Looking for a dish that combines elegance with mouthwatering flavor? Lobster Ravioli in Garlic Butter Sauce is the answer. Imagine sinking your fork into delicate lobster-filled ravioli, smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s the kind of dish you’d expect to find at a fancy restaurant, but the best part? You can recreate it at home with just a few simple ingredients. It’s perfect for date night, special occasions, or whenever you want to indulge in something truly delicious.
Why You’ll Love Lobster Ravioli in Garlic Butter Sauce
- Gourmet at Home: It tastes like a five-star restaurant meal, but it’s surprisingly simple to make!
- Rich and Savory: The creamy lobster-filled ravioli is the perfect match for the decadent garlic butter sauce. Each bite is better than the last.
- Quick to Prepare: With store-bought ravioli and just a few pantry staples, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients in Lobster Ravioli in Garlic Butter Sauce
You don’t need to search high and low for exotic ingredients. Most of these are kitchen staples that combine to create an unforgettable dish.
For the Lobster Ravioli:
- Lobster ravioli: Fresh or frozen lobster ravioli will work perfectly for this dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own homemade ravioli!
- Salt: For seasoning the water when boiling the ravioli.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of this rich, flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings an irresistible aroma and depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: To create a creamy, smooth texture that balances the richness of the butter.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness to the sauce and a touch of tang that pairs beautifully with the lobster.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for an extra burst of flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley for garnish, adding color and a fresh herbal note.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the lobster ravioli and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender. Be sure not to overcook them! Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown—be careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Add the Cream
Pour in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Cheese
Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Carefully add the cooked lobster ravioli to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the ravioli in the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the ravioli is fully heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the ravioli to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a little more Parmesan cheese for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Lobster Ravioli in Garlic Butter Sauce
- With a side salad: A light arugula salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the ravioli.
- With crusty bread: The garlic butter sauce begs for something to dip into it—warm, crusty bread is the perfect solution.
- With a glass of white wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the lobster and garlic butter sauce.
Additional Tips
- Use fresh lobster ravioli for the best flavor: If possible, choose fresh ravioli from a local market. But frozen ravioli is perfectly fine and makes this dish even more convenient.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Want a richer sauce? Add more butter or cream. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add a little spice: For some heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small finely chopped chili along with the garlic.
- Make it ahead: You can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add the cooked ravioli at the last minute so they stay perfectly tender.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Total Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 510mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 15g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought ravioli?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought lobster ravioli works perfectly for this recipe and saves time, while still giving you that delicious restaurant-quality taste.
Q2: Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
A2: Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A3: Definitely! Spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms would be great additions to this dish. Just toss them into the sauce before adding the ravioli.
Q4: Can I make this dish with another type of ravioli?
A4: Yes, you can use any flavor of ravioli you like—crab, shrimp, or even ricotta spinach would work beautifully with this garlic butter sauce.
Q5: How can I make the garlic butter sauce spicier?
A5: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce, or stir in some finely chopped chili peppers for extra heat.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream or butter to loosen the sauce.
Q7: Can I make this ahead of time?
A7: You can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove and add the ravioli when ready to serve.
Q8: Can I use frozen lobster meat instead of ravioli?
A8: Yes, you can use cooked lobster meat and toss it into the garlic butter sauce along with cooked pasta if you prefer to skip the ravioli.
Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the garlic butter sauce for up to a month. Thaw and reheat it when you’re ready to use it.
Q10: Can I make the garlic butter sauce without cream?
A10: Yes! You can make a lighter sauce by using a little bit of vegetable or chicken broth in place of the cream for a more broth-based, lighter sauce.
Conclusion
This Lobster Ravioli in Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a rich, flavorful meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. With succulent lobster, creamy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked ravioli, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy every savory bite!
PrintLobster Ravioli in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Lobster Ravioli in Garlic Butter Sauce is an indulgent, flavorful dish that features delicate ravioli filled with succulent lobster, all tossed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. The buttery sauce is infused with garlic and finished with a touch of lemon and fresh herbs, perfectly complementing the lobster filling. This luxurious dish is perfect for special occasions or an elegant dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Ravioli:
- 1 package lobster ravioli (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lobster ravioli according to the package instructions, usually for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender. Once cooked, reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the ravioli and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
While the ravioli is cooking, heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. If using, add the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds. - Add the Wine and Cream:
If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. - Toss the Ravioli in the Sauce:
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky texture. - Serve:
Divide the ravioli among plates and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute the lobster ravioli with crab or shrimp-filled ravioli if you prefer.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of fresh thyme or basil to the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg