In a hurry during the week? Buy lobster ravioli from the store. But what’s the best sauce for lobster ravioli? Here’s a quick and easy lobster ravioli sauce recipe that you can make in the time it takes to boil the pasta water. It’s a creamy red sauce with a flavor that reminds me of lobster bisque. I use this cream sauce for lobster ravioli, but it’s good on many seafood and pasta dishes.
This expensive seafood is often seen as an extravagance, and when I use it in a recipe, I try to use every last bit of it. So, every time I make a Connecticut lobster roll, I save the shells and use them to make my own lobster stock, which I then use to make lobster bisque.
By comparison, lobster ravioli is a relative bargain. Usually about $5-$7 for a 12-ounce package. But what sauce goes best with it? There isn’t a “right or wrong” answer because everyone has their own tastes, but I do have a favorite.
I don’t want to brag, but shrimp and crab ravioli is a total show stopper of a dish. The creamy crab and shrimp filling is so delicious and pairs perfectly with fresh bright sauces. After making this ravioli countless times and trying it with just about every sauce under the sun, I’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best sauce options. Read on for the ultimate guide to picking the perfect sauce for shrimp and crab ravioli!
Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomato-based sauces are a classic pairing with any kind of seafood. The acidity of tomatoes cuts through the richness of the filling beautifully. Here are some of my favorite tomato sauce options:
Marinara
Marinara sauce is the traditional pairing for seafood ravioli. This simple sauce is made from olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a little kick. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld. Marinara allows the natural sweetness of the shrimp and crab filling to shine.
Vodka Sauce
For a creamy twist on marinara, try vodka sauce. This sauce gets its signature flavor from vodka, which gives it a subtle sweetness when cooked down. I like to use heavy cream instead of half and half for an ultra-rich and decadent sauce. The creaminess perfectly balances the brininess of the seafood filling.
Arrabbiata
If you like a little heat, arrabbiata is the tomato sauce for you. This sauce contains garlic, tomato, and chili peppers. I use a combination of dried chili flakes and fresh sliced chilis The slight spiciness highlights the sweet crab and complements the shrimp beautifully Just watch out, this sauce can definitely bring some heat!
Cream-Based Sauces
When you want a really rich, decadent sauce for your ravioli, a cream-based sauce is the way to go. The velvety texture coats each tender pasta pillow perfectly. Here are some heavenly cream sauces to consider:
Alfredo
Classic alfredo sauce combines cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter. This sauce is extremely rich, so a little goes a long way. The nutty cheese and garlic provide the perfect accent to the sweet crab and briny shrimp. For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
Lemon Cream
One of my personal favorite sauces for shrimp and crab ravioli is lemon cream sauce. The bright, tangy lemon cuts through the richness perfectly. I use fresh squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to get maximum flavor. Heavy cream provides a silky base, while parsley and garlic round out the flavors. This sauce highlights the seafood elegantly.
Parmesan Cream
Similar to alfredo, parmesan cream sauce is the ultimate in rich, cheesy deliciousness. I use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk for a sauce that’s creamy but not overly heavy. Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty, salty punch while garlic provides a little bite. This sauce is indulgent enough for a special occasion.
Pesto
Herb-based pesto is a fresher take on sauce for ravioli. The basil and pine nuts complement the sweet crab and briny shrimp beautifully. Here are some pesto variations to try:
Classic Basil Pesto
The classic version combines fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. I like to add the pesto to the hot pasta so it melts into a smooth sauce. The fresh herbaceous flavor pairs perfectly with the filling.
Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
For a unique twist, try sun-dried tomato pesto. Sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful umami depth. I also include fresh basil, walnuts, parmesan, and olive oil. This pesto has a richer, more complex flavor that stands up nicely to the ravioli filling.
Kale Pesto
Kale offers an unexpected take on pesto. The kale mellows out when blended into a pesto sauce. I combine kale with basil, parsley, garlic, parmesan, lemon, and olive oil. The bright, fresh flavor enhances the sweet crab and briny shrimp. It adds a delicious gourmet flair.
Butter and Oil-Based Sauces
Don’t underestimate the simple power of a well-made butter or oil-based sauce. These sauces allow the natural flavors of the seafood filling to take center stage. Here are some to try:
Browned Butter and Sage
Nutty browned butter provides a rich base, while savory sage elevates this simple sauce. I cook the butter over medium heat until it turns a nice caramel color. Then I add fresh sage leaves and cook just until they’re wilted. The nuttiness pairs wonderfully with the sweet crab, while the sage complements the briny shrimp.
Lemon Garlic Butter
For an easy weeknight meal, you can’t go wrong with lemon garlic butter. Simply combine butter, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest in a pan until heated through. The garlic and lemon brighten up the sauce and bring out the fresh flavors of the filling. Feel free to add some red pepper flakes too if you want an extra kick.
Olive Oil and Parmesan
One of the simplest and tastiest sauces combines fruity extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated parmesan. Drizzle the olive oil over the hot pasta, then sprinkle on the parmesan. The high-quality olive oil and salty cheese allow the ravioli to be the star of the show. This sauce takes just minutes to make.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp and crab ravioli deserve an equally delicious sauce. Hopefully this guide provides ample inspiration for sauce pairings to try! My personal favorites are lemon cream, vodka sauce and basil pesto. But you really can’t go wrong with any of these tasty sauces. The options are endless for dressing up this gourmet homemade ravioli. So get creative with your sauce pairings and enjoy finding new favorite flavor combinations. Buon appetito!
How does it taste?
This sauce has a rich, creamy taste with a hint of vermouth and just enough heat to make your tongue tingle. It’s the perfect sauce for lobster ravioli. It naps the pasta and clings, but it’s not over-sauced.
My husband loves the bisque-like lobster sauce. You can make it quickly during the week for a quick meal or a much cheaper date night. It tastes just like lobster ravioli from a fancy Italian restaurant.
What sauce is best on lobster ravioli?
You could use a simple brown butter sauce like I do for my sweet potato gnocchi, but for lobster, I like a creamy bisque-like sauce that brings out the flavors of the juicy lobster and soft pasta the most. This is my favorite lobster ravioli sauce and I think you’ll be a fan, too.
The Best Sauce For Lobster Ravioli
FAQ
What sauce do you eat with lobster ravioli?
Does alfredo sauce go with lobster ravioli?
Should ravioli be served with a sauce?
What sauce goes with shrimp & crab ravioli?
There are many options sauces that go with shrimp and crab ravioli. A simple garlic butter sauce would be a good option. You could also make a cream sauce using heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese . Another option would be to make a tomato-based sauce using diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and onion.
How do you make a seafood ravioli with crab meat?
Start by thawing the crab and peeling the shrimp. Then chop the crab meat and mix it with the shrimp in a bowl. Season the seafood mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Next, sauté the seafood mixture in a pan with butter and garlic until it is cooked through. Let it cool before using it as a filling for your ravioli.
What is the best sauce for ravioli?
Marinara Sauce Marinara is a classic sauce that is perfect for seafood ravioli. This sauce is made with olive oil, garlic, whole peeled tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. The olive oil and garlic add a nice depth of flavor, while the tomatoes provide a fresh acidity.
Can you make crab & shrimp Ravioli a day in advance?
These Crab & Shrimp Ravioli are perfect for those times when you want to impress. Zucchini ribbons are used in place of pasta and wrapped around a creamy crab and shrimp filling and then topped with a light lemon tomato sauce. You can make the ravioli up to a day in advance.