Description
Creamy New England Lobster Pasta Bake brings coastal comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, indulgent flavors. Seaside ingredients and classic techniques merge into one unforgettable Mediterranean-inspired main course you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni to perfect al dente consistency, then drain and reserve to the side.
- Create a velvety roux in a medium saucepan by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking until a delicate golden hue develops.
- Slowly incorporate whole milk into the roux, stirring consistently to prevent any lumpy formations, and simmer until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thick texture.
- Remove saucepan from heat and blend in sharp cheddar and gruyère cheeses, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni and tender lobster meat into the cheese sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 2-quart baking dish with a light greasing.
- Transfer the lobster pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture evenly across the pasta surface for a crisp, golden topping.
- Bake for 20 minutes until heated through, then activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfectly bronzed, crunchy crust.
- Allow the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes before serving to help the sauce set and flavors meld.
Notes
- Elevate this classic mac and cheese by introducing luxurious lobster meat, transforming an everyday comfort dish into an elegant seafood experience.
- Ensure pasta remains perfectly al dente before mixing with cheese sauce to prevent mushy texture and maintain ideal pasta consistency.
- Select fresh, high-quality lobster meat for the most pronounced and delectable seafood flavor in this gourmet pasta bake.
- Create a silky smooth cheese sauce by gradually incorporating milk and continuously whisking to prevent unwanted lumps from forming.
- Breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying crunch and golden-brown finish, adding textural contrast to the creamy pasta underneath.
- Watch carefully during broiling to achieve a perfectly crisp top without burning, as those final moments can make or break the dish’s presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg