On the eighth day of our holiday table, we lean fully into indulgence. Eight Maids A-Milking calls for richness, generosity, and a little decadence — and few dishes answer that call better than Lobster Fettuccine with Chardonnay Cream Sauce.
Silky pasta, sweet lobster, and a luxuriously reduced cream sauce infused with Chardonnay come together in a dish that feels celebratory without being showy. It’s elegant, comforting, and unapologetically rich — the kind of plate that rewards slowing down, pouring another glass, and savoring every bite.
The Story Behind the Dish
Cream-based pastas have long held a place at festive tables, especially when paired with seafood. Here, Chardonnay does double duty: it adds brightness and structure to the sauce while echoing the wine in your glass. As the cream and wine reduce together, the flavors concentrate into something layered and deeply satisfying — rich, but never flat.
Lobster elevates the dish from comforting to celebratory, while a simple garlic gremolata adds texture and freshness, cutting through the cream with just the right amount of lift. It’s a balance of indulgence and restraint — a hallmark of great holiday cooking.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3 large eggs
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1 tbsp salt
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Chardonnay Cream Sauce
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4 cups heavy cream
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1 cup Chardonnay
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4 cloves garlic
For the Gremolata
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½ cup toasted bread crumbs
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4 cloves garlic, minced and toasted in olive oil
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1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
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1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
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1 tsp olive oil
To Finish
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4 large lobster tails
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Make the Pasta
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Combine flour, eggs, salt, and olive oil in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix on low for about 10 minutes, until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let rest in a cool, dry place for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
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While the dough rests, combine cream, Chardonnay, and garlic in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Reduce gently over low heat until the mixture thickens to about 2 cups.
Cook the Lobster
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add lobster tails and cook for about 5 minutes, then transfer immediately to an ice bath. Remove shells and cut lobster into large pieces.
Roll and Cut the Pasta
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Divide rested dough into four portions. Roll through a pasta machine, starting at the widest setting and gradually working down to setting 4.
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Cut into fettuccine strands, either by hand or with an attachment.
Finish the Dish
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Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes, until just tender.
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In a wide pan over medium heat, combine lobster, reduced cream sauce, and drained pasta. Simmer gently for 2 minutes, allowing everything to come together.
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Stir together gremolata ingredients in a small bowl.
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Divide pasta among warm bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of gremolata.
Notes from Our Kitchen
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Fresh pasta makes a difference. Its tender texture pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
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Low and slow reduction. Let the Chardonnay cream reduce gently to avoid splitting.
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Gremolata is key. That final fresh, garlicky crunch keeps the dish balanced.
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Serve immediately. This pasta is at its best hot and glossy from the pan.
Perfect Pairings
This dish calls for wines with freshness, texture, and enough acidity to cut through the cream while complementing the lobster’s sweetness.
Waypoint Chardonnay – Ritchie Vineyard
Layered and expressive, with citrus, stone fruit, and subtle oak. Its structure mirrors the sauce while keeping the palate refreshed.
Calculated Chardonnay – North Coast
Bright, balanced, and approachable, offering crisp apple and gentle creaminess that echo the dish without overpowering it.
Waypoint Sauvignon Blanc – Gieve Vineyard
Zesty and vibrant, with citrus and herbal notes that bring lift and contrast to the richness of the pasta.
A Toast to Eight Maids A-Milking
On the eighth day of our holiday table, abundance takes center stage. Lobster Fettuccine with Chardonnay Cream Sauce is generous, luxurious, and meant to be shared — a dish that celebrates richness, craftsmanship, and the simple pleasure of gathering around a beautifully set table.
Find these bottles and more at your local Vinodivino.
Adapted from Ferrari-Carano
