Lobster-Style Seafood Pasta Bake

If you’re craving a decadent, comforting meal that brings the ocean’s finest flavors right to your dinner table, you’re in for a treat with this Lobster-Style Seafood Pasta Bake. This dish is a luscious blend of tender penne pasta, succulent lobster meat, shrimp, and crab, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with garlic and a hint of spice. Topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Whether you’re cooking for seafood lovers or aiming to impress guests, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of indulgence and homestyle warmth.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Lobster-Style Seafood Pasta Bake stands out for its vibrant combination of three premium seafood proteins—lobster, shrimp, and crab—each bringing its own unique texture and flavor. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and red pepper flakes, adds depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the seafood. The use of two types of cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust that seals in moisture while giving you that irresistible cheese pull with every bite. Plus, a splash of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley adds brightness and freshness, cutting through the richness and rounding out the dish perfectly.

What We’re Using

• 8 oz penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape for capturing the creamy sauce and seafood in every forkful.
• 2 cups lobster meat, cooked and chopped: The star ingredient for a luxurious, tender seafood texture.
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a sweet, slightly firm bite to the mix.
• 1 cup cooked crab meat: Brings a delicate and flaky texture with subtle briny notes.
• 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety base of the sauce.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness on top.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance flavors.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and shrimp, adding richness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish and complements the seafood.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal finish.

Gear Checklist

• Large pot for boiling pasta – Essential for cooking penne to al dente perfection.
• Large skillet or frying pan – For sautéing garlic and shrimp.
• Mixing bowl – To combine the cooked pasta and seafood mixture before baking.
• Baking dish (about 9×13 inches) – For assembling and baking the pasta bake.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce and pasta.
• Grater – To shred Parmesan and mozzarella cheese fresh.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient portions.

Lobster-Style Seafood Pasta Bake: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Remove the shrimp and garlic mixture from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in 2 cups of heavy cream, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom. Lower the heat and bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Seafood and Pasta

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, sautéed shrimp and garlic, 2 cups chopped lobster meat, and 1 cup cooked crab meat. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seafood pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. For an extra golden crust, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes—just watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the pasta bake from the oven. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

• Heavy cream substitute: Use coconut cream or full-fat evaporated milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Pasta alternative: Swap penne for gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta if preferred.
• Cheese options: Use dairy-free cheese blends or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
• Seafood variations: Substitute lobster with firm white fish or scallops depending on availability and preference.
• Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat tolerance or omit for a milder flavor.

Cook’s Commentary

This Lobster-Style Seafood Pasta Bake is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly straightforward to make. The balance of seafood is key here; too much of one protein can overwhelm the palate, but combining lobster, shrimp, and crab creates a harmonious medley.

Using fresh garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes really elevates the sauce, giving it a depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese. The lemon juice added at the end cuts through the richness and brightens each bite, so don’t skip it.

For seafood lovers looking to explore similar dishes, I recommend checking out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo Bake for another creamy and comforting option, or try the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta if you want a quicker stovetop meal. For a tomato-based seafood pasta, the Creamy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Pasta offers a tangy and flavorful twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the seafood mixture and sauce a day in advance, then refrigerate it separately from the cooked pasta to keep textures fresh. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes nicely; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Lobster-Style Seafood Pasta Bake Q&A

Can I make this recipe with frozen seafood?

Yes, frozen lobster, shrimp, and crab meat work fine as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture from watering down the sauce.

Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese?

While you can use just one type of cheese, the combination of Parmesan and mozzarella provides both flavor complexity and the perfect melt and stretch. Parmesan adds sharpness, while mozzarella delivers gooey texture.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the seafood?

Seafood cooks quickly, so sauté shrimp just until pink and opaque. The lobster and crab meat are already cooked, so fold them in gently at the end to warm through without drying out.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?

Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas make great additions. Add them in step 4, mixing gently with the pasta and seafood before baking.

Keep Cooking

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo Bake – A creamy, buttery pasta bake with succulent shrimp.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta – A quick stovetop creamy shrimp pasta perfect for weeknights.
• Creamy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Pasta – A tomato-based seafood pasta with rich creaminess and bold flavors.

Hungry for More?

If you love the indulgent flavors of seafood pasta bakes, try experimenting with different cheeses or adding herbs like basil and thyme to customize your dish. This recipe is versatile enough for many occasions, from casual family dinners to celebratory meals. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete dining experience that feels both luxurious and comforting. Enjoy the rich, creamy textures and the delightful seafood medley in every hearty bite of this Lobster-Style Seafood Pasta Bake.

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