Name: Lobster with Lemon Basil Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 pound orzo pasta; 2 Tbsps butter; 1 onion (diced); kosher salt, pepper; 1 Tbsp garlic paste or minced garlic; 1 cup heavy cream or half and half; 1/2 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes; 2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice; 1 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning; 2 to 4 lobster tails (depending on size); 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped); Optional: more fresh basil for garnish

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I recently got the gift of my grandma’s cookbook collection from the 1950’s through 1980’s and have been recreating dishes based off some of the recipes. The book below is where I found inspiration to create Lobster with Lemon Basil Orzo.

This book was published in 1977, the same year I was born!

This is the original recipe, which you can see if very different from what I made.

I kept the lobster, but used orzo instead of rice.

In place of the tomato puree I used sundried tomatoes. And went with more of a cream sauce instead of the olive oil tomato sauce.

Of course I brought my grandma some to try. Even showed her a picture of the cookbook and she remembered it well 🙂

How to Make Lobster with Lemon Basil Orzo

Start with 2 to 4 lobster tails, depending on the size and how much lobster you want in the dish.

Shrimp would be a great substitute if you don’t have lobster.

Remove the shells and cut the lobster into small chunks.

I had the best luck cutting the shell with kitchen scissors down the back and breaking the shell off.

Set the lobster aside and cook a half pound of orzo pasta in salted water according to the package directions.

When you drain the water, rinse the pasta with cold water so it doesn’t get mushy as it sits.

Then start making the lemon basil cream sauce.

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tablespoons butter and a diced onion, kosher salt, and pepper.

Cook the onion by itself for a few minutes.

Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

Next add a cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup sliced sundried tomatoes, 2 Tablespoons lemon juice, and a Tablespoon each honey and Old Bay seasoning.

Bring this to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer 4 to 5 minutes.

Then add the lobster and chopped, fresh basil.

Let this simmer away for 3 more minutes, which is just enough time for the lobster to cook.

Finally add the cooked orzo and stir until combined.

Taste for seasoning and add more Old Bay or lemon juice if needed.

I even served Lobster with Lemon Basil Orzo in my grandma’s glass dishes that she gave me 🙂

A little more fresh basil over top and enjoy!

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My first cookbook is now available on Amazon! Get one for yourself or as a gift HERE!

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