Seafood Pasta

Ravioli With Shrimp And Pesto

Name: Ravioli With Shrimp And Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 package of fresh ravioli; 1/4 cup of freshly made pesto sauce; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

By Esme Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Seafood Pasta

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had ravioli with shrimp and pesto at a small Italian restaurant by the coast. The combination of the tender shrimp, the flavorful pesto, and the soft ravioli was love at first bite. As a home cook, I've always been fascinated by the simplicity and elegance of this dish. In this recipe, I'll share with you my secrets for making the perfect ravioli with shrimp and pesto, a dish that's sure to become a staple in your household.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can use store-bought ravioli and pesto to make it a quick weeknight dinner, or you can take the time to make your own ravioli and pesto from scratch for a more special occasion. Either way, the result is a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

As a coastal home cook, I've always been drawn to seafood, and shrimp is one of my favorite ingredients to work with. It's so versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, from sautéing to grilling. In this recipe, we'll be sautéing the shrimp with some garlic and lemon juice to bring out their natural sweetness.

The key to making this recipe work is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcomplicate things. Keep it simple, and let the flavors of the shrimp, pesto, and ravioli shine through. With a few simple steps and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

So, let's get started and make some ravioli with shrimp and pesto! This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy seafood dinner that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option
The combination of shrimp, pesto, and ravioli is a classic and crowd-pleasing
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients
It's a great way to get your daily dose of seafood and pasta
The dish is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals
It's a fun and creative recipe to make with family and friends

Why This Recipe Works

The reason this recipe works so well is that it's all about balance and harmony. The creamy pesto sauce complements the tender shrimp perfectly, while the soft ravioli provides a nice textural contrast. By cooking the shrimp and ravioli separately and then combining them with the pesto sauce, we can ensure that each component is cooked to perfection.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh shrimp, basil, and garlic are essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish. By using the best ingredients we can find, we can ensure that our ravioli with shrimp and pesto is a truly unforgettable meal.

The cooking technique used in this recipe is also worth noting. By sautéing the shrimp and garlic in a hot pan, we can achieve a nice golden brown color and a tender texture. The ravioli is cooked in boiling water until it's al dente, and then it's tossed with the pesto sauce and shrimp to create a creamy and flavorful dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making ravioli with shrimp and pesto, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. We'll be using a combination of fresh seafood, herbs, and pasta to create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing. Here are the ingredients you'll need to get started:

Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients possible, especially when it comes to the shrimp and basil. This will ensure that your dish is full of flavor and has a nice texture. Also, don't be afraid to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients to the recipe.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveinedFresh shrimp is essential for this recipe, so be sure to choose the best quality you can find. If you can't find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp will also work well.
1 package of fresh ravioliYou can use store-bought ravioli or make your own from scratch. Either way, be sure to choose a high-quality ravioli that will hold up well to cooking.
1/4 cup of freshly made pesto sauceHomemade pesto sauce is a must for this recipe. It's easy to make and adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish. Simply combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, so be sure to use high-quality garlic that's fresh and flavorful.
2 tablespoons of olive oilOlive oil is used to sauté the shrimp and garlic, so be sure to choose a high-quality oil that's rich in flavor.
1/2 teaspoon of saltSalt is used to bring out the flavors of the dish, so be sure to use a high-quality salt that's fresh and flavorful.
1/4 teaspoon of black pepperBlack pepper is used to add a touch of spice to the dish, so be sure to use a high-quality pepper that's fresh and flavorful.
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is used to add a rich and creamy flavor to the dish, so be sure to choose a high-quality cheese that's fresh and flavorful.
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is used to add a touch of freshness and color to the dish, so be sure to choose a high-quality parsley that's fresh and flavorful.
1 lemon, cut into wedgesLemon wedges are used to add a touch of brightness and acidity to the dish, so be sure to choose a high-quality lemon that's fresh and flavorful.
1/2 teaspoon of paprikaPaprika is used to add a touch of smokiness and depth to the dish, so be sure to choose a high-quality paprika that's fresh and flavorful.

Ingredients for Ravioli With Shrimp And Pesto

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panLarge pot for boiling waterColander or strainerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Ravioli With Shrimp And Pesto

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli according to the package instructions until it's al dente.
2
While the ravioli is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant and lightly browned.
4
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until it's pink and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the shrimp.
5
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
6
Add the freshly made pesto sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
7
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss it with the pesto sauce until it's well coated.
8
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir to combine with the ravioli and pesto sauce.
9
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss it with the ravioli and pesto sauce until it's well combined.
10
Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
11
Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
12
Serve the ravioli with shrimp and pesto immediately, enjoying the combination of flavors and textures.

Expert Tips

Be sure to use high-quality ingredients, especially the shrimp and basil, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the ravioli or the shrimp, as this can make them tough and unappetizing.
Use a high-quality pesto sauce that's made with fresh basil and garlic for the best flavor.
Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the dish to give it a rich and creamy flavor.
Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add a touch of freshness and color.
Serve the dish immediately, as it's best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Consider adding some other ingredients to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes or spinach, to add some extra flavor and nutrition.
Use a variety of herbs and spices to add some extra depth and complexity to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the ravioli or the shrimp, which can make them tough and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can make it taste bland and uninteresting.
Not garnishing the dish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, which can make it look unappetizing and uninviting.
Not serving the dish immediately, which can result in a dish that's cold and unappetizing.
Not adding enough pesto sauce to the dish, which can make it taste dry and unflavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some cherry tomatoes to the dish to add some extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to add some extra flavor and texture.
Add some spinach or other leafy greens to the dish to add some extra nutrition and flavor.
Use different types of herbs, such as basil or oregano, to add some extra flavor and depth to the dish.
Add some grilled chicken or other protein to the dish to make it more substantial and filling.
Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to change up the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add some lemon juice or zest to the dish to add some extra brightness and acidity.

What to Serve With Ravioli With Shrimp And Pesto

This ravioli with shrimp and pesto is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner, as it's quick and easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes. It's also a great option for a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, as it's impressive and flavorful.

Consider serving the dish with some garlic bread or a green salad to add some extra flavor and nutrition. You could also serve it with some grilled vegetables or a side of roasted potatoes to make it more substantial and filling.

Garlic breadGreen saladGrilled vegetablesRoasted potatoesCherry tomatoesSpinach

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This ravioli with shrimp and pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40 F (4 C) or below. To freeze it, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it at a temperature of 0 F (-18 C) or below.

To reheat the dish, simply place it in the microwave or oven and heat it until it's hot and steaming. You could also reheat it on the stovetop, stirring constantly, until it's hot and steaming. Be sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

It's also possible to make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. Simply cook the ravioli and shrimp according to the recipe, then toss it with the pesto sauce and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir it constantly and heat it until it's hot and steaming. You could also add some extra ingredients, such as grated cheese or chopped herbs, to add some extra flavor and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of shrimp you like, but larger shrimp tend to work better for this recipe. Look for shrimp that are fresh and have a good flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Simply thaw the shrimp according to the package instructions and pat them dry with a paper towel before using them.

What type of pesto sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of pesto sauce you like, but homemade pesto sauce tends to have the best flavor and texture. Look for a pesto sauce that's made with fresh basil and garlic for the best flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish to suit your taste. Some options might include cherry tomatoes, spinach, or grilled chicken. Simply add the ingredients to the dish and stir to combine.

How do I store the dish?

You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40 F (4 C) or below. To freeze it, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it at a temperature of 0 F (-18 C) or below.

How do I reheat the dish?

You can reheat the dish in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Simply place it in the microwave or oven and heat it until it's hot and steaming, or place it on the stovetop and stir constantly until it's hot and steaming. Be sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. Simply cook the ravioli and shrimp according to the recipe, then toss it with the pesto sauce and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it.

What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of cheese you like, but Parmesan cheese tends to work well for this recipe. Look for a high-quality Parmesan cheese that's fresh and flavorful.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card