Easy Ravioli Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy ravioli sauce is quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. It combines basic pantry ingredients like butter, garlic, and cream, yet creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats ravioli beautifully. It's simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for dinner parties. The best part? It can be customized with a variety of herbs and spices to suit your taste, making it the ultimate versatile sauce.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (from the cooked ravioli)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown.

2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

3. Once the cream is heated through, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt, creating a creamy sauce.

4. Add the dried basil, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.

5. To thin the sauce, add a little reserved pasta water from the cooked ravioli. Stir until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Pour the sauce over your cooked ravioli, and toss to coat evenly.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes enough sauce for 4 servings of ravioli.

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add herbs: You can swap the basil for thyme, oregano, or rosemary to give the sauce a different flavor.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the sauce a little heat.

• Mushroom ravioli: For added flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for a richer, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with ravioli.

• Lemon zest: A small amount of fresh lemon zest can brighten the sauce and balance out the richness of the cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little more cream or pasta water to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To mimic the creamy texture, you can add a little bit of flour to thicken the sauce.

2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

3. What type of ravioli works best with this sauce?

This sauce pairs well with any type of ravioli, whether it’s cheese, meat, or vegetable-filled.

4. Can I freeze the sauce?

While it's best fresh, you can freeze the sauce for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the texture.

5. How do I make this sauce thicker?

If you'd like a thicker sauce, simply cook it for a little longer to reduce the cream, or add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it up.

6. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan cheese tends to melt better and adds a more robust flavor to the sauce.

7. Can I make this sauce without butter?

If you're looking for a dairy-free version, you can use olive oil instead of butter. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly.

8. How can I make this sauce lighter?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.

9. What should I do if the sauce is too salty?

If the sauce turns out too salty, you can add a bit of extra cream or a splash of water to balance the flavors.

10. Can I add vegetables to this sauce?

Yes, vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This easy ravioli sauce is a game-changer when it comes to weeknight meals or impressing guests. It’s quick, creamy, and can be customized with your favorite flavors. Whether you’re making a classic cheese ravioli or something more adventurous, this sauce will take your dish to the next level. Enjoy!

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