Easy Ravioli Sauce
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that will make your family smile, then this Easy Ravioli Sauce is just what you need! This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s not only rich and flavorful but also so easy to whip up. In just 30 minutes, you can have a warm, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with ravioli or any pasta of your choice. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this sauce always hits the spot!
The best part? You’ll likely find yourself using this Easy Ravioli Sauce for a variety of dishes beyond just ravioli. It’s versatile, comforting, and packed with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You can have this delicious sauce ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good pasta dish! This sauce is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Use: While it’s fantastic with ravioli, you can easily use it with any pasta or even as a base for other dishes.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and cream creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this sauce in advance and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that delicious depth of flavor. Luckily, these are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Easy Ravioli Sauce is how flexible it is! Feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra boost of nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes while cooking for an exciting kick.
- Use Different Creams: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Herb It Up: Fresh basil or parsley added at the end will brighten up the sauce and enhance its flavor.
How to Make Easy Ravioli Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it brings out their natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 2: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Next, add the tomato paste to the pot and cook it for 1 minute. This helps caramelize the paste slightly, enhancing its rich tomato flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the chicken stock and diced tomatoes along with sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing it to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes so all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in Heavy Cream
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This adds that luscious creaminess we love in sauces!
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Serve your Easy Ravioli Sauce over cooked ravioli or any pasta you prefer. Enjoy every spoonful!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Ravioli Sauce
Creating a delicious sauce can be a breeze with a few handy tips!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions bring vibrant flavors to your sauce, enhancing the overall taste and making each bite delightful.
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Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone has different preferences, so don’t hesitate to taste your sauce as it simmers! A pinch more salt or a dash of extra Italian seasoning can make all the difference.
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Experiment with cream alternatives: If you’re looking to lighten the dish, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream. These alternatives provide richness without compromising on flavor.
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Add vegetables for extra nutrition: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers while cooking for added nutrients and texture. Plus, it makes the dish even more colorful!
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Make it ahead of time: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat when you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Ravioli Sauce
Serving this easy ravioli sauce is simple yet rewarding! Here are some ideas that will impress your family or guests.
Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves: Tear a few leaves and sprinkle them on top for a burst of freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For those who enjoy cheese, sprinkle some on top just before serving for added flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: If you like a bit of heat, add this as a finishing touch to give your sauce an extra kick.
Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with homemade dressing and croutons provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy ravioli.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition, balancing out the meal beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized make for an excellent side dish that complements the richness of the sauce wonderfully.
Enjoy crafting this easy ravioli sauce into a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing!
Make Ahead and Storage
This easy ravioli sauce is not just quick to prepare; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch in advance, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week or even longer.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Freezing
- Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Label with the date and contents before sealing.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Have some questions? Here are answers to common queries about this delicious Easy Ravioli Sauce!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 2-3 cups chopped tomatoes. Just remember to cook them down until they break apart and soften.
How can I make this Easy Ravioli Sauce healthier?
For a lighter version, try substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This will still give you that creamy texture but with fewer calories.
What can I serve with Easy Ravioli Sauce besides ravioli?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with any pasta type, such as penne or fettuccine. It also makes a great topping for baked dishes like lasagna or stuffed peppers!
Final Thoughts
This easy ravioli sauce is truly a gem in your kitchen arsenal—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Whether you’re tossing it with your favorite pasta or using it in another dish, I’m sure it’ll bring warmth and happiness to your table. Happy cooking!
Easy Ravioli Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately four servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Whip up this delicious Easy Ravioli Sauce in just 30 minutes! Perfect for pasta lovers—try it tonight for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic for about 4-5 minutes until soft.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in chicken stock and diced tomatoes along with sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve over cooked ravioli or your favorite pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup sauce (60g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
