This is the kind of dish you cook when you want dinner to feel like an occasion without actually doing anything complicated. Think tender pasta folded into a silky cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Garlic-Herb Boursin, crisp bacon for a little smoky depth, and just enough buttery lobster to make the whole thing feel indulgent. It's rich, creamy, a little luxurious, and absolutely perfect for a quiet night in.
Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just trying to turn a regular Tuesday into something special, this small-batch lobster mac and cheese is exactly the kind of meal that makes you linger at the table a little longer.
Cooking for two has taught me that some of the best meals don't require big portions - just thoughtful ingredients and a little intention. When our boys were still home, lobster mac and cheese was something I'd save for holidays or special occasions.
But now that it's mostly just Ken and me, I've realized that making something special doesn't have to wait for a reason.
In fact, one of the biggest perks of cooking for two is that you can splurge a little. A single lobster tail, a good block of cheddar, and half a package of Boursin are all you need to turn a simple pasta dish into a date-night dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. It's a meal you can make together, share straight from the dish, and still have room for dessert.
~Holly ❤️
Why This Makes the Perfect Special-Occasion Dinner
Lobster mac and cheese hits that balance of cozy and elegant - the familiar comfort of mac and cheese paired with something unexpected and a little fancy. Here's why it works so well for Valentine's Day or an at-home date night:
- It feels special without being complicated.
- It's small-batch, so you're not drowning in leftovers.
- It uses just one lobster tail, making it indulgent but reasonable.
- The whole thing fits in a small baking dish, perfect for an RV kitchen or tiny oven.
- You can serve it with a simple salad and a glass of wine and call it a night.
And honestly? There's something very sweet about making a meal just for the two of you.
Let's Gather Up the Ingredients
Organizing all of your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
.
- Lobster tail - you only need one; the flavor goes a long way in a smaller batch.
- Thick-cut bacon - smoky, salty richness that doesn't overshadow the lobster.
- Pasta - a shape that holds sauce well; elbows or shells are perfect.
- Butter & flour - create the base for a velvety cheese sauce.
- Heavy cream + bouillon broth - the ideal combination for a silky texture.
- Sharp cheddar + Boursin - a little sharpness, a little garlic-herb creaminess.
- Garlic & Dijon mustard - tiny touches that brighten everything.
- Panko, Parmesan & parsley - for a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy sauce.
How to Make Lobster Mac and Cheese for Two
Cook the pasta and bacon
Start by boiling the pasta in salted water. Drain and set aside.
While that's cooking, crisp the bacon in the same pot you'll use for the sauce.
Once it's done, remove it and leave just a small amount of bacon drippings behind.
Cook the lobster
Cut the lobster tail in half. Remove the meat and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Add a little butter to the pot and cook the chopped lobster just until opaque.
It takes about a minute or two - no more. It finishes cooking in the oven and stays perfectly tender.
Make the sauce
Add more butter to the pot along with the minced garlic. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, then slowly add the cream and bouillon mixture until everything thickens.
Stir in the cheddar, Boursin, Dijon, and half the bacon.
Combine everything
Fold in the cooked pasta and lobster. Transfer to a small baking dish.
Add the topping
Mix the remaining bacon with panko, parmesan, parsley, and melted butter. Sprinkle it over the top.
Bake until bubbly
It only needs 12-15 minutes - just long enough to crisp the top and warm everything through.
Tips for success
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded doesn't melt as smoothly.
- Don't overcook the lobster. Let the oven finish the job.
- Bake in a smaller dish or in individual 6-inch pie plates.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce settles.
- Pair it with something light, like a simple green salad with lemon dressing.
Frequently asked questions
Yes - assemble it earlier in the day and bake when ready.
Absolutely. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Chardonnay, a dry rosé, or prosecco all work beautifully.
Yes - and if you want the full family-sized version, you can find it linked below.
What to Serve With Lobster Mac and Cheese
Since this dish is rich and a little indulgent, I like to pair it with something fresh or something that leans into the comfort-food vibe-depending on the mood.
Here are a few great options that work beautifully alongside lobster mac and cheese:
• Simple Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine, homemade croutons, and a quick, creamy dressing keep things light and bright.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Soft, buttery, and full of garlicky goodness-perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.
• Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce (for two)
If you're making this for a special occasion, end the night with something sweet and warm. This is one of our family favorites.
Helpful Tools Used to Make This Recipe
These are the tools that make this lobster mac and cheese come together easily. If you don't already have them, here are the ones I cook with most often.
- Small oven-safe baking dish
Great for baked pastas, casseroles, and small-batch recipes.
- Microplane grater
Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully in the breadcrumb topping.
- Kitchen shears
The easiest way to remove lobster meat from the shell.
- Quarter sheet pan
Set your baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I'd love to know how it turned out! Leave a review or snap a quick photo and tag me on Facebook.
Every time you share one of my recipes, it helps me grow this blog-and I'm so grateful for your support.
As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.
Learn how to get Amazon deliveries straight to your RV.
Lobster Mac and Cheese for Two | Elegant Date Night Dinner
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 3-4 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 4-5 oz. lobster tail, meat removed and chopped
- 4 ounces pasta macaroni, shells, or something similar
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon mixed into ½ cup water or ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ 2.6-oz. package garlic and herb Boursin cheese
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons tablespoons minced parsley
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- remaining cooked bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a small 1-quart baking dish. Cook 4 ounces of pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium pot, cook 3-4 slices chopped bacon until crisp. Remove, leaving about 1 teaspoon of the drippings in the pot.
- Add butter and sauté the chopped lobster tail for 1-2 minutes, just until opaque. Remove and set aside.½ tablespoon butter
- Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour; cook 1 minute.1½ tablespoons butter, 1 small minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon flour
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream and bouillon mixture. Heat until slightly thickened. Turn off heat.½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup bouillon mixture
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, Boursin, Dijon, and half the cooked bacon. Season to taste.½ cup shredded sharp cheddar, ½ package (2.6 oz) Boursin, ½ teaspoon Dijon
- Fold in the pasta and lobster. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
- Mix panko, Parmesan, parsley, melted butter, and remaining bacon. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.¼ cup panko, ¼ cup Parmesan, 1-2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Bake 12-15 minutes, or until bubbling and lightly golden.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Approximate per serving - based on 2 servings| Calories | 825 |
| Total Fat | 53g |
| Saturated Fat | 29g |
| Cholesterol | 205mg |
| Sodium | 1040mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 36g |
If you are into connecting with people through food and are inspired by new places and experiences, subscribe to my newsletter, Detour Ahead!
Simple recipes, small adventures, and stories from the road.
Leave a Reply