Seafood Ravioli is one of the most elegant dishes in Italian cuisine, combining delicate handmade pasta with a rich filling of shrimp, crab, scallops, and creamy cheeses. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of tender seafood, silky pasta, and savory herbs, making it a perfect choice for special occasions, holiday dinners, or when you simply want to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Served with a light lemon butter sauce, creamy seafood sauce, or classic tomato cream sauce, seafood ravioli showcases the natural sweetness of fresh seafood while delivering the comfort and satisfaction of homemade pasta.

What Is Seafood Ravioli?

Seafood ravioli is a stuffed pasta dish made by enclosing a flavorful seafood filling between thin sheets of fresh pasta dough. The filling typically includes shrimp, crab meat, scallops, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.

Once assembled, the ravioli are gently boiled until tender and served with a complementary sauce that enhances the seafood without overpowering it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Elegant restaurant-style dish
  • Rich and flavorful seafood filling
  • Perfect for holidays and dinner parties
  • Homemade pasta with authentic Italian character
  • Freezer-friendly for future meals
  • Pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Rest Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Pasta Dough

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Seafood Filling

  • 200g shrimp, peeled and cleaned
  • 150g lump crab meat
  • 150g scallops, finely chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor
  • Rolling pin or pasta machine
  • Ravioli cutter
  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Slotted spoon

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Dough

Place flour on a clean work surface and form a well in the center.

Add eggs, olive oil, and salt.

Gradually mix the flour into the eggs.

Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Wrap and allow to rest for 30 minutes.

This resting period helps develop a silky pasta texture.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add shrimp and scallops.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until just done.

Remove from heat and cool completely.

Finely chop the cooked shrimp and scallops.

Combine with crab meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl combine:

  • Cooked seafood mixture
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Egg yolk
  • Lemon zest
  • Parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Mix thoroughly until creamy and evenly distributed.

For a smoother filling, pulse briefly in a food processor.

Refrigerate for 15 minutes before assembling.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pasta

Divide dough into two equal portions.

Roll each portion into thin sheets using a pasta machine or rolling pin.

Aim for thin, translucent sheets without tearing.

Lay one sheet on a lightly floured surface.

Step 5: Fill the Ravioli

Place teaspoon-sized portions of filling about 2 inches apart.

Brush water around each mound.

Cover with the second pasta sheet.

Press gently around each filling mound to remove trapped air.

Seal firmly.

Step 6: Cut the Ravioli

Use a ravioli cutter, pastry wheel, or knife.

Cut individual ravioli and crimp edges.

Place finished ravioli on a lightly floured tray.

Continue until all dough and filling are used.

Step 7: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.

Add ravioli carefully.

Cook for 3–5 minutes or until they float.

Remove using a slotted spoon.

Fresh seafood ravioli cooks quickly.

Step 8: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Stir in lemon juice.

Season with salt and pepper.

Add parsley and remove from heat.

Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the sauce.

Step 9: Serve

Arrange seafood ravioli on warm plates.

Garnish with:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon zest
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh cracked pepper

Serve immediately.

Delicious Sauce Pairings

Lemon Butter Sauce

Light and refreshing, allowing seafood flavors to shine.

Lobster Cream Sauce

Rich and luxurious for special occasions.

Tomato Cream Sauce

Balanced acidity and creaminess.

Garlic White Wine Sauce

Elegant and aromatic.

Saffron Cream Sauce

Adds a Mediterranean touch and beautiful color.

Flavor Variations

Shrimp Ravioli

Use shrimp as the primary filling ingredient.

Crab Ravioli

Feature sweet lump crab meat for a delicate flavor.

Lobster Ravioli

Substitute lobster meat for an upscale version.

Mediterranean Seafood Ravioli

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and oregano.

Spicy Seafood Ravioli

Include red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use fresh seafood whenever possible.
  • Do not overcook seafood before filling.
  • Remove excess moisture from the filling.
  • Roll pasta evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Press out air pockets before sealing.
  • Cook ravioli gently to prevent bursting.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store uncooked ravioli for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Freeze on a tray until solid.

Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months.

Cook directly from frozen.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 460
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 620mg

Perfect Side Dishes

  • Garlic bread
  • Mediterranean green salad
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Grilled zucchini
  • Caesar salad
  • Herb-roasted vegetables

Wine Pairing Suggestions

  • Pinot Grigio
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Vermentino
  • Dry Rosé

Final Thoughts

Seafood Ravioli is a sophisticated Italian classic that combines the delicate sweetness of fresh seafood with tender homemade pasta. The creamy filling, bright lemon butter sauce, and elegant presentation make this dish ideal for celebrations, romantic dinners, or any occasion that calls for something extraordinary. Once you master homemade seafood ravioli, you'll have a stunning recipe that rivals the finest Italian restaurants.