This lobster ravioli sauce recipe is the perfect pairing for your lobster ravioli or any ravioli that you love! A creamy decadent sauce, packed with flavorful undertones of thyme and brandy. If you are looking for what to serve with lobster ravioli or what to serve with lobster tails, we have you covered! The perfect romantic dinner or a wonderful treat for your family or friends.
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I love lobster ravioli! In fact, I love any kinds of ravioli! Having delicate paste stuffed with all the good stuff is really the perfect bite. If you are looking for the best sauce for lobster ravioli, you have come to the right place! For an easy side dish, you will love also this Roasted Asparagus!
There are many options to choose from when picking the best sauce for lobster ravioli. Sauce for lobster ravioli can include options such as white sauce, pink sauce, red sauce, butter sauce, garlic butter sauce, alfredo sauce, cream sauce, vodka sauce and Olive Garden lobster ravioli sauce. The choices can be overwhelming!
But, I would argue that this lobster ravioli sauce recipe is best!!! The subtle flavors of thyme, garlic and butter pair perfectly with the ravioli. This recipe also infuses all of the deep flavors of real lobster from the meat and the shells to give that extra lobster umami that will make your dinner over the top delicious!
If you want to convert this recipe to a butter sauce for lobster ravioli, you can do that too. Or, you can switch out the brandy for vodka to make a lobster ravioli vodka sauce. Add some paprika to make a pink sauce for lobster ravioli. I have got you covered with all things lobster ravioli!
Why this recipe works
- This lobster ravioli sauce recipe is perfect served on lobster ravioli or any flavor of ravioli. I have used this sauce on butternut squash ravioli, mushroom ravioli and lemon ricotta ravioli!
- If you don’t have ravioli on-hand, this sauce is delicious served over regular pasta if you are looking for a delicious lobster cream sauce. You can also use this recipe to make a shrimp cream sauce which is great over both ravioli and pasta. Serve with your favorite cocktail such as a Cherry Manhattan or Best Red Sangria!
- It takes less than thirty minutes to whip up this lobster ravioli sauce making for a perfect easy romantic dinner! And speaking of romance, if you are looking for other delicious date night recipes, be sure to check out this Bavette Steak with an herbaceous chimichurri sauce or my Wagyu Burger!
Ingredients for lobster ravioli sauce recipe
Butter/Oil: I like to use a combination of butter and oil in this recipe for flavor but if you only have one that is fine. Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor but you can use any neutral oil (vegetable, canola, grapeseed oil).
Onion: Red onion, sweet onion or shallots all work well. I would not recommend yellow onion as it is too strong and would overpower the lobster flavor.
Thyme: You can use fresh thyme or dried thyme.
Garlic: Finely mince or use a garlic press.
Lobster Tails: For this lobster ravioli sauce recipe, I recommend 4 oz lobster tails as the shells are smaller and easier to cut. You can also make this recipe with shrimp for a delicious shrimp cream sauce. If you have a paid of kitchen shears, that is my favorite to cut the shells. You can purchase your lobster tails at most grocery stores. And, if you are a lobster lovers, here is a good option if you want to buy lobster tails online.
Brandy: Use a good quality brandy that you would drink. You can buy a large bottle and measure it or you can buy two small brandy shooters.
Heavy Cream
Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay is a popular seafood seasoning that can be purchased in most grocery stores or online.
Salt/Black Pepper (Optional)
Paprika (Optional): If you like your sauce to be more pink (lobster) color, you can add 1 tsp. paprika when stirring in the heavy cream.
How to make lobster ravioli cream sauce
- Finely chop onion. Set aside in small bowl.
- Finely mince garlic or press through garlic press. Set aside in small bowl.
- Remove lobster meat from lobster tail. Cut lobster into bite size pieces and set aside in small bowl. Use kitchen shears or sharp knife to cut lobster shells into small pieces (approx. 1 inch). You want the pieces to be smaller to allow them to be more submerged in the cooking liquid.
- In large sauté pan, heat oil and butter over medium heat. When oil and butter are hot (about 1-2 minutes), add red onion and thyme.
- Sauté until red onion is soft (about 2-3 minutes). Add garlic, sauté about 1 minute.
- Add chopped lobster and cook fully (about 1-2 minutes). Remove cooked lobster and set aside on plate.
- Add lobster shells and sauté for 1-2 minutes. You can add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil if needed.
- Add brandy and allow alcohol to cook off. It should be hot and sizzling when you add it. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring as you pour. Once cream comes to a boil, drop to medium and simmer.
- Add old bay seasoning. Simmer until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Once you can taste your lobster flavor, carefully strain out lobster shells using a fine mesh strainer and large bowl.
- Add strained sauce back into sauté pan on medium heat, continue to reduce sauce until it reaches desired thickness. Add salt and/or fresh ground black pepper to your taste.
- Add your lobster back to sauce to warm. Gently stir in your ravioli to warm. Or, allow sauce to reduce to desired thickness and spoon over plated lobster ravioli.
- Note: If you add the ravioli directly to the sauce, the starch will help to thicken the sauce. If you wish to spoon the sauce for lobster ravioli, you can continue to reduce the sauce on medium/low heat or you can add a small amount of cornstarch or flour to thicken (start with 1 tsp). It depends on how thick you enjoy your sauce.
- Some people like to sprinkle some red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon.
What is the best lobster ravioli to buy?
There are many great ravioli options on the market. To two main options are frozen or fresh (in the refrigerator section of the grocery store). Rana lobster ravioli is one of the most well known brands.
Trader Joe’s also has an excellent lobster ravioli in the refrigerated section. Costco carries lobster ravioli seasonally, as well as in the frozen section of the store.
What to serve with lobster ravioli
Lobster ravioli with a lobster ravioli cream sauce or butter sauce is a more decadent and heavy dish so it is best served alongside some lighter options. Some of the best side dishes to serve with lobster ravioli are:
- Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted Beets
- Roasted Broccoli
- Sautéed Snap Peas
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
- Grilled Zucchini
- Crusty Bread for dipping
- Sautéed Mushrooms
What to serve with lobster tails
If you are going for a full on lobster feast and want to serve lobster tails with your lobster ravioli, I have got you covered! First off, where to buy good lobster? I am definitely a big fan of Costco for good quality seafood. Here is another great option to purchase lobster tails online.
Here are my recommendations on what to serve with lobster tails:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Lobster Ravioli
- Roasted Asparagus
- Risotto
- Creamy Polenta
- Sautéed Mushrooms
- Charred Vegetables
- Roasted Butternut Squash
FAQ and expert tips
The best lobster ravioli sauce is typically a cream or butter sauce. The sauce should be subtle yet flavorful to compliment the lobster. Flavors like thyme and garlic work well.
Bring pot of water to a boil. Salt the water. Cook Rana Maine Ravioli for about 3 minutes. Drain and serve with lobster ravioli sauce.
Bring pot of water to a boil. Salt the water. Cook Costco Lobster Ravioli for about 3 minutes. Drain and serve with lobster ravioli sauce. You can also reheat defrosted Costco lobster ravioli in the lobster ravioli sauce.
Yes, Trader Joe’s has lobster ravioli. It is located in the refrigerated section of the store.
Yes, it is best to thaw frozen ravioli before cooking so that you get an even cook on the ravioli. Put the frozen ravioli in the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve for a slow defrost.
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Lobster Ravioli Sauce (What to Serve with Lobster Ravioli)
Equipment
- Large sauté pan, kitchen shears or sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoon red onion, sweet onion or shallot (finely diced)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 6 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 2 teaspoon garlic (finely minced or pressed)
- 4 4 oz lobster tails (meat and shells)
- ½ cup brandy (or 2 shooters)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- salt (to taste)
- fresh ground black pepper (Optional)
- paprika (Optional) For pink (lobster) colored sauce.
Instructions
- Finely chop onion. Set aside in small bowl.
- Finely mince garlic or press through garlic press. Set aside in small bowl.
- Remove lobster meat from lobster tail. Cut lobster into bite size pieces and set aside in small bowl. Use kitchen shears or sharp knife to cut lobster shells into small pieces (approx. 1 inch). You want the pieces to be smaller to allow them to be more submerged in the cooking liquid.
- In large sauté pan, heat oil and butter over medium heat. When oil and butter are hot (about 1-2 minutes), add red onion and thyme.
- Sauté until red onion is soft (about 2-3 minutes). Add garlic, sauté about 1 minute.
- Add chopped lobster and cook fully (about 1-2 minutes). Remove cooked lobster and set aside on plate.
- Add lobster shells and sauté for 1-2 minutes. You can add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil if needed.
- Add brandy and allow alcohol to cook off. It should be hot and sizzling when you add it. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring as you pour. Once cream comes to a boil, drop to medium and simmer.
- Add old bay seasoning. Simmer until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Once you can taste your lobster flavor, carefully strain out lobster shells using a fine mesh strainer and large bowl.
- Add strained sauce back into sauté pan on medium heat, continue to reduce sauce until it reaches desired thickness. Add salt and/or fresh ground black pepper to your taste.
- Add your lobster back to sauce to warm. Gently stir in your ravioli to warm. Or, allow sauce to reduce to desired thickness and spoon over plated lobster ravioli.
- Note: If you add the ravioli directly to the sauce, the starch will help to thicken the sauce. If you wish to spoon the sauce, you can continue to reduce the sauce on medium/low heat or you can add a small amount of cornstarch or flour to thicken (start with 1 tsp). It depends on how thick you enjoy your sauce.
Rob F
I have made several times – big hit with friends and family.
I have reduced the cream to 3/4 cup, added 1/3 cup of sour cream, and 1.25 cups of chicken stock to sauce. Makes it a bit lighter and produces more sauce. Also added 2 cups of cut up spinach as well. Makes it a more complete dish. But a great recipe overall. Thanks.
Aubrey
Thanks Rob! I love your tips. So happy you enjoyed!
Debbie
Excellent sauce! I used more lobster than called for but that is my preference. 15 minute prep time is a stretch unless they here are 2 of you! Having said that, it is delicious and worth the time
JJ
This lobster ravioli sauce was incredible. Full stop! Flavor is incredible. Thank you!
Asil
Sauce was perfect. Amazing recipe.
Aubrey
Thanks Asil!!!