Ravioli Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Ravioli is a beloved Italian dish consisting of square or circular pasta parcels filled with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables. A good sauce can elevate ravioli to a gourmet level, and one of the most popular choices is a creamy, flavorful sauce that complements the delicate pasta. In this guide, we’ll focus on a Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ravioli Sauce—rich, cheesy, and perfect for pairing with any type of ravioli filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ravioli Sauce:
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will result in a bitter flavor.
Step 2: Add the Broth
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any garlic bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream
Slowly add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Once the cream mixture starts to simmer, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of additional broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another few minutes to thicken.
Step 6: Final Touches
For extra flavor, you can stir in red pepper flakes, a pinch of nutmeg, or the lemon zest. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.
Step 7: Toss with Ravioli
Once the sauce is ready, gently toss the cooked ravioli in the sauce, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan on top.
Customizing Your Ravioli Sauce
This creamy Parmesan sauce is perfect as-is, but you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or the type of ravioli you’re serving. Here are some ideas for taking your sauce to the next level:
1 Add Vegetables
Incorporating vegetables into your sauce adds color, texture, and nutrients. Some great options include:
- Spinach: Add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach at the end of cooking, allowing it to wilt in the sauce.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic to add an earthy flavor.
- Peas: Stir in fresh or frozen peas just before serving for a pop of sweetness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.
2 Add Protein
For a more substantial dish, consider adding some protein to your ravioli sauce. Here are a few options:
- Grilled or Sautéed Chicken: Thinly sliced or shredded chicken works well in this creamy sauce.
- Italian Sausage: Browned crumbled sausage adds a spicy, savory kick.
- Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
3 Alternative Ingredients
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, try these alternative ingredients:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of heavy cream, and substitute a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheese.
- Gluten-Free: This sauce is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to use gluten-free ravioli if needed.
Other Ravioli Sauce Options
If you’re looking for alternatives to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, here are some other delicious ravioli sauce ideas:
1 Classic Tomato Sauce
A simple and flavorful tomato sauce is a great option for meat or cheese-filled ravioli. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil, add the tomatoes and herbs, and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning and toss with cooked ravioli.
2 Brown Butter Sage Sauce
This rich, nutty sauce pairs wonderfully with pumpkin, butternut squash, or ricotta ravioli:
- Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 8-10 fresh sage leaves, salt and pepper, grated Parmesan (optional).
- Instructions: Melt the butter over medium heat, then add the sage leaves. Cook until the butter turns a golden brown and the sage leaves become crispy. Remove from heat and drizzle over cooked ravioli.
3 Lemon Butter Sauce
Bright and tangy, this sauce is excellent for seafood or vegetable-stuffed ravioli:
- Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Melt the butter, sauté the garlic, add the lemon juice, zest, and broth, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Toss with ravioli and garnish with fresh herbs.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: Ravioli is delicate and can easily fall apart if overcooked. Be sure to follow package instructions, cooking it just until it floats to the top.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, grate fresh Parmesan rather than using pre-grated cheese, which can have a grainy texture.
- Taste as You Go: Make sure to taste the sauce frequently and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can always add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan to boost the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your ravioli and sauce with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. A glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ravioli with sauce can be stored together or separately.
- Freezing: You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months, but note that creamy sauces may separate when thawed. Stir thoroughly when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the sauce gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen it if necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove when ready to serve.
2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich and creamy as heavy cream.
3. What other cheeses can I use in the sauce?
You can experiment with other cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a soft cheese like Mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
Ravioli Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 package (16 oz) cheese or meat ravioli (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ravioli:
- Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Shallot:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic (and shallot if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, but not browned.
3. Add Cream and Broth:
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Parmesan and Seasoning:
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
5. Combine Ravioli and Sauce:
- Add the cooked ravioli to the sauce, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Optionally, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top.