If you’re craving a dish that feels like a luxurious celebration on a plate, then the Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sherry Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe combines tender lobster meat and succulent shrimp in a silky, fragrant cream sauce infused with the subtle sweetness of sherry and the bright freshness of dill. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something memorable, perfect for sharing with someone special or simply treating yourself to a touch of coastal elegance right in your own kitchen.

Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sherry Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. From the rich butter and garlic that form the sauce’s base, to the delicate seafood offering both sweetness and bite, each element contributes color, aroma, and indulgence to the final plate.

Butter (2 Tbsp, unsalted): Provides a rich, creamy foundation without overpowering the seafood’s natural flavors.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a warm, aromatic kick that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Lobster meat (1/2 pound, cooked): The star ingredient, offering succulent sweetness and a luxurious texture.
Shrimp tails (1/4 pound, deveined and chopped): Adds a tender, slightly briny bite that balances the richness of the sauce.
Sherry (1/4 cup): Brings a nuanced sweetness and depth, elevating the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): Creates the luscious, silky sauce that coats the pasta and seafood perfectly.
Fresh dill (1/4 cup, roughly chopped): Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Dried spaghetti (1/2 pound, preferably bucatini): The pasta choice that provides a satisfying, toothsome bite and holds onto the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sherry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the dried pasta. Cooking it al dente usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes depending on the pasta type. Bucatini, with its hollow center, is a wonderful choice here, catching the creamy sauce inside with every bite. Drain and set aside once perfectly tender.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Mince the garlic cloves—large cloves lend a beautiful aroma and texture here. Once the butter is foamy, add the garlic and cook until it turns a golden brown, filling your kitchen with that irresistible scent that means something delicious is on the way.

Step 3: Add Sherry and Simmer Seafood

Pour in the sherry and let it simmer for about two minutes so the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind just the sweet, deep flavor. Add the chopped shrimp and lobster meat, allowing them to gently cook together for four minutes. This step marries the seafood with the sherry, intensifying the flavor layers. When done, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and lobster, setting them aside.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, and add the fresh chopped dill, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well to combine all those wonderful flavors and let the sauce simmer calmly for 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for the sauce to thicken so it clings convincingly to the pasta, coating the back of a spoon beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Seafood and Pasta

Return the shrimp and lobster to the pan, heating everything through just until the seafood warms back up without overcooking. Then toss in your drained pasta, stirring gently to coat every strand in the luxurious creamy sherry sauce. Let it all cook together for about two more minutes so the flavors can harmonize perfectly before serving.

How to Serve Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sherry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

To make this dish feel even more special, a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or flat-leaf parsley on top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese works beautifully if you enjoy a subtle umami note. For those who love a touch of crunch, some toasted breadcrumbs will add a satisfying texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and indulgent, so pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette helps balance the meal. Roasted asparagus or garlic butter sautéed green beans also complement the seafood flavors without stealing the spotlight. Serve with a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of that creamy sherry sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a true wow factor, serve the pasta in shallow bowls that showcase the generous chunks of lobster and shrimp nestled in the sauce. Drizzle a little extra cream and sprinkle some fresh herbs right before serving for an elegant touch. Pair your meal with a chilled glass of dry white wine or a sparkling beverage to elevate the experience even further.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to two days. Seafood dishes are best enjoyed fresh, so try to plan to finish the dish within that time frame to savor the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sherry Sauce Recipe because the cream sauce can separate and the texture of the seafood may suffer. If you must freeze leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately for better results, but fresh is definitely preferred.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up. Avoid using the microwave as it can overcook the seafood and alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lobster and shrimp instead of cooked?

Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time: cook fresh shrimp and lobster until just done before removing them to avoid overcooking when combined with the sauce later.

What can I substitute for sherry in this recipe?

If sherry is unavailable, a dry white wine or a combination of white grape juice and a splash of vinegar can mimic the sweetness and acidity, though sherry’s unique flavor is hard to replicate exactly.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, but keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly, giving it a different, yet still delicious, twist.

Can this recipe be doubled for more servings?

Definitely. Just be sure to use a larger pan to sauté and simmer so the seafood and sauce cook evenly. Keep cook times consistent but watch the sauce’s thickness as it may need a bit more cream.

What’s the best pasta to use if I can’t find bucatini?

Spaghetti or linguine are excellent alternatives. They have the right texture and surface area to hold the creamy sherry sauce and seafood perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There really is something so special about serving Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sherry Sauce Recipe that feels like a treat every time. It’s approachable yet luxurious, comforting yet elegant, and bursting with flavors that sing together beautifully. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to impress yourself or your guests—you won’t regret bringing a little seaside indulgence into your kitchen.

Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sherry Sauce Recipe