Bring out the true flavor of lobster with this simple and satisfying Lobster Fettuccini Made Simple with Real Shell Broth recipe. Made with a real shell broth from lobster tails, fresh vegetables, and herbs, this dish is full of depth without being complicated. Tossed with tender lobster meat, cherry tomatoes, and fettuccini, it’s a great way to enjoy seafood at home with a homemade touch.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword easy lobster pasta, how to use lobster shells, lobster fettuccini, lobster shell broth
Prep Time 20 minutesmins
Cook Time 45 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr5 minutesmins
Servings 4people
Calories 520
Author DelishDoers
Cost 60
Equipment
1 sauté pan
1 cooking pot
Ingredients
For the Real Shell Broth:
Shells from 5 lobster tails
2tablespoonsolive oil
3garlic cloveschopped
1onionchopped
2carrotschopped
1jalapeñosliced (optional for a mild kick)
2cupschopped parsley
2tablespoonscapersoptional
Salt and pepper to taste
1cupwhite wineor use extra water or broth if preferred
1cuptomato juice
1cupwater
For the Lobster Fettuccini:
5lobster tailsshells removed and meat sliced
10cherry tomatoeshalved
2garlic cloveschopped
1cupparsleychopped
1tablespoonolive oil
8ozfettuccini
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready. This helps everything come together smoothly. Here's what to do:1. Remove the meat from 5 lobster tails and set the shells aside for the broth.2. Slice the lobster meat, halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, dice the onion and carrots, slice the jalapeño, and chop the parsley.3. Measure out the white wine, tomato juice, and water so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
Make the Shell Broth
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the lobster shells and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and sliced jalapeño. Add chopped parsley, capers, salt, and pepper to season.
Pour in 1 cup of white wine and cook for 1–2 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid. Add 1 cup of tomato juice and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes. When done, strain the broth and discard the solids. Set the clear broth aside.
Cook the Fettuccini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccini and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Lobster and Finish the Dish
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add the lobster meat and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the lobster is just cooked through. Pour in a ladle or two of the lobster broth. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook briefly until they begin to soften.
Toss in the cooked fettuccini and chopped parsley. Mix well to coat the pasta with the broth. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, adding more olive oil and broth as needed for extra flavor.
To Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Add more broth if desired. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve hot.
Video
Notes
Make ahead: You can prepare the lobster shell broth in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 1–2 days or freeze it for future use.
Boost the brightness: Finish with fresh lemon zest or an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Cheesy option: Top with a little grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano—though traditionally not served with seafood, many still love the combo.
Add greens: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula just before serving for a fresh and colorful touch.
Use leftovers creatively: If you have extra lobster broth, use it in risotto, seafood soups, or even to cook rice or couscous for added flavor.