Description
A luxurious Italian-inspired main course featuring store-bought lobster ravioli tossed in a rich, creamy lemon and Parmesan sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for an elegant date night or special seafood dinner.
Ingredients
For the ravioli:
- 1 (9–10 oz) package store-bought lobster ravioli
For the creamy sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or seafood stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli: Cook the lobster ravioli according to the package instructions, usually boiling until al dente. Drain the ravioli and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and finely chopped shallots, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant without browning.
- Deglaze and reduce: Pour in the dry white wine (or seafood stock) and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Add cream and thicken: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken nicely.
- Incorporate cheese and lemon: Add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat.
- Toss ravioli in sauce: Add the cooked ravioli into the skillet and gently toss to evenly coat in the creamy sauce. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick and needs loosening.
- Serve: Plate the ravioli immediately, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy warm for optimal flavor.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, stir in a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese or add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- This creamy sauce is versatile and also pairs beautifully with shrimp or scallops instead of lobster ravioli.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed during tossing.
