of luxurious comfort food that makes you feel like a five-star chef in your own kitchen with way less stress than you’d think. They’re creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of that sweet, delicate lobster flavor.

It’s the kind of dish you whip out to impress someone (or yourself), and it always delivers. Whether it’s date night, a fancy-ish family dinner, or you just feel like treating yourself, this one’s a major win. Trust me you’re going to fall in love one decadent bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it as a show-stopping main or alongside a crisp salad and wine for a gourmet experience at home.

Budget-Friendly: A little lobster goes a long way when paired with pasta and cheese this recipe stretches those fancy ingredients beautifully.

Quick and Easy: Despite the fancy vibe, it’s surprisingly simple to put together with just a few steps.

Customizable: You can swap in crab, shrimp, or even shredded chicken if needed—make it your own!

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells

This filling, flavorful meal is built with indulgent yet accessible ingredients that come together like magic:

Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect little vessels for holding all that creamy lobster goodness.

Cooked Lobster Meat: Sweet, tender, and luxurious this is what takes the dish to the next level. You can use fresh, frozen, or even pre-cooked.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it forms the base of the rich filling.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully into the filling and adds that stretchy, cheesy goodness.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick to balance the sweetness of the lobster.

Garlic: Infuses both the filling and the butter sauce with aromatic depth.

Butter: Because we’re not holding back. It creates the garlic butter base that ties everything together.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce.

Fresh Parsley: Brightens things up with a pop of color and freshness.

Lemon Zest: Just a little bit cuts through the richness and enhances the lobster flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to make everything pop.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, cooked lobster, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper until creamy and well-combined. You want a rich, scoopable filling.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease your baking dish and add a few spoonfuls of cream or garlic butter to coat the bottom this keeps the pasta shells from sticking and adds flavor.

Assemble the Dish: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the lobster filling and nestle them into the baking dish. Try not to overfill about a heaping tablespoon per shell is perfect.

Cook to Perfection: Pour your garlic butter and cream mixture evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle a bit of extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top if you like. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Finishing Touches: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to settle and the flavors to meld.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate up those beautiful shells, garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of lemon zest, and dive in. A little glass of white wine wouldn’t hurt either.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 490

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for contrast, or go full comfort with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread. A chilled glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) makes a perfect pairing. For a fancier feel, plate with a sprinkle of microgreens or a drizzle of lemon butter sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use fresh lobster if possible, but frozen or canned can work in a pinch.
• Don’t overcook the pasta shells they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Substitute with shrimp or crab for a twist (or mix them all!).
• Let the shells rest before serving so they don’t fall apart.
• Want a crispier top? Broil the dish for the last 2–3 minutes.
• Double the garlic if you’re a true garlic lover.
• You can make this ahead just assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use imitation lobster?
Yes, if that’s what you have. It won’t have the same richness, but it still tastes great.

2. What if I can’t find jumbo shells?
Try manicotti or even lasagna noodles rolled up around the filling.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until baking.

4. Can I use shrimp or crab instead of lobster?
Absolutely. Shrimp, crab, or a seafood mix all work beautifully.

5. Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze in a tightly covered dish and reheat in the oven when needed.

6. Can I use a different cheese in the filling?
Sure! Cream cheese or mascarpone would be delicious substitutions.

7. How do I reheat leftovers?
Cover and bake at 300°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

8. What’s the best side dish?
Light greens, roasted veggies, or crusty bread make perfect partners.

9. How do I avoid overcooking the lobster?
Use pre-cooked lobster and add it at the last second before stuffing the shells.

10. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
You can! Finely chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini work well.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells are everything you want in a comfort dish rich, buttery, packed with flavor, and just a little fancy. They’re the perfect blend of elegance and ease, ideal for impressing dinner guests or spoiling yourself on a Tuesday night. One bite, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Go ahead—treat yourself.

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