I am having a dinner party at my house for some friends coming into town. Lobster is their favorite. I have never cooked live lobster, but if I am brave, I will add that to the list to learn, so that got me thinking about lobster and pasta. You can’t go wrong, so check out my EASY lobster Carbonara pasta recipe. Elevated dinners do not have to be complicated.

I also added some FAQs at the bottom of the recipe! I love learning with you!
You are tired of the same old pasta dishes and want to try something new.
You have a craving for seafood, but you don’t feel like spending a lot of money on it or a lot of time in the kitchen!

Try our lobster carbonara pasta, made with lobster, Parmesan cheese, and a generous serving of bacon!

Lobster Carbonara Pasta

Ingredients for 4 servings:

1 lb lobster meat
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for grating on top
Freshly cracked black pepper
12 oz fresh fettuccine or a pound of regular spaghetti
6 oz bacon or pancetta, cut into cubes.

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil and add your pasta to salted water. Cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, before you drain. You may not use the full cup.
2. Sauté bacon or pancetta in a deep pan over medium heat until crisp.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, Parmesan, and black pepper and put to the side.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet of bacon or pancetta and stir. Add 3/4 cup pasta water and stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Remove from heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.
6. Add 2 tbsp pasta water to egg mixture and stir. Slowly add egg mixture to pasta and bacon/pancetta and stir until mixed well.
7. Add the lobster meat and stir until just combined.
8. Top with extra Parmesan and salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

FAQs about Lobster Carbonara

What does cook until al dente mean?

You never want mushy pasta! So we aim to cook pasta al dente. Cooking pasta until it is al dente means cooking it until it is firm to the bite. This is usually about 10 minutes for most types of pasta.

What is the difference between bacon and pancetta?

Bacon and pancetta are both types of cured pork, but there are some key differences between them.

Bacon is typically made from pork belly, while pancetta is made from pork belly or loin. Both are cured with salt and other spices, but bacon is typically smoked while pancetta is not. This gives bacon a more intense flavor, while pancetta is milder. If you want a smoky taste then choose bacon.

Do bacon and pancetta taste different?

Bacon and pancetta are two types of pork that are often used in cooking. They are similar in that they are both made from pork belly, but there are some key differences between them. Bacon is cured with salt and smoke, while pancetta is cured with salt, pepper, and other spices. This gives pancetta a more complex flavor than bacon. Pancetta is also typically thinner than bacon, which can affect how it cooks.

What kind of lobster meat do I buy?

There are three main types of lobster meat that you can buy: Maine lobster, Canadian lobster, and spiny lobster. Maine lobster is considered the best quality lobster meat, followed by Canadian lobster. Spiny lobster is the least expensive type of lobster meat, but it has a tougher texture and is not as sweet as the other two types. When choosing which type of lobster meat to buy, consider what you will be using it for. If you are making a dish that requires tender, sweet meat, then go for Maine or Canadian lobster. If you are looking for a cheaper option that still has good flavor, then go for spiny lobster.

How does the egg cook in carbonara pasta or should I cook it first?

There is no need to cook the egg in carbonara pasta, as the heat from the pasta will cook it.

I think my sauce is too thick, what do I do?

That’s why we kept some of the pasta water. If you think the sauce is too thick, simply add your extra pasta water. It will help thin it out and keep the flavor.

How does the carbonara pasta get creamy without heavy cream?

One of the things that makes carbonara pasta so creamy is that it uses eggs. The yolks in the eggs help to create a rich and creamy sauce without the need for heavy cream. Additionally, carbonara pasta often uses pancetta or bacon, which also adds to the creaminess of the dish.

What is a substitute for parmesan cheese?

Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese that is used in many Italian dishes. It has a strong, nutty flavor that is often used to enhance the flavor of pasta dishes, soups, and salads. If you do not have parmesan cheese on hand, there are several substitutes that can be used in its place.

Romano cheese is a good substitute for parmesan cheese. It has a similar flavor and can be used in the same way. Asiago cheese is also a good substitute. It has a slightly sweeter flavor than parmesan cheese, but it will still work well in most recipes. If you are looking for a vegan option, nutritional yeast flakes can be used as a parmesan cheese substitute. They have a similar flavor and can be used in the same way.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! It is one of our favorites. It is simple, yet elevated. It is delicious, yet quick. Enjoy!