Ravioli is an Italian dish that's loved by many for its delightful combination of tender pasta pockets filled with various fillings. Here are five simple yet mouthwatering ravioli recipes perfect for when you're short on time but still want a satisfying meal:
1. Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Sage Butter
Ingredients:
- Store-bought spinach and ricotta ravioli
- Butter
- Fresh sage leaves
- Parmesan cheese
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add ravioli, stirring gently to prevent sticking, and cook as per the packet instructions.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it begins to foam, add sage leaves, frying until crispy.
- Remove the ravioli from water when cooked, saving a splash of the pasta water.
- Add the ravioli to the butter and sage pan, tossing to coat. If needed, add some pasta water for a silky sauce.
- Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
🍝 Note: Using salted water to boil pasta enhances the flavor of the ravioli.
2. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter and Pecans
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash ravioli
- Butter
- Pecans, roughly chopped
- Sage leaves
- Parmesan or pecorino for serving
Steps:
- Boil butternut squash ravioli in salted water until tender, about 4 minutes.
- As the ravioli cooks, melt butter in a pan until it turns golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Add pecans, cooking until slightly toasted, then add sage leaves to crisp up.
- Drain ravioli, toss in the nutty sage butter, and plate.
- Finish with cheese and a light drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
🍁 Note: If you can't find butternut squash ravioli, consider making your own filling or substituting with pumpkin ravioli.
3. Lobster Ravioli with Lemon and White Wine Sauce
Ingredients:
- Lobster ravioli
- Butter
- Shallots, finely chopped
- White wine
- Heavy cream
- Fresh lemon juice
- Chives, chopped
Steps:
- Cook ravioli in boiling, salted water until they float to the top, approximately 4 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add shallots, and cook until translucent.
- Add white wine and simmer until reduced by half.
- Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, simmering to thicken. Add chives.
- Toss ravioli in the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
🍷 Note: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, enhancing the flavors of the lobster.
4. Mushroom Ravioli with Truffle Oil
Ingredients:
- Mushroom ravioli
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme leaves
- Parmesan
- Truffle oil
Steps:
- Boil mushroom ravioli until al dente.
- In a pan, heat olive oil, add garlic and thyme, cooking until aromatic.
- Add the cooked ravioli to the pan, gently mixing.
- Drizzle with truffle oil, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
🌿 Note: Truffle oil can be strong; start with a few drops and adjust according to taste.
5. Ravioli Primavera
Ingredients:
- Cheese ravioli
- Olive oil
- Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus
- Herbs like basil or parsley
- Parmesan
Steps:
- Boil ravioli in salted water until they rise.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil, add sliced vegetables, and sauté until tender.
- Add ravioli to the vegetables, tossing to combine.
- Finish with fresh herbs and cheese.
| Recipe | Preparation Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ricotta & Spinach | 10 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Butternut Squash | 15 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Lobster | 20 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Mushroom | 10 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Primavera | 15 minutes | 12 minutes |
In our journey through these ravioli recipes, we’ve explored the versatility and ease of preparing this classic Italian dish. Whether you’re in the mood for the simplicity of ricotta and spinach, the warmth of butternut squash, the luxury of lobster, the earthiness of mushrooms, or the fresh taste of primavera, ravioli can be tailored to your taste with minimal effort. These recipes not only offer a quick dinner solution but also ensure that your meal is packed with flavor, making any day feel like a special occasion.
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen for these recipes?
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Absolutely! Fresh ravioli often cooks faster than frozen, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I store leftover ravioli?
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Keep leftover ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in boiling water or microwave with a splash of water to revive the texture.
Can I make my own ravioli dough?
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Yes, making your own ravioli dough is fun and rewarding. Use 1 cup of “00” flour, 1 large egg, and a pinch of salt, knead until smooth, and let it rest before rolling out and filling.
