When it came to creating delicious special for my restaurant menu my Shrimp Scampi Ravioli was a customer favorite. My job as a chef was to create mouth-watering dishes that were cost-effective, giving my customers a taste of higher-end ingredients without breaking the bank.
And my Ravioli Scampi is a prime example of an inexpensive restaurant-style dish that you can easily prepare in your kitchen in less than 30 minutes.
I was lucky enough to have access to a small company hand made cheese ravioli, tortellini and other hand-made pasta. It saved me the time and effort of making these and helped keep the costs down. Time is money and time is something we never seem to have enough of.
These days you can find fresh pasta including ravioli at most grocery stores. You’ll usually find them in the dairy section. They’re about as close to homemade as you can get, and even some of the frozen ravioli (which I used) are pretty darn good and less expensive.
What Ingredients do I need to make Ravioli and Shrimp Scampi?
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Ravioli and Shrimp Scampi. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
Do I have to use mushrooms in my sauce?
No, you don’t. You can also leave out the tomatoes. Both are added to increase the volume of the dish, add some flavor and add color and texture. If you prefer a simple garlic sauce, it’s all up to you.
How do I make Ravioli Shrimp Scampi?
The shrimp scampi will take 8-10 minutes to cook. Have your salted boiling water ready to cook the ravioli so both are done about the same time.
- Over medium high heat place a large sautรฉ pan, add the olive oil and sliced mushrooms. Saute the mushrooms until they are half way cooked.
- Add the shrimp and garlic to the pan and continue to saute the ingredients. Add more olive oil if needed. Cook the shrimp till about half way done.
- Add the chicken stock and stir the ingredients to remove any bits stuck to the pan..
- Press the butter into the flour getting as much flour pressed in as you can. (this is called a beurre manie) place this into the hot stock with the tomatoes and mix together. This will thicken the stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add the grated Romano cheese, chopped parsely and black pepper. Mix well.
Serve the shrimp scampi over the cooked ravioli and garnish with additional chopped parsley and grated cheese.
Can I use wine in my scampi sauce?
A dry white wine is often added to a scampi sauce and would be added before the chicken stock. The wine will add a little flavor and deglaze the pan.
Just think, this amazing Ravioli Scampi costs less to make per person than the price of most fast-food value meals and takes minutes to prepare.
Staying home for dinner doesn’t have to be boring, and not only do you save money, but you eat better. I hope you give this meal a try, just add a loaf of good Italian bread and a salad and you’ll be in heaven.
Recipe FAQ’s
Classical Shrimp scampi is made with a simple sauce ofย garlic, butter, and white wine and can contain many different added ingredients. You’ll often find capers and lemon juice added for one variety of scampi sauce, while mine includes tomatoes and mushrooms. It’s all about personal tastes and your creativity.
Rolling softened butter in flour is the best way to thicken any pan sauce including a scampi sauce. The butter makes the sauce richer and is a much better option than cornstarch.
If your shrimp come out tough and rubbery, you have cooked them too long. If you’re afraid of overcooking the shrimp, remove them from the pan when they are almost done. When the dish is complete add the shrimp back into the pan to finish cooking.
Maria
I love shrimp scampi!!! Its so funny but my husband’s grandmother is in her 90s and this weekend told the chef in her retirement center that she would like the way he made shrimp scampi, if he left out the garlic. After a long explanation that garlic is a key ingredient in scampi, she was not having it. Its so funny that I came across this post today after a weekend spent navigating her food hang-ups;) This version with ravioli looks super delicious. I’m a huge fan of all things cheesy, garlicky, and pasta.
Chef Dennis Littley
Hi Maria
There are so many recipes for scampi that the chef should just accommodate your grandmother, especially given her age. My wife is the same way, she likes the taste of garlic but won’t eat the pieces and picks them out. I hope you get to try my Ravioli Scampi its one of our favorites at home.
Mary Dovey
Hi Dennis! I usually read your recipes and drool, but this one stuck with me, especially when the dear ole Acme had jumbo shrimp on sale for $7.99 a pound. This turned out delicious! I’d never mashed four and butter before; I sure will in the future! That was like a thickening miracle. Love your ideas!
Chef Dennis Littley
hi Mary
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, it really takes ravioli to another level!
Candace @ Cabot
I’m giving this one an A+! Can’t wait to try it.
Chef Dennis Littley
Thank you Candace!
Katy
So good!! I swapped the cheese for goat cheese and it made the sauce soo creamy. I also added basil and oregano for seasoning. Excellently written out recipe, was super easy to follow as I went ๐
Ozaer N.
Excellent recipe….however, is there a shortcut I could take by just putting a jar of Alfredo sauce? (i.e Trader Joes has a good one)?
Chef Dennis Littley
you could do that, it just wouldn’t be a scampi sauce anymore.
Little Cooking Tips
Just tried it. Amazing dish Chef! Thank you, it was really a wonderful meal!
Chef Dennis Littley
thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Little Cooking Tips
Thank you Chef, now we know what we ‘re having for lunch today!:):) Also, a big thank you for teaching us beurre manie (at first we thought it was roux) ๐ !
Baker B
Thank you, Chef Dennis! I wanted to try something new and I just made this for dinner tonight. My husband loved it! I will be adding this recipe to my favorite recipe’s box. I would like to thank you from my kitchen to your restaurant kitchen for sharing your delicious recipe.
Thx,
Baker B
Chef Dennis Littley
You’re very welcome, I’m happy to hear your husband enjoyed it, it was always one of my favorites!
Miss Kim @ behgopa
Hi Chef Dennis! This looks really delish. It’s my first time checking out your blog, but I am so glad I found it! I have come across tons of food blogs by foodies and home cooks. And many of them are fabulous, but I really wanted to find blogs by professional chefs and read about their experiences in the professional kitchen. There is always so much madness going on and I think chefs always have some fascinating stories to share. In my kitchen, there’s always something whacky going on! That’s the food industry for ya.
I look forward to reading more of your blog…and even asking questions in the near future!
Chef Dennis
Thanks Kim, I’m happy you found my blog and do tell my kitchen stories from time to time, and some stories about my training.
Mr. & Mrs. P
What a beautiful looks meal!!! Who wouldn’t love this?
Kath
I’m sure the flavors are fantastic, and visually it’s gorgeous! Paying attention to the presentation is another key to Restaurant Style meals! ๐
RavieNomNoms
Oh wow! This looks fantastic chef!
Larry
Another fantastic meal Dennis. I believe I could just cook your posted recipes and be perfectly happy.
Jennifer-The Adventuresome Kitchen
Ravioli is one of the pastas I would love to figure out how to make gluten-free. This is a great combination of flavors, and you’ve inspired me to do a little experimentation in the kitchen! In the meantime, I’ll be pouring this over gluten-free penne!
Sue
This is a recipe I will try on guest – thanks
Betty Ann @Mango_Queen
I’m drooling over your description! Makes me want to go get some fresh shrimp to make these right now. It’s only breakfast time, but I’m already thinking of dinner. Thanks for sharing this great shrimp scampi recipe, one of my faves! Happy weekend, Chef Dennis!