Homemade Ravioli Sauce Recipe: Silky Flavor Magic

Simmering with rich, aromatic flavors, this homemade ravioli sauce recipe promises a culinary journey that captures the essence of Italian comfort food.

Crafted with passion and simple ingredients, the sauce adds depth and soul to every delicate pasta pocket.

Each spoonful tells a story of tradition and love, blending robust tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a hint of garlic.

The velvety texture and vibrant colors make this sauce an irresistible companion to freshly made ravioli.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Gather your ingredients and let the magic of this sauce transport you straight to the heart of Italy.

Get ready to savor every luxurious bite.

Must-Have Ingredients for Ravioli Sauce

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation for sauce, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Flour: Creates smooth thickening agent, opt for all-purpose flour for consistent texture.

• Garlic: Delivers robust depth, select fresh cloves with firm, compact heads.
• Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness, ensure spice is fresh and fragrant.
• Basil: Introduces herbal brightness, choose vibrant green dried herbs.
• Oregano: Contributes earthy undertones, select high-quality Mediterranean variety.
• Mustard Powder: Generates mild tangy kick, look for finely ground options.

• Chicken Broth: Develops savory liquid base, select low-sodium for better control.
• Half and Half: Creates creamy consistency, use fresh dairy for smoothest texture.
• Tomato Juice: Provides optional sauce thinning liquid, reserve from diced tomatoes.

• Cream Cheese: Offers luxurious creaminess, soften at room temperature beforehand.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces bright freshness, drain well before adding.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty complexity, grate fresh for best melting.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds optional spicy dimension, sprinkle according to heat preference.

• Ravioli: Final star of dish, choose fresh or high-quality packaged version.

Cooking Tool for Ravioli Sauce Preparation

• Large high-walled skillet: Perfect for creating a creamy, rich sauce with even heat distribution.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions and consistent flavor.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Cutting board: Useful for any minor ingredient prep like chopping garlic or measuring spices.
• Colander: Needed to drain ravioli after cooking.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for any minor ingredient preparation.

How to Make Creamy Ravioli Sauce

• Butter Foundation

Create a warm, silky base by gently melting butter in a spacious skillet. Welcome fragrant garlic to dance and soften in the golden liquid, releasing its delightful aroma.

• Flavor Layers

Introduce a whisper of flour, allowing it to mingle with the butter. Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of herbs and seasonings – tomato paste, onion powder, basil, and oregano – creating a rich, complex backdrop.

• Liquid Symphony

Gradually invite chicken broth and creamy half and half into the skillet. Stir with care, watching the sauce transform into a smooth, velvety composition. Let it bubble and then settle into a gentle simmer.

• Cheese Embrace

Fold in softened cream cheese and sun-kissed diced tomatoes. Watch as the ingredients meld into a luxurious, creamy landscape. Keep the tomato liquid as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.

• Pasta Reunion

Cook ravioli until they’re perfectly tender. Gently nestle them into the waiting sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan like delicate snowflakes, letting it melt and bind everything together. A whisper of red pepper flakes adds a playful spark.

• Serving Magic

With a loving touch, combine ravioli and sauce. If needed, splash in reserved tomato juice to create the ideal texture. Your culinary masterpiece is ready to delight.

Ravioli Sauce Flavor Ideas & Swaps

• Chop fresh basil or oregano leaves and sprinkle them right before serving for a vibrant, garden-fresh taste explosion.
• Crumble crispy bacon or add cooked ground Italian sausage to elevate the sauce's richness and provide extra texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance – start with a pinch and gradually increase for personalized kick.
• Whisk the cream cheese thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smoother, more luxurious sauce consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 45 min

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 5

Serving Ravioli Sauce with Pasta

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place the creamy ravioli in a large, rustic ceramic serving dish that highlights the sauce's rich, golden color and inviting texture.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top, add a few red pepper flakes for heat, and grate extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch that enhances flavor and presentation.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy tomato sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay that balances the richness of the dish and cuts through the creamy texture.
• Side Dish Companions: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables to add freshness and balance the hearty ravioli sauce.

Store Ravioli Sauce the Way

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover ravioli in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm ravioli gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir carefully to distribute heat evenly and restore sauce's creamy consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Separate sauce and ravioli before freezing. Place in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Stays delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Portioning Hack: Divide sauce and ravioli into individual meal-sized portions before refrigerating. Makes quick weeknight dinners easier and reduces food waste significantly.

Silky Ravioli Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade ravioli sauce delivers authentic Italian comfort with rich, creamy elegance. Cheese-infused herbs and slow-simmered tomatoes combine for a luxurious pasta companion you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 oz (567 g) refrigerated ravioli
• 10 oz (283 g) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, juices reserved
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) half and half
• 3 tbsps (45 g) salted butter
• 3 tbsps (42 g) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup (33 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (15 g) tomato paste
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ¾ cup (180 ml) chicken broth
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and arrange workspace for efficient cooking, ensuring smooth sauce creation.
2. Roux Foundation: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, sauté minced garlic until golden and aromatic. Sprinkle flour, stirring consistently to develop a smooth base, then incorporate tomato paste, onion powder, basil, oregano, and mustard powder.
3. Liquid Integration: Gradually whisk chicken broth into the roux, preventing lumps. Stream half and half smoothly, maintaining continuous stirring until mixture becomes silky.
4. Sauce Development: Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a soft simmer. Fold cream cheese until fully melted, creating a rich, velvety texture. Drain diced tomatoes and fold into simmering sauce, allowing flavors to harmonize.
5. Ravioli Preparation: Cook ravioli in a separate pot according to package instructions, aiming for perfect al dente texture. Simultaneously, lower sauce temperature and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until smoothly integrated.
6. Final Assembly: Transfer cooked ravioli into sauce, gently coating each piece. Adjust consistency with reserved tomato liquid if needed. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and creamy.

Notes

• Precise Ingredient Prep: Arrange all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and prevent last-minute scrambling.
• Roux Mastery: Stir flour into butter consistently to avoid lumps and create a smooth base for sauce development.
• Liquid Integration Technique: Pour chicken broth and half-and-half gradually while whisking to prevent sauce separation and ensure silky texture.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Keep reserved tomato liquid handy to adjust sauce thickness, ensuring perfect coating for ravioli.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg