I still remember the first time I tried Lobster Thermidor. I was visiting my grandmother in Crete, and she had prepared this luxurious dish for a special family celebration. The aroma of creamy lobster, rich cheese, and a hint of sherry filled the entire house. I loved how simple ingredients could come together to feel so indulgent. Years later, I wanted to bring that same comfort and elegance into a dish that’s easy to share at home. That’s how I created Lobster Thermidor Stuffed Shells a dish that combines the creamy richness of Thermidor sauce with tender pasta shells, perfect for special dinners or cozy weekend treats.
If you’ve ever loved classic lobster recipes but found them intimidating, this recipe is your answer. Using jumbo pasta shells makes the dish approachable while still feeling gourmet. Plus, it’s a fun way to impress friends and family without hours in the kitchen. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of lobster flavor. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a signature dish in your home.
Ingredients for the Lobster Thermidor Stuffed Shells:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly. - Prepare the Thermidor sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. - Add liquids and seasonings
Slowly pour in milk and white wine while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in Gruyère and Parmesan cheese until smooth. - Combine lobster with sauce
Gently fold chopped lobster meat into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Stuff the shells
Spoon generous amounts of the lobster mixture into each cooked pasta shell, arranging them in a buttered baking dish. - Bake and brown
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle extra Gruyère and Parmesan cheese over the stuffed shells. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly. - Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every decadent bite.
Serving Tips:
Pair these Lobster Thermidor Stuffed Shells with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, and a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for celebrations or a cozy night when you want to feel luxurious at home.
💡 Recipe Card: Lobster Thermidor Stuffed Shells
⏱️ Time Cook: 35 minutes prep + 20 minutes baking
🧺 Ingredients: Jumbo pasta shells, cooked lobster meat, butter, flour, milk, white wine, Gruyère & Parmesan cheese, shallot, garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, pepper, parsley
👩🍳 Instructions: Cook shells → Make Thermidor sauce → Mix lobster → Stuff shells → Top with cheese → Bake → Garnish
📝 Note: You can substitute Gruyère with Fontina for a slightly different flavor. Make sure not to overcook lobster to keep it tender.
🥗 Nutrition (per serving): ~450 calories, 28g protein, 22g fat, 30g carbs
100-Word Short Version:
Indulge in Lobster Thermidor Stuffed Shells, a creamy, cheesy twist on a French classic. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with tender lobster mixed into a rich Thermidor sauce of Gruyère, Parmesan, shallots, and a hint of mustard. After stuffing, the shells are baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for special dinners, this dish brings gourmet flavors to your home kitchen without the stress. Serve with a crisp white wine and a light salad for an elegant, memorable meal. Every bite combines lobster’s sweetness with a luscious, cheesy sauce comfort and luxury in one perfect dish.