Ravioli with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The fresh ravioli provides a soft and comforting bite, while the creamy tomato sauce enhances the flavors with roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a touch of parmesan. The added kick from chili flakes and the depth of flavor bring the sauce to life. It’s easy to make, yet feels indulgent—ideal for busy nights when you want something special.

Ingredients

Base:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 500 g (1.1 lbs) fresh ravioli (any filling you like)

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Seasoning:

• ½ tsp Italian herbs

• ½ tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp tomato purée (tomato paste for US)

• 90 ml (⅓ cup) apple juice or vegetable broth

Sauce:

• 100 g (3.5 oz) roasted cherry tomato halves (store-bought or homemade)

• 120 ml (½ cup) chicken stock

• 90 ml (⅓ cup) double (heavy) cream

• 90 g (3 packed cups) baby spinach

• 50 g (½ cup) grated parmesan cheese

To Finish:

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

2. Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, add the ravioli and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. Seasoning: Add the Italian herbs, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir in the tomato purée (paste) and apple juice or vegetable broth. Cook for 1 more minute, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the roasted cherry tomatoes, chicken stock, and cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the ravioli is heated through. Cut one open to check that it’s fully cooked.

5. Finish the Dish: Add the spinach and parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

6. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cooking time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Notes

• Ravioli Filling: You can use any filling for the ravioli—cheese, mushroom, or meat all work wonderfully with this sauce.

• Vegan Version: For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use vegan cheese for the parmesan.

• Leftovers: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or stock to loosen up the sauce.

Variations

• Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce for more texture and flavor.

• Spicy Kick: If you like extra spice, add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a fiery kick.

• Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy experience, top the ravioli with more grated parmesan or mozzarella before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat, adding a little extra cream or stock to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen ravioli. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

Can I substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock?

Yes, vegetable stock is a great substitute for chicken stock if you prefer a vegetarian version.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more spice, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bolder flavor.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

While the sauce is quick to make, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the ravioli.

Can I make this dish with fresh pasta instead of dried spaghetti?

You can, but fresh pasta cooks faster than dried, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Conclusion

This Ravioli with Creamy Tomato Sauce is an easy and satisfying meal that combines comfort food with fresh flavors. The rich sauce, with its combination of roasted tomatoes, creamy texture, and savory parmesan, complements the ravioli beautifully. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress!