Mediterranean Lamb Ravioli with Shrimp
This dish brings together tender homemade or store-bought lamb ravioli with succulent sautéed shrimp for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Aromatic herbs, garlic, and olive oil enhance the natural flavors of the lamb, while a light yet creamy sauce ties the dish together. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for a weekday meal.
Prep & Cook Time:
Prep: 20 minutes (longer if making ravioli from scratch)
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Lamb Ravioli:
12–16 lamb-filled ravioli (homemade or store-bought)
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Shrimp:
10–12 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1–2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup heavy cream or a light cream alternative
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
1–2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Optional Garnish:
Red pepper flakes
Extra Parmesan
Fresh herbs
Instructions
Cook the Ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add ravioli and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh ravioli).
Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sauté 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add olive oil and heavy cream.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley.
Combine:
Add cooked ravioli and shrimp to the sauce.
Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Serve:
Plate the ravioli and shrimp, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Tips
Ravioli handling: Be gentle to prevent tearing when tossing in sauce.
Shrimp doneness: Do not overcook; they cook quickly and continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
Reserve pasta water: Helps achieve a silky sauce that clings to the ravioli.
Herb choices: Parsley, basil, or even mint complement the lamb nicely.
Cream adjustment: Use light cream or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Spice enhancement: A pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika adds depth.
Pan deglazing: Use a splash of white wine when making the sauce for extra flavor.
Serving suggestion: Pair with a simple arugula salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
Variations
Cheese variation: Add ricotta or feta crumbles for extra richness.
Tomato twist: Use a light tomato cream sauce instead of plain cream for a tangy option.
Seafood swap: Replace shrimp with scallops or mussels.
Pasta type: Use tortellini or cappelletti if ravioli isn’t available.
Herb infusion: Add thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the sauce for deeper Mediterranean notes.
Lemon touch: Squeeze fresh lemon over the finished dish for brightness.
Nutty garnish: Toasted pine nuts add crunch and richness.
Spicy option: Add chili flakes or harissa for a Mediterranean heat kick.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can cook ravioli ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently in sauce before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the dish?
A: Shrimp doesn’t freeze well after cooking, but ravioli can be frozen before cooking.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, just add at the end to warm them through so they don’t overcook.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q: Can I use store-bought ravioli?
A: Absolutely, just check cooking instructions and reduce sauce cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 2–3)
Calories: 550
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Sugars: 2 g
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lamb Ravioli with Shrimp is a rich yet balanced dish that combines the savory depth of lamb with tender shrimp and a light, creamy sauce. Its versatility allows for customization with herbs, spice, and additional vegetables, making it suitable for an elegant dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.