Easy Ravioli Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your pasta dishes, you’ve come to the right place! This easy ravioli sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet simple. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this sauce will impress everyone at the table.

What I love most about this easy ravioli sauce is its versatility; while it’s fantastic with ravioli, it also works wonderfully with any pasta you have on hand. Let’s dive into why this recipe is one of my favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can have a warm, hearty meal ready to serve.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Use: While it shines with ravioli, feel free to toss it with any pasta or use it as a base for other dishes!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare this sauce in advance and reheat it when needed.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Simple ingredients mean that you know exactly what’s going into your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this easy ravioli sauce, you’ll find that the ingredients are all simple and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious sauce:

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

This recipe is so flexible that you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Swap the Cream: For a lighter version, try using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh basil or parsley can be stirred in just before serving for a burst of freshness.

How to Make Easy Ravioli Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking them for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is crucial because sautéing brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and infuses your sauce with aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Next, add the tomato paste to your pot and cook it for about 1 minute. This step deepens the tomato flavor and helps create a rich base for your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Now it’s time to add in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream during the last two minutes of cooking. This addition makes your sauce luscious and creamy—perfect for coating each piece of ravioli or pasta.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve your easy ravioli sauce over cooked ravioli or any pasta of your choice! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Ravioli Sauce

Making a delicious sauce can be simple and rewarding, especially when you keep a few handy tips in mind!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions bring out the best flavors. They add depth and aroma that dried spices can’t replicate.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving! A little extra salt or a pinch more sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
• Experiment with herbs: If you love basil or parsley, feel free to toss in some fresh herbs at the end of cooking. This adds a bright flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully.
• Make it your own: Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. You can also swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative if desired.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have any sauce left over, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for later use.

How to Serve Easy Ravioli Sauce

This easy ravioli sauce is not only perfect for ravioli but also a versatile addition to many pasta dishes! Here are some great ideas on how to present this delightful sauce.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds both color and a burst of flavor that elevates your dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: While avoiding animal-derived products, you can use nutritional yeast as a cheesy substitute that adds umami without compromising on taste.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of your delicious sauce. It’s simple to make and complements pasta wonderfully.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich ravioli sauce. Plus, it’s an easy way to add more veggies to your meal!
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots brings out their natural sweetness, making them a delightful side alongside your pasta.
• Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also offers a nutritious boost, balancing out the creamy richness of the sauce.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your Easy Ravioli Sauce! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy ravioli sauce is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it come together quickly, but it also stores beautifully, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Here’s how to make the most of your delicious sauce.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date so you remember when you made it!

Freezing

• Portion out the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Squeeze out any excess air from bags before sealing them shut.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For a quick option, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until hot.

FAQs

Have questions about this easy ravioli sauce? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries to help you out.

Can I use this Easy Ravioli Sauce for other types of pasta?

Absolutely! This easy ravioli sauce works wonderfully with any pasta shape you prefer. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or even gnocchi, feel free to mix and match!

How long does Easy Ravioli Sauce last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this easy ravioli sauce can last up to 4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool down before refrigerating!

Can I make this Easy Ravioli Sauce without heavy cream?

Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. This will still give your sauce that lovely creamy texture.

Is there a way to spice up this Easy Ravioli Sauce?

Definitely! You can add red pepper flakes for a little heat or toss in some fresh basil or parsley for added flavor. Feel free to get creative with herbs and spices!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this easy ravioli sauce as much as I do. Its rich and creamy texture is sure to elevate your pasta dishes and bring warmth to your table. Don’t hesitate to try different variations and make it your own! Happy cooking, and may every bite be delicious!