Viral TJ's Lobster Pasta

The viral TJ’s lobster pasta has been all over TikTok, but I had to make it better. My twist? Juicy cherry tomatoes and sweet summer corn for extra freshness and flavor. It’s the ultimate easy weeknight dinner — and it tastes like something you’d order at a coastal restaurant.

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Why This Recipe Works

    •    Trader Joe’s shortcuts: frozen langostino tails or Argentinian shrimp make it simple.

    •    Fresh summer add-ins: cherry tomatoes + corn brighten up the creamy seafood pasta.

    •    30-minute dinner: fast enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.

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Ingredients

    •    1 tbsp olive oil

    •    450 g (16 oz) farfalle (bow-tie pasta) or pasta of your choice, cooked al dente

    •    1 small onion, diced

    •    2 garlic cloves, minced

    •    340 g (12 oz) Trader Joe’s frozen langostino tails, thawed or 450 g (16 oz) Argentinian shrimp, peeled & cut into small pieces

    •    1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

    •    1 cup fresh corn kernels

    •    Salt + freshly ground black pepper

    •    Pinch of red pepper flakes (or Jennifer Fisher Spicy Salt, if you have it)

    •    Chopped Italian parsley or basil, for garnish

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Method

    1.    Cook pasta: Boil farfalle until al dente, drain, and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

    2.    Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until softened, then stir in garlic.

    3.    Cook seafood: Add langostino tails or shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until just opaque.

    4.    Add veggies: Stir in cherry tomatoes and corn. Cook until tomatoes soften and release their juices.

    5.    Toss with pasta: Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling. Adjust seasoning.

    6.    Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.

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Tips

    •    Customize: Add a splash of cream or white wine for a richer sauce.

    •    Make it spicy: Use chili crisp or double the red pepper flakes.

    •    Short on time? Use pre-cooked shrimp and just toss them in at the end.

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✨ Inspired by @traderjoes5itemsorless and @_bossvin, with my Eat My Words twist.