9 Best Ravioli Recipes: Delightful Fillings and Easy Preparation

Ravioli are a delightful pasta dish that can easily become the star of any meal. I appreciate how versatile they are, allowing for endless variations in fillings and sauces. In this article, I will share the nine best ravioli recipes that can bring together flavors and traditions from different cuisines.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting choice for a family dinner or an elegant dish for a special occasion, these recipes include something for everyone. I find that homemade ravioli can elevate any dining experience, making it feel more personal and special.

1. Classic Ricotta Ravioli

Classic ricotta ravioli are a delicious type of pasta that I enjoy making at home. They feature a rich, creamy filling made from ricotta cheese, which gives them a unique flavor and texture.

Making these ravioli is easier than it seems. With just a few basic ingredients, I can create an impressive dish. To start, I prepare the dough using flour and eggs, kneading it until smooth.

Next, I mix the filling. I use about 2 cups of ricotta cheese, adding salt, pepper, and some grated Parmesan for extra taste. I then roll out the dough into thin sheets.

I cut the sheets into squares and place a spoonful of filling in the center of each. To seal them, I fold the dough over the filling and press the edges tightly. This helps keep the filling inside.

After that, I boil the ravioli in salted water for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they float. They are ready when cooked through but still tender.

I often serve them with a simple sauce, like marinara or brown butter. Classic ricotta ravioli are a satisfying dish that showcases fresh, homemade pasta.

2. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

Spinach and ricotta ravioli is a classic Italian dish. The filling comes from fresh spinach mixed with creamy ricotta cheese. This combination creates a wonderful taste and texture.

Making spinach and ricotta ravioli is not very hard. It can be a fun cooking project. I find that it takes about 30 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook.

To make it, I start with fresh pasta dough. If I don’t have time to make dough, I can buy it from the store. Here are the steps I follow:

1. Prepare the filling: I mix cooked spinach, ricotta, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Roll out the dough: I roll the pasta dough thinly on a floured surface.
3. Cut the pasta: I cut the dough into squares or circles.
4. Fill the ravioli: I place a spoonful of filling on half of the shapes and fold them over.
5. Seal the edges: I press down the sides to make sure the filling stays inside.
6. Cook the ravioli: I boil them in salted water for about 3-4 minutes until they float.

This dish pairs well with a simple sauce like marinara or browned butter. It’s delicious and satisfying.

3. Lobster Ravioli with Cream Sauce

Lobster ravioli is a delicious pasta dish filled with tender lobster meat. The cream sauce adds richness and enhances the seafood flavor.

I find this recipe quite easy to make, especially with pre-made ravioli. This saves time while still delivering an impressive dish.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Ingredients: Gather lobster ravioli, heavy cream, garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Cook the Ravioli: Boil water in a pot. Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts.
5. Combine: Drain the ravioli and add them to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce.
6. Serve: Plate the ravioli and drizzle with extra sauce. I often add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.

This lobster ravioli with cream sauce is truly satisfying. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a comforting meal at home.

4. Butternut Squash Ravioli

Butternut squash ravioli is a delicious pasta dish filled with a creamy, sweet filling made from roasted butternut squash. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys comforting, seasonal flavors.

I find this recipe easy to make, especially with fresh pasta. It takes a bit of prep but is very rewarding.

To make butternut squash ravioli, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the filling: Roast 1 medium butternut squash until tender. Scoop out the flesh and mix it with ½ cup ricotta cheese, salt, and pepper.
2. Make the pasta: Roll out pasta dough into thin sheets.
3. Shape the ravioli: Place small mounds of filling on one sheet of pasta. Fold the pasta over and press to seal the edges.
4. Cook the ravioli: Boil a pot of salted water. Add the ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the top.

This dish pairs well with a simple sage brown butter sauce. Toss the cooked ravioli in browned butter and garnish with fresh sage.

5. Mushroom Ravioli with Truffle Oil

Mushroom ravioli with truffle oil is a rich and flavorful dish. The ravioli is filled with a mix of mushrooms, often combined with cheese. Truffle oil adds an earthy aroma that enhances the overall taste.

I find this recipe easy to make, even for home cooks. You can prepare the filling in about 30 minutes. Making the dough takes another 30 minutes, and cooking the ravioli only takes 5-7 minutes.

Here’s how I make it:

1. Prepare the Filling: Sauté 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms with garlic and olive oil until soft. Mix in 1 cup of ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Dough: Combine 2 cups of flour, 3 large eggs, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Assemble: Roll out the dough thin and cut into squares. Place a spoonful of filling on each square and fold to seal.
4. Cook the Ravioli: Boil in salted water for 5-7 minutes until they float.
5. Serve: Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

6. Beef Ravioli in Tomato Basil Sauce

Beef Ravioli in Tomato Basil Sauce is a delicious dish I enjoy making. Ravioli are pasta pockets filled with various ingredients, in this case, seasoned ground beef. The tomato basil sauce adds freshness and flavor.

Making this dish is relatively easy. I typically prepare the ravioli from scratch or use store-bought options for convenience. The sauce can be made in under 30 minutes.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Start by cooking the beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, around 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
2. Mix in chopped onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
3. Next, boil the ravioli according to package instructions, usually about 4-6 minutes for fresh or 8-10 minutes for frozen.
4. For the sauce, simmer crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil in a separate pan for about 10 minutes.
5. Combine the ravioli with the beef mixture, then pour the sauce over the top.

This dish is comforting and simple, perfect for any dinner.

7. Four Cheese Ravioli

Four Cheese Ravioli is a delicious pasta dish filled with a mix of cheeses. Common choices include ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fontina. This dish offers a rich, creamy flavor that cheese lovers will appreciate.

Making Four Cheese Ravioli can be easy, especially if you use store-bought pasta sheets. Fresh ravioli can also be made at home, but it requires a bit more time.

Here are some simple steps to prepare it:

1. Gather your ingredients: pasta sheets, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fontina.
2. Mix the cheeses in a bowl and add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place small spoonfuls of the cheese mixture onto the pasta sheets, spacing them evenly.
4. Fold the pasta over and seal the edges with a little water.
5. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the ravioli for about 3-4 minutes.

Serve with your favorite sauce or a drizzle of olive oil for a delightful meal.

8. Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage

Pumpkin ravioli with brown butter sage is a delicious pasta dish that combines the sweet flavor of pumpkin with savory sage and rich butter. This dish has a wonderful balance of flavors and is perfect for fall.

Making pumpkin ravioli is not very difficult. I find it can be a fun project in the kitchen. The whole process typically takes about 45 minutes, making it a great choice for a weekend meal.

Here are the basic steps to make it:

1. Prepare the Filling: Mix roasted pumpkin, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg in a bowl.
2. Make the Dough: Combine flour and eggs, knead until smooth, then let it rest.
3. Roll out the Dough: Roll the dough as thin as possible, then cut it into squares.
4. Fill the Ravioli: Place a small spoonful of filling on half of the squares, fold over and seal.
5. Cook the Ravioli: Boil in salted water for 3-4 minutes.
6. Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in a pan and add fresh sage leaves, cooking until the butter turns golden brown.
7. Combine: Toss the cooked ravioli in the brown butter sage sauce and serve warm.

This dish is comforting and perfect for any special meal.

9. Chicken Tuscan Ravioli

Chicken Tuscan Ravioli combines tender chicken with flavorful herbs and a rich sauce. This dish represents the essence of Tuscan cuisine.

Making Chicken Tuscan Ravioli is straightforward, even for beginners. The main steps involve preparing the pasta, making the filling, and cooking the ravioli.

Here’s how I make it:

1. Prepare the Pasta Dough: Mix flour and eggs until smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling: Cook and shred chicken. Mix it with ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and chopped herbs.
3. Roll the Dough: Roll out the pasta thinly and cut into squares.
4. Fill the Ravioli: Place a spoonful of the filling on each square. Fold and seal them properly.
5. Cook the Ravioli: Boil in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they rise.
6. Serve: Toss with olive oil or a light cream sauce.

This dish is not only simple but also delicious. Enjoy the flavors of Tuscany in your own kitchen!

What Are the Basic Ravioli Making Tips?

Making perfect ravioli requires attention to detail in three main areas: choosing the right dough, preparing the filling, and cooking it properly. Each step is important to ensure the final dish is delicious and satisfying.

How Do You Choose the Right Dough for Ravioli?

When it comes to ravioli, the dough is essential. I prefer using a simple pasta dough made of flour and eggs.

• Type of Flour: I use 00 flour for a softer texture or all-purpose flour for sturdiness.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs give the dough rich flavor and a golden color.

To make the dough, I combine the flour and eggs on a clean surface, knead it until smooth, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period makes it easier to roll out. Always keep the dough covered with a cloth to prevent it from drying out.

What Are the Best Techniques for Filling Preparation?

Filling ravioli can be a creative process. I like to mix traditional ingredients with new flavors to make my fillings exciting.

• Types of Fillings: Popular choices include ricotta cheese mixed with spinach, ground meat, or mushrooms.
• Texture: The filling should be moist but not too wet to avoid leaks during cooking.

I also recommend seasoning the filling well since the pasta itself is mostly neutral in taste. Tasting the filling before sealing the ravioli can help ensure the right balance of flavors. I use a spoon to carefully place small amounts of filling on the dough, leaving enough space to seal them properly.

What Are the Proper Cooking Methods for Ravioli?

Cooking ravioli properly makes all the difference. I usually boil mine, following these steps:

1. Water: Use a large pot of salted water. The salt enhances flavor.
2. Boil: Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the ravioli.
3. Cooking Time: Fresh ravioli typically cook in about 3-5 minutes. They are done when they float to the surface.

Once cooked, I gently scoop them out with a slotted spoon, allowing any excess water to drain. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the ravioli mushy.

What Are the Best Sauce Pairing Ideas for Ravioli?

I believe that choosing the right sauce can elevate ravioli from a simple dish to a delightful meal. There are many options, but I find three main types work beautifully with various ravioli fillings. These are classic tomato-based sauces, creamy Alfredo and cheese sauces, and unique herb and pesto sauces.

How Do You Pair Ravioli with Classic Tomato-Based Sauces?

I often turn to classic tomato-based sauces for ravioli filled with cheese or meat. A simple marinara sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil can enhance the flavors of the ravioli without overwhelming them.

Tips for a great tomato sauce:

• Use fresh tomatoes when possible.
• Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
• Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.

You can also try a hearty Bolognese sauce with ground meat for a rich experience. This pairs well with meat-filled ravioli and provides a robust flavor that satisfies.

What Are the Best Creamy Alfredo and Cheese Sauces for Ravioli?

When I want something richer, creamy sauces are the way to go. Alfredo sauce, made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, complements cheese-filled ravioli wonderfully.

For a delightful Alfredo sauce:

• Start with melted butter and add cream.
• Stir in grated Parmesan until melted.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Another option is a four cheese sauce, layering flavors with mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, and Gorgonzola. This sauce pairs best with ravioli made from spinach or mushrooms, enhancing their earthy tones.

How Do Unique Herb and Pesto Sauces Complement Ravioli?

For a fresh twist, I enjoy using herb and pesto sauces. Basil pesto, made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan, is vibrant and aromatic.

Creating a great pesto:

• Blend fresh basil leaves with garlic and nuts.
• Gradually add olive oil while mixing for a creamy texture.
• Finish with Parmesan cheese.

I also explore unique herbal combinations, such as arugula or mint pesto, which can add unexpected flavors. These sauces work beautifully with lighter ravioli options, like those filled with ricotta or butternut squash, creating a fresh and lively dish.