Easy Ravioli Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious sauce to elevate your pasta night, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Ravioli Sauce is a cherished recipe in my kitchen. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with tomato flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this sauce is perfect for creating warm memories around the dinner table.

What I love most about this Easy Ravioli Sauce is how effortlessly it comes together in just 30 minutes. You can toss it with ravioli or any pasta you have on hand, and it always delivers that comforting Italian flair!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy tomato goodness that pairs perfectly with their favorite pasta.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This sauce stores well in the fridge, so you can make extra for those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore.
• Versatile Flavor: While fantastic with ravioli, this sauce shines on any type of pasta, making it your go-to for various dishes.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with wholesome pantry staples, this recipe proves that great taste doesn’t need complicated ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Easy Ravioli Sauce. You might already have these 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 best things about this Easy Ravioli Sauce is its flexibility! Here are some tasty variations you might enjoy:

• Add Some Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!
• Use Fresh Herbs: Swap dried Italian seasoning with fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic twist.
• Creamy Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Easy Ravioli Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is crucial because caramelizing the onions enhances their sweetness and builds a flavorful base.

Step 2: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about 1 minute. Cooking the paste helps deepen its flavor and makes your sauce even richer.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Now, pour in the chicken stock along with the diced tomatoes (don’t forget to include all that juicy goodness!). Sprinkle in sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 4: Creamy Finish

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for another 2 minutes. The addition of cream gives your sauce that luscious texture that clings perfectly to each ravioli.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your wonderful Easy Ravioli Sauce over cooked ravioli or your pasta of choice. Savor every bite as you relish this comforting dish made with love! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Ravioli Sauce

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Easy Ravioli Sauce turns out absolutely perfect every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic enhance the overall flavor of the sauce, making it more vibrant and delicious.

• Adjust the seasoning: Tasting your sauce as it cooks allows you to customize the seasonings according to your palate. Feel free to add more Italian seasoning or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a kick!

• Simmer for depth: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a bit longer helps meld the flavors beautifully. The longer cook time develops a rich, complex taste that elevates your dish.

• Cream alternative: If you’re looking to make this recipe lighter, you can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free milk thickened with cornstarch, which will still give you that creamy texture.

• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover sauce, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so feel free to make a double batch!

How to Serve Easy Ravioli Sauce

Now that you have this delightful sauce ready to go, let’s talk about how to present it beautifully on your table!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the tomato base.

• Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative): Grated Parmesan cheese gives a rich umami flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using a plant-based Parmesan substitute.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. It’s easy to make at home by spreading butter and minced garlic over sliced bread before baking until golden.

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ravioli sauce. Toss together your favorite greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for added crunch.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus brings out their natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while providing a nice texture contrast. Its mild flavor complements the sauce without overwhelming it.

Enjoy creating your own variations and serving this Easy Ravioli Sauce in ways that suit your taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy ravioli sauce is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch and store it for quick dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the sauce cool entirely.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to prevent splatters.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this easy ravioli sauce:

Can I use this Easy Ravioli Sauce with other pasta types?

Absolutely! This easy ravioli sauce pairs wonderfully with any pasta shape you prefer, not just ravioli. It’s versatile enough to elevate your favorite noodle dishes!

How long does Easy Ravioli Sauce last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this easy ravioli sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you store it!

Can I make Easy Ravioli Sauce dairy-free?

Yes! To make this easy ravioli sauce dairy-free, simply substitute heavy cream with a plant-based alternative such as coconut cream or cashew cream. The flavor will still be delightful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this easy ravioli sauce! It’s rich, creamy, and sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it over homemade ravioli or any pasta of your choice, this recipe will surely become a favorite. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to share your results with loved ones!