Ravioli is a great option for busy weeknights when you need to quickly get dinner on the table. Pair ravioli with delicious sauces, side dishes, or salads to create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
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What is Ravioli?
Ravioli are square or circular pillows of pasta filled with cheese, meat, seafood, or vegetables. Common fillings include a variety of savory flavors, such as ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, spinach, mushroom, chicken, and sausage.
There are three different types of ravioli: fresh, frozen, and homemade. Both fresh and frozen varieties are readily available at supermarkets. If you enjoy making pasta from scratch, try this guide for homemade ravioli.
Fresh Ravioli
Fresh, pre-packaged ravioli can be found in the refrigerated deli section of your local supermarket. They come in a large variety of fillings, such as cheese, mushroom, lobster, and spinach, just to name a few.
Fresh ravioli cooks quickly and is good quality. Rana and Buitoni are popular, readily available brands. Some of my favorites include spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli and butternut squash ravioli.
Frozen Ravioli
Frozen ravioli can be found in the freezer section of the supermarket. Cheese and meat-filled ravioli are the most common. Frozen ravioli is a great staple to keep on hand for quick, last-minute meals.
Tips for Cooking Ravioli
- Cook the ravioli in well-salted water to impart flavor into the pasta itself.
- Be careful not to overcook ravioli. It cooks quickly and can burst open if overcooked. The ravioli will float to the top when it's done.
- Remove the ravioli one minute early if you are adding it to a sauce to cook for another minute.
Sauces and Condiments for Ravioli
Ravioli can be tossed with simple ingredients to create an easy and delicious main course. From a heavier cream sauce to a lighter sauce made with fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes, here are many delicious ideas.
- Fresh or jarred basil pesto
- Easy Ravioli Sauce: This reader favorite takes just 10 minutes to make!
- Jarred marinara sauce
- Butter or olive oil
- Brown butter sauce
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Pine nuts
- Alfredo sauce with evaporated milk: A 15-minute reader favorite made with just three ingredients.
- Sautéed veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, or shallots
Round out your meal with bread and a salad. Ravioli can also be served as a side dish. Pair it with steak, chicken, pork, or seafood.
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Easy Main Dish Recipes for Ravioli
Pumpkin Sage Ravioli - Pumpkin Sage Ravioli is a quick weeknight meal filled with fall flavors. Fresh (store-bought) ravioli adds to the ease of this dish.
Cheese Ravioli Sausage Bake - This no-boil baked pasta is an easy, fuss-free way to enjoy a hearty pasta dinner. Serve with garlic bread and a garden salad.
Ravioli Side Dishes
Ciabatta Garlic Bread - Flavorful garlic bread is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients. Ciabatta bread has a delicious crusty texture that pairs perfectly with soups, pasta, salads, and more.
Lemon Pepper Green Beans - If you're looking for a quick 10-minute side dish that is packed with freshness and flavor, look no further. Green Beans are perfect for weeknight dinners and holidays alike.
Best Salads to Serve with Ravioli
Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad - Slightly roasted shredded Brussels are tossed in homemade creamy Caesar dressing and topped with bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and everything bagel croutons. The flavors of Caesar salad are elevated with brunch inspiration.
Burrata Caprese Salad - This salad is full of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavor.
Seven Layer Salad - This salad is an updated take on a retro classic. Ideal as a make-ahead dish, the ingredients are layered on a platter with dressing on the side.
Blue Cheese Salad with Arugula, Apples, and Walnuts - Apples, walnuts, and cranberries top this arugula blue cheese salad with wonderful flavors and textures. Toss it with a homemade maple mustard dressing for the perfect accompaniment to any fall meal.
Tools I Use for Cooking Ravioli
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