Description
A rich, creamy dish of tender pasta and luscious lobster chunks enveloped in a cheesy sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound shell pasta
- 1 slice bread
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion or large shallot (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups lobster stock
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cups gruyere cheese (shredded, divided)
- 2 cups cooked lobster chunks (from about 2 pounds of lobster)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the shell pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Breadcrumbs: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the slice of bread and teaspoon of butter, then toast until golden brown. Once toasted, crumble it into pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt three tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion or shallot and sauté until softened. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for about one minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the lobster stock, milk, and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken.
- Flavor the Sauce: Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Mix in one and a half cups of gruyere cheese and the cooked lobster chunks until well combined and melted.
- Combine: Fold the cooked shell pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated with the creamy goodness. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with remaining gruyere cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, garnish your lobster shells and cheese with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
For a lighter variation, reduce the cream or substitute with whole milk. Fresh lobster elevates the flavor profile.