Creamy Lobster & Pumpkin Macaroni Bake
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Lobster & Pumpkin Macaroni Bake. This indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese combines the rich flavors of lobster with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, resulting in a dish that’s not only luxurious but also incredibly satisfying. The creamy cheese sauce envelops perfectly cooked shell pasta, making every bite a delightful medley of textures. Topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust infused with parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to impress at family gatherings or special occasions. Serve it warm alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 tablespoon (all-purpose flour)
margarine
4 tablespoons (divided)
minced shallot
1 tablespoon (fresh)
evaporated milk
12 ounces (warmed)
shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
mascarpone cheese
8 ounces (softened)
parmesan cheese
2 ounces (grated)
canned pumpkin
8 ounces (puree)
chopped lobster tails
16 ounces (cooked and chopped)
green peas
12 ounces (frozen or fresh, thawed)
cooked shell pasta
12 ounces (al dente)
panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for topping)
salt
to taste (kosher or sea salt)
pepper
to taste (freshly ground black pepper)
garlic powder
to taste (dry)
paprika
to taste (smoked or regular)
nutmeg
to taste (freshly grated)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
hot sauce
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of margarine over medium heat. Add minced shallots and sauté until they are tender and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour and stir continuously to create a roux, cooking for another minute.
4
Gradually whisk in the 12 ounces of warm evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and combined.
5
Add the 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
6
Incorporate the 8 ounces of canned pumpkin and mix until well blended.
7
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, nutmeg, lemon zest, and two dashes of hot sauce or tiger sauce to taste.
8
Gently fold in the chopped lobster tails, green peas, and cooked shell pasta until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
9
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
10
In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted margarine, and the parmesan cheese, mixing well before sprinkling the mixture evenly over the pasta.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
12
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lobster & Pumpkin Macaroni Bake?
It is an indulgent twist on classic macaroni and cheese that combines rich lobster meat with earthy, sweet pumpkin puree and a blend of creamy cheeses, topped with a crunchy parmesan panko crust.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for shell pasta, which is ideal for holding the thick and creamy cheese and pumpkin sauce.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but ensure it is smooth and well-strained to match the consistency of the 8 ounces of canned pumpkin requested.
How should the lobster be prepared for the bake?
The lobster tails should be pre-cooked and then chopped into bite-sized pieces before being folded into the pasta mixture.
What temperature should I bake the macaroni at?
The oven should be preheated and set to 375°F (190°C) for the entire baking process.
What kind of cheeses are in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of shredded cheddar cheese for sharpness and mascarpone cheese for a rich, velvety texture.
Why is evaporated milk used instead of regular milk?
Evaporated milk is used because it has a lower water content than regular milk, resulting in a creamier, more concentrated sauce that is less likely to break during baking.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish should bake for 40 minutes, or until the panko topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes a few dashes of hot sauce or tiger sauce, but it is primarily for flavor depth. You can adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Can I substitute butter for margarine?
Absolutely. Butter can be substituted for margarine in a 1:1 ratio for both the sautéing and the breadcrumb topping.
What purpose does the nutmeg serve in the sauce?
Nutmeg is a classic addition to cheese and cream sauces; it enhances the sweetness of the pumpkin and adds a subtle warmth to the dish.
What should I serve with this macaroni bake?
It is best served warm alongside crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to help soak up the extra creamy sauce.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use 12 ounces of frozen green peas. Simply ensure they are thawed before folding them into the pasta mixture.
How do I make the topping crispy?
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted margarine and parmesan cheese, then sprinkle it evenly over the casserole before baking.
What is a roux, and how is it used here?
A roux is a mixture of fat and flour cooked together. In this recipe, margarine and flour are cooked for one minute to serve as the thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the lobster. You could substitute it with roasted cauliflower or mushrooms for a similar texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar and mascarpone are recommended, you could substitute cheddar with Gruyere or Fontina for a different flavor profile.
Why is lemon zest added?
Lemon zest adds a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the lobster and heavy cheese sauce.
Is the pasta cooked before being added to the sauce?
Yes, the shell pasta should be cooked to an al dente texture before being folded into the pumpkin and cheese mixture.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bake a few hours ahead of time. Keep it refrigerated and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What can I use if I don't have shallots?
You can substitute shallots with finely minced yellow onion or the white parts of green onions.
How much lobster is needed?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of cooked and chopped lobster tails.
What is mascarpone cheese?
Mascarpone is a soft, mild Italian cream cheese that provides a much smoother and richer consistency than standard American cream cheese.
Does the pumpkin make the dish taste like pie?
No, the savory seasonings like garlic, paprika, and salt ensure the pumpkin provides an earthy sweetness rather than a dessert-like flavor.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You can, but the texture will be less crunchy. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and airier, which provides a superior crust.
What garnish is recommended?
Fresh parsley is recommended to garnish the dish after it has cooled for a few minutes.
Should the evaporated milk be cold?
The evaporated milk should be warmed before being added to the roux to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Is this a good dish for fall?
Yes, the inclusion of pumpkin and warming spices makes it an excellent gourmet comfort food for autumn and holiday gatherings.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A standard 9x13 inch (or equivalent volume) greased casserole dish is typically best for this amount of pasta and sauce.