Cheese Ravioli: Best Sauce Pairings

There are many different sauces that can be paired with cheese ravioli. The type of sauce often depends on the filling of the ravioli and personal preference. A simple cream sauce is a popular choice, as it complements the cheese filling without overwhelming the dish. Other sauce options include pesto, marinara, and olive oil-based sauces. Some recipes incorporate additional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish.

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Creamy sauces

If you're looking for a creamy sauce to go with your cheese ravioli, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas for creamy sauces that will complement your cheese ravioli perfectly:

Creamy Pesto Sauce

For a simple yet delicious creamy pesto sauce, start by cooking garlic and pesto in olive oil. Once fragrant, stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Finally, whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. This sauce pairs well with four-cheese ravioli, especially if it includes cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone.

Creamy Tomato Sauce

For a creamy tomato sauce, you can combine butter, garlic, flour, tomato paste, onion powder, basil, oregano, mustard powder, chicken broth, half-and-half, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes. Start by melting the butter and cooking the garlic, then whisk in the flour. Add the tomato paste, spices, and broth, followed by the half-and-half. Stir in the cream cheese and diced tomatoes, and adjust the consistency with reserved tomato juice if needed. This creamy tomato sauce is an excellent choice for cheese ravioli, adding a hint of tomato flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

If you're looking for a sun-dried tomato twist, try a creamy sauce flavored with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic. This sauce can be prepared in just five minutes and will add a burst of flavor to your cheese ravioli.

Butternut Squash Cream Sauce

For a unique and punchy flavor, a butternut squash cream sauce is an excellent choice. This sauce pairs particularly well with cheese ravioli, offering a smooth and luxurious texture with a distinct taste.

When preparing creamy sauces for cheese ravioli, it's essential to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as it melts better and enhances the flavor of the dish. These sauces are sure to impress and can be easily adapted to your taste preferences.

Tomato-based sauces

For cheese ravioli, a simple cream sauce is a good option. You can make a basic cream sauce by heating olive oil in a pan, adding garlic and stirring in heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer before whisking in grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add basil and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour.

If you want a tomato-based sauce, a simple tomato and basil sauce can complement the cheese ravioli. You can make this sauce by sautéing garlic in olive oil, adding tomato paste, onion powder, basil, oregano, and mustard powder. Stir in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce.

Another option for a tomato-based sauce is a marinara sauce, which is a simple and classic choice for ravioli. You can make a basic marinara sauce by simmering garlic and onion in olive oil, then adding crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to your tomato-based sauce, such as spinach, black pepper, or fresh herbs. Additionally, you can top your cheese ravioli with a combination of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper for a simpler option.

Pesto

You can use store-bought pesto or make your own. To make a simple pesto sauce, you will need fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simply blend all the ingredients together until smooth, adding more olive oil as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

For a pesto ravioli dish, you can combine the pesto with cream for a richer sauce. Boil your ravioli according to the package instructions. While the ravioli is cooking, mix together your pesto and cream, adding a little pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed. You can also add a little lemon zest to the sauce for a brighter flavour. Drain the ravioli and gently toss it with the pesto-cream sauce.

You can also add vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, peas, asparagus, or broccoli. Simply sauté some shallots in olive oil, add the pesto sauce and vegetables, and stir to combine. Then, add a ladle of pasta water and the cream, followed by the cooked ravioli.

This pesto ravioli dish is a quick and easy meal that can be made in less than 15 minutes and is a great way to elevate a simple cheese ravioli.

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Spinach and ricotta

For spinach and ricotta ravioli, a simple cream sauce is a good option. This sauce is made with roasted garlic, browned butter, chicken stock, and heavy cream. You can also add some fresh basil, fresh sage, or minced garlic to the butter sauce for extra flavour.

To make the sauce, start by roasting the garlic and browning the butter to bring out sweet, nutty flavours that complement the filling. Then, add the heavy cream, season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until melted. If the sauce is too runny, you can add more cheese or a mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken it.

Meat-stuffed ravioli sauces

For meat-stuffed ravioli, a simple tomato and basil sauce is a great option. This sauce is easy to make and can be enhanced with garlic for extra flavour. A classic Italian red sauce or a three-ingredient tomato sauce are also excellent choices for meat-stuffed ravioli.

If you're looking for something a little different, a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic is a delicious option. You can also experiment with adding a teaspoon of hot sauce to add a bit of spice without making it too spicy.

Another option is to fry the ravioli in garlic-infused olive oil before adding your favourite sauce. This technique adds a unique texture and flavour to the dish.

When serving meat-stuffed ravioli, a fresh green salad or a Caprese Salad on the side is a perfect complement. Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper can also be added to enhance the flavour and presentation of the dish.

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