Cheese Ravioli Companions: Delicious Side Dish Ideas

what to serve with four cheese ravioli

Four-cheese ravioli is a hearty, comforting dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. The ravioli itself is a rich combination of Italian cheeses, such as ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and pecorino, wrapped in homemade pasta dough. To complement this indulgent dish, a light side salad is recommended, as well as a variety of sauces, such as marinara, pesto cream, or a fragrant rosemary butter sauce. For an extra cheesy touch, garlic bread with cheese is also a popular choice.

Characteristics Values
Cheese filling Ricotta, Romano, mozzarella, gorgonzola, Fontina, provolone, Parmesan, pecorino, cheddar, cream cheese
Other ingredients Fresh basil, roasted garlic, egg, parsley, red pepper flakes, spinach, rosemary, pine nuts
Sauce Marinara, pesto cream, rosemary butter, cream and Parmesan, cream cheese and Parmesan
Accompaniments Salad, garlic bread with cheese

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Rosemary butter sauce

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Pine nuts
  • Rosemary
  • Four-cheese ravioli

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large pan.
  • Add the pine nuts and cook for 2 minutes, until they start to brown.
  • Add the rosemary and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the pine nuts are toasted and the rosemary is slightly browned and crisp.
  • Boil the ravioli in a large pot of salted water for 2-3 minutes, or until the pasta floats to the surface.
  • Divide the ravioli between serving bowls and spoon the rosemary butter sauce over the top.

Tips and Variations

  • You can add a splash of white wine and some chicken broth to the sauce for extra flavour, as suggested by Half Baked Harvest.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • If you want a more indulgent dish, try adding some cream or cream cheese to the sauce.

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Warm marinara sauce

To prepare the warm marinara sauce, you can use a store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch. If using a store-bought sauce, opt for a reputable brand with a flavourful and well-balanced taste. Warm the sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through—this should take around five minutes.

If you prefer to make your own marinara sauce, you can create a simple yet delicious option by combining crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, and oregano. You can also add a touch of red wine and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavour. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and the flavours meld together.

When serving the four-cheese ravioli with warm marinara sauce, there are a few presentation options. You can plate the ravioli and drizzle the warm sauce on top, ensuring each ravioli pocket is coated generously. Alternatively, you can gently toss the ravioli in the warm sauce before plating, creating a cohesive dish where each bite is infused with the tomatoey goodness of the marinara.

For an extra indulgent touch, consider finishing the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. This adds a layer of complexity to the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. Remember to serve the ravioli while it's still warm to fully enjoy the flavours and textures of this delightful combination.

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Salad

Four-cheese ravioli is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of salads. Here are some salad ideas to accompany your four-cheese ravioli:

Ravioli Salad

A popular option is to make a salad with the ravioli itself. Mix cheese-filled ravioli with pepperoni, provolone, artichoke hearts, banana pepper rings, and olives. Toss in Italian seasoning and a zesty Italian dressing. This salad is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for summer.

House Salad with Balsamic Mustard Dressing

This salad is a go-to option as it is fresh, easy to prepare, and customizable. The balsamic vinegar dressing adds a tangy flavour.

Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

This salad takes a classic Caesar salad and elevates it with roasted shredded Brussels sprouts, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and everything bagel croutons. It pairs well with ravioli and adds a brunch-inspired twist.

Strawberry Caprese Salad

For a springtime meal, a strawberry caprese salad is a fun alternative to the classic tomato caprese. It offers a sweet and salty balance and can be made with mozzarella cheese and ripe strawberries or tomatoes.

Garden Salad

A simple garden salad with greens, vegetables, and a light dressing can complement the richness of the four-cheese ravioli. You can include vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and asparagus.

These salad suggestions provide a range of options to accompany your four-cheese ravioli, offering different flavours, textures, and levels of complexity to suit your preferences and occasion.

Cheese and Nuts: The Perfect Pairing

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Garlic bread

Firstly, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or tinfoil. For the bread, choose a loaf of Italian or French bread to get those nice thick slices. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place it cut-side up on the baking sheet.

In a medium bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt together until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the bread. If you want to add cheese to your garlic bread, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella on top.

Bake the bread for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown on the edges. If you like your garlic bread crispy, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't get too toasted. Slice the bread into 1-inch pieces and serve it with your four-cheese ravioli.

For a vegan option, simply substitute regular butter with vegan butter and add your favourite vegan cheese. This garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Pesto cream sauce

Four-cheese ravioli is a delicious dish that can be made even more indulgent with a pesto cream sauce. This sauce is simple to make and can be served with a variety of sides.

To make the pesto cream sauce, start by cooking your ravioli according to the package instructions. While the ravioli is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing together pesto and heavy cream. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto; just be sure to choose a brand with visible chunks of pine nuts, garlic, and cheese, and avoid ones that are too oily or too dry. For the cream, you can use either heavy cream or half-and-half, depending on your preference. Combine equal parts of the pesto and cream, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of each, and mix well.

Once the ravioli is cooked, reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta. Then, add the ravioli to the pesto cream sauce and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. You can also add some chopped chicken to the sauce for a heartier dish.

To make this dish even more decadent, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, such as a white bean salad or panzanella. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this four-cheese ravioli with pesto cream sauce!

Frequently asked questions

Four cheese ravioli is quite a filling dish, so it is best paired with light side dishes such as a salad. Garlic bread is also a good option, especially if you add cheese to it.

A warm marinara sauce is a good option to serve with four cheese ravioli. You can also make a sauce with butter, rosemary, pine nuts, and garlic. Another option is a pesto cream sauce.

A mineral, full-bodied Italian white wine would pair well with four cheese ravioli.

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