Name: Ravioli in Crayfish Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1.1 pounds burrata ravioli (or your favorite filling); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 shallot (finely chopped); 9 ounces cherry tomatoes; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; ¼ cup vegetable broth; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ tsp saffron; 4 ounces crayfish; 1 tbsp chopped chives (for serving); freshly ground black pepper (for serving)

Cheese ravioli in butter crayfish tomato sauce. Indulge in a decadent dish with this simple and delicious pasta. It’s made with spoonfuls of garlic braised cherry tomatoes, delicious crayfish and a touch of saffron. Serve as a festive main course or a luxurious starter.

Why this recipe works

This pasta dish is incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients, yet it tastes next-level delicious. All you need are fresh ripe cherry tomatoes, crayfish, and store-bought ravioli to create a delicious dinner that your guests will love. And the best part? It only takes 15 minutes to prepare.

While the tomatoes are cooking, boil the ravioli, mix everything together, and done! It’s both delicious and unique. You have to try it to believe it.

It’s straightforward but impressive, bursting with rich and sweet flavors. As the tomatoes simmer in butter with garlic, they become soft, releasing their sweet juices. Combined with crayfish and saffron, this dish becomes incredibly tasty.

Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO.

Personalize this recipe

This dish is super flexible! No crayfish? Use shrimp instead. Want to make it fancier? Try lobster. Not a saffron fan? Skip it, or use a pinch of turmeric! You can also switch up the ravioli filling to your liking, such as burrata, three cheeses, asparagus, or ricotta and spinach.

What is a crayfish?

If you’re a fan of shellfish but haven’t yet tried crayfish, you’re in for a treat! Crayfish, also known as crawfish, are small crustaceans that primarily found in freshwater like rivers or streams. They closely look like miniature sized lobsters. Their taste is often likened to a mix of lobster, crab and shrimp flavors. Compared to shrimp, crayfish tend to be more tender and boast a sweet, slightly salty and mineral-rich flavor.

Ingredients for ravioli with crayfish sauce

Ravioli: Opt for ravioli filled with your preferred flavors, such as creamy burrata, a blend of three cheeses, asparagus or classic ricotta and spinach.
Cherry Tomatoes: If unavailable, grape tomatoes make a great substitute.
Crayfish: Add a luxurious texture. If unavailable or for a different twist, substitute with lobster or shrimp.
Butter: Adds richness that balances the tomatoes’ acidity, creating a sauce that’s almost creamy and velvety.
Seasoning: A blend of salt, pepper, dried oregano, and saffron enhances the flavors. If saffron is unavailable, omit it or use ground turmeric as a substitute.
Garlic and Shallot: Effortlessly infuse lots of flavor into the dish.
Vegetarian Broth: Chicken or fish broth can also be used as alternatives.
Lemon Juice: Elevates the overall taste profile with a refreshing zing.
Chives: Provide a fresh, colorful finishing touch. Alternatively, parsley can be used for a similar effect.

Helpful tips

Enhance Flavor: To elevate the flavor profile, consider deglazing the skillet with dry white wine. This adds complexity to your dish.
You can swap ravioli for other types of pasta like tortellini or orecchiette.
Serve as main course (4 servings), or as a starter (8 servings).

How to store ravioli?

Fridge: Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Transfer ravioli to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight, than reheat in a nonstick pan over medium until heated through.