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This creamy shrimp Parmesan ravioli is a perfect go-to for cozy nights when you want a comforting meal that feels special without fuss. Tender cheese ravioli combined with juicy shrimp in a rich Parmesan cream sauce comes together quickly, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and dinner parties. The sauce is silky and flavorful, with just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
I made this dish for my parents during a snowstorm once and it vanished so fast everyone asked for seconds and seconds
Ingredients
- Cheese ravioli: choose fresh or frozen and look for ones with plenty of filling to enjoy that rich flavor in every bite
- Shrimp: peeled and deveined make cooking easier pick firm shrimp with a fresh ocean scent from your seafood counter
- Olive oil: extra-virgin adds richness and helps sear the shrimp perfectly for flavor and texture
- Garlic: fresh minced garlic gives the sauce that warm, aromatic base pick plump cloves for juiciness
- Heavy cream: full fat cream creates a silky sauce that coats the ravioli beautifully
- Chicken broth: low sodium gives the sauce depth without overpowering or making it too salty
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly with a nutty touch for richness
- Italian seasoning: herbal blend of oregano and basil without added salt to control seasoning carefully
- Red pepper flakes: optional to give a subtle spicy kick if you like a little heat
- Salt and black pepper: essential for balancing all the flavors be generous but taste as you go
- Fresh parsley: bright green parsley adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish
Instructions
- Cook the Ravioli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil then add the ravioli carefully stirring gently to prevent sticking Follow package instructions cooking until the ravioli float to the surface and are tender about three to four minutes for fresh or slightly longer if frozen Drain well and set aside so they don’t overcook
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels which helps them brown nicely Season with salt and black pepper Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding Cook for about two to three minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and get slightly golden Remove shrimp from skillet immediately to keep them juicy
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Reduce heat to mediumlow and add minced garlic to the skillet Stir constantly for one minute until fragrant but not browned This step flavors the oil with savory garlic notes that build the sauce’s depth
- Create the Sauce:
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet Using a wooden spoon scrape any browned bits off the pan Bottom This adds great flavor Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for two to three minutes
- Melt in the Cheese and Seasonings:
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes for heat plus a little salt and pepper Stir slowly until the cheese melts fully and the sauce turns smooth creamy with tiny flecks of herbs Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Toss Everything Together:
- Add the cooked shrimp and drained ravioli back to the skillet Carefully toss with a wide spatula ensuring every piece is coated in the sauce Heat together for one to two minutes without breaking the ravioli
- Finish with Parsley:
- Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley just before serving for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor
I love the smell of garlic and Parmesan mingling in the kitchen right before we dig in It always feels like a special family moment gathering around the table to share this meal
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers sealed in an airtight container in the fridge no more than two days For best flavor reheat slowly over low heat adding a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed Because shrimp cooks so fast it’s best eaten fresh or reheated gently so it stays tender
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cheese ravioli with spinach or mushroom versions if you want to switch it up For a lighter sauce replace heavy cream with half and half To make this vegetarian use sautéed mushrooms instead of shrimp and vegetable broth instead of chicken
Serving Suggestions
Try serving with a crisp green salad like arugula or roasted asparagus for a bright contrast Crusty bread is perfect to mop up every bit of the creamy sauce Makes a lovely dinner when entertaining close friends
Serve immediately with crusty bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the creamy ravioli while hot.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → What type of ravioli works best?
Cheese ravioli, whether fresh or frozen, pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and shrimp. Opt for varieties with simple flavors to let the sauce shine.
- → Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Fresh or thawed raw shrimp yields the best texture and flavor, as it absorbs the sauce better during cooking and stays juicy.
- → How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it. Adding additional freshly grated Parmesan also enriches and thickens the texture.
- → Is the dish spicy?
Red pepper flakes provide a mild kick, but you can adjust or omit them to suit your preferred heat level.
- → Which herbs work well as garnish?
Fresh parsley brightens the dish, while chopped basil or chives offer flavorful alternatives for added freshness.