The original New York Times article that this recipe is based on went something along these lines: the writer had a summer house in Maine, and had lots of summertime houseguests, many of whom had their hearts set on a lobster dinner. So they had many a suppertime filled with lobsters being boiled and cracked, with all the stuff that goes with that (pieces of errant shell flying all over the place, lobster juice drenching everything, etc, etc.). And the point of the article was, wouldn’t life be wonderful if you could make a meal that included all of the lazy, delicious, summertime taste of lobster without all the shell-cracking, juice-flying, sticky drama? That was a deliciously peaceful combination of lobster, pasta and the fresh herbs of summer? I’m here to tell you that yes. YES IT IS. Let’s make it!
The article came with a recipe, which is wonderfully and perfectly entitled “The Way Life Should Be.” And when it comes to eating lobster, the way life should be is that the lobster is out of the shell, cut or torn into delectable bite-sized pieces, and marinated in a glorious bath of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped garlic and a heaping amount of chopped up fresh mint, parsley and basil. (Very Important Note: the original recipe says these herbs are optional. They are NOT. They are MANDATORY. Otherwise the recipe is automatically retitled, “The Way Life Kinda Should Be.”)
Anyway. You leave the lobster in this lovely marinade for 60 minutes, then you cook up some pasta, drain it, put in in a bowl and pour the whole lemony, lobstery, herby, garlicky concoction over the pasta. Toss it around a little and there you have it — a summery lobster dinner that smells incredible and tastes even better.
We had this for dinner for the hundredth time a few days ago, and it was a work day for me. When I got home, my hearthrob of a Southern husband had already put the lobster into the marinade and it was waiting on the kitchen counter. The kitchen smelled incredible — all mint and basil and lemon and garlic and lobster — and all I had to do was make the pasta, mix it up and not mess up the picture.
Now THAT is the way life should be.
The Way Life Should Be
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Two lobsters, cooked, shelled and chopped into bite size pieces
- Juice from one lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley and basil
- 1/4 cup mint
- Pinch of salt
- 8 ounces pasta – linguine or spaghetti work best
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs and salt. Add lobster and let sit at room temperature for an hour.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
- Pour lobster mixture onto pasta and toss.
Updated from an earlier Framed Cooks post. Recipe adapted from The New York Times
Kim | Low Carb Maven says
Kate! You have been killing-it with each and every seafood post. I love lobster and what a lovely way to introduce my children to the wonderful flavors going on in this dish! Thank you.
I do love me some summertime seafood! :)
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
I need lobster on my menu more often. Maybe if I lived on the east coast I would think about it more! This lobster pasta dish looks divine!
I think lobster should be required at least once a month! :)
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Yep, the way life should be is WAY better than “The Way Life Kinda Should Be.” Lol. Don’t forget the herbs: got it! Such a fun and lovely post as always, Kate. And, Maine: represent! Lol. xo
Yay Maine!! And, yay lobster!!
Amanda says
Oh my goodness. This IS the way life should be. This is pretty much my dream meal. I know what I want for my birthday!
This IS the best birthday supper – get someone else to make it for you! :)
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
That sounds like a wonderful article! Lobster is my favorite seafood (next to scallops and crab) but I agree, it can be so time consuming to cook! This pasta is right up my alley!
My husband is a huge scallop fan – I should add scallops the next time I make this and we will both be in heaven!
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
Beautiful recipe, Kate !! This pasta is just gorgeous! Now I am seriously craving lobster!
I know that lobster craving feeling so well! :)
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I totally agree Kate! Life should be filled with lobster! And what an incredible hubby you have! I think your hubby needs to teach my hubby a few things in the kitchen!! Thanks for sharing a have a great week!
Yes, I think I will keep him! :)
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I had a HUGE lobster tail last night (sucker was about 2 pounds), and I definitely think eating lobster on the daily is the way life should be. So funny, because as I was stuffing my face I asked Boy, “can you believe there are people who don’t like lobster??” Those people are strange if you ask me. Needless to say, I am LOOOOOVING this pasta!! Light, summery and completely satisfying! I need this dish in my life. ;) Pinned! Cheers, dear friend!
Two pounds??? WOW!! And clearly we have lobster karma going on between us, which doesn’t surprise me one little bit! xoxo
Ro says
Don’t trust people that hate lobster!
Ro says
Don’t trust people that hate lobster! :-)
(Not including those with food allergies… But that’s why epi pens were invented, right???)
Lisa Adams says
There is a welcome sign on the Maine Turnpike just over the New Hampshire border that reads
“Welcome to Maine – The Way Life Should Be”. This wonderful recipe is another great example of Maine living.
I clearly have to get to Maine one day…this New Jersey girl must have some Maine blood in her somewhere! :)
Mir says
Best recipe title ever! And best husband ever. Sounds like you had a pretty amazing time of it! This looks lovely.
He IS pretty great! I’m a lucky girl. :)