Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? Then look no further! This creamy lemon butter sauce is the perfect complement to homemade or store-bought crab ravioli, transforming a simple dish into a luxurious and satisfying experience. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, impressing your guests with minimal effort. Get ready to elevate your pasta game!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough sauce for about 1 pound of crab ravioli. Adjust as needed.
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Don't rush this step; let it melt gently to avoid burning.
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Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
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Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes, until it's slightly thickened.
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Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.
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Finish the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want more lemon juice for extra zing, or more salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
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Serve: Toss your cooked crab ravioli with the creamy lemon butter sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts either!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta:
- Don't overcook the ravioli: Follow the package directions for cooking the ravioli, but aim for al dente pasta—firm to the bite. Overcooked ravioli will become mushy and lose their texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the sauce frequently and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Everyone's palate is different!
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. Just avoid boiling it again after it’s been made.
Variations:
- Add shrimp: Sauté some shrimp along with the garlic for a more substantial meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or oregano.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: For a richer sauce, combine the lemon butter sauce with a spoonful of tomato paste for a beautiful blush and deepened flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. This is an estimate for a serving with about 4 ravioli.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This creamy lemon butter sauce is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your crab ravioli. It's a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!