Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells is a luxurious baked pasta dish made with large pasta shells that are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy lobster filling, then covered in a rich garlic butter sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.

Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells – A Luxurious Comfort Dish

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent, this Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells recipe is a must-try. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a decadent lobster filling, smothered in garlic butter sauce, baked with cheese, and served golden and bubbling.

This dish is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. It combines the elegance of lobster with the heartwarming comfort of baked pasta shells.

In this post, we’ll cover:

Why you’ll love this recipe
Key ingredients & substitutions
Step-by-step directions
Tips for success
Variations & add-ins
Serving suggestions
Storage & reheating
Nutrition information
FAQs

Why You’ll Love This Lobster Pasta Shells Recipe

Luxurious yet approachable – Lobster feels gourmet, but the recipe is simple.
Garlic butter bliss – Rich, savory, and perfectly paired with seafood.
Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in advance and bake before serving.
Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or date nights.
Customizable – Add extra seafood, herbs, or cheeses to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells

Here’s what you’ll need (serves 4–6):

For the Lobster Filling:

20 jumbo pasta shells (cook a few extra in case some tear)
1 lb (450g) cooked lobster meat, chopped (fresh or frozen thawed)
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup white wine or chicken broth (optional but recommended)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente (slightly firm).
Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2 – Prepare the Lobster Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine lobster meat, ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, ½ cup mozzarella, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Mix until creamy and well combined.

Step 3 – Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
Stir in white wine (or broth) and reduce for 2 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4 – Assemble the Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of garlic butter sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Stuff each shell with 2–3 tablespoons of the lobster mixture.
Arrange stuffed shells in the dish.
Pour remaining garlic butter sauce over the shells.
Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5 – Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges.
Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.

Tips for Perfect Lobster Pasta Shells

Don’t overcook shells – They’ll soften more in the oven.
Use fresh lobster if possible – Tail meat or claw meat works best.
Balance flavors – Lobster is delicate, so don’t overpower it with too much garlic or spice.
Make it extra creamy – Add a splash of mascarpone cheese for richness.
Prep ahead – Assemble up to a day before, refrigerate, then bake before serving.

Variations & Add-Ins

This dish is easily adaptable:

Seafood Medley – Add shrimp, crab, or scallops to the filling.
Spinach Lobster Shells – Mix in sautéed spinach for extra greens.
Four-Cheese Lobster Shells – Add fontina or gouda to the cheese blend.
Tomato Cream Sauce – Add ½ cup marinara to the garlic butter sauce for a rosé flavor.
Spicy Version – Add cayenne or extra chili flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your garlic butter lobster shells with:

Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach
A glass of crisp white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Freezer – Freeze assembled (unbaked) shells for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 15 minutes.
Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy shells.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 520 kcal
Carbs: 32g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 480mg

(Values vary based on ingredients used.)

FAQs

1. Can I use imitation lobster?
Yes, though real lobster gives the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I use a different pasta?
Manicotti or cannelloni tubes also work well for stuffing.

3. What’s the best cheese blend?
A mix of ricotta (creaminess), Parmesan (saltiness), and mozzarella (melt factor) is ideal.

4. Can I make this without wine?
Yes, just replace with chicken or vegetable broth.

5. How do I make it more luxurious?
Add a drizzle of truffle oil before serving!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Lobster-Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells recipe is the definition of comfort meets luxury. With tender lobster meat, creamy cheeses, and a buttery garlic sauce, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into a memorable feast. Whether for a holiday, anniversary, or simply a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Garlic Butter Lobster Filled Jumbo Pasta Shells