Creamy Ravioli Sauce Recipe

Unlock the Magic: Dreamy Homemade Ravioli Sauce Recipe

Simmering with rich flavors, this homemade ravioli sauce brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen table.

One spoonful of this easy ravioli sauce recipe will transport you straight to an Italian trattoria.

Robust tomatoes and fragrant herbs dance together in a silky, smooth blend that clings perfectly to tender pasta pockets.

Fresh ingredients merge into a luxurious sauce that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a deeply comforting meal that feels simultaneously elegant and rustic.

The secret lies in balancing simple components to create something truly extraordinary.

Let’s find out this delectable sauce and watch your dinner become an unforgettable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 5

Easy Ravioli Sauce Ingredient List

For Pasta Base:
  • Refrigerated Cheese-Filled Ravioli: Pre-made pasta pillows packed with creamy cheese, perfect for quick and delicious meals with minimal preparation time.
For Liquid Components:
  • Half-And-Half, Chicken Broth, Rotel Tomatoes: Creamy liquid base that creates rich, velvety sauce with bright, zesty undertones from tomatoes and subtle meaty depth from broth.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salted Butter, Garlic, Tomato Paste, Parmesan Cheese, Cream Cheese: Luxurious ingredients that build deep, complex flavor profile with tangy, rich, and savory notes.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Mustard Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic spices and thickening agent that elevate sauce's complexity, adding warmth, subtle heat, and traditional Italian herb characteristics.

Tools to Make Ravioli Sauce Quickly

  • Large pan: Essential for creating the rich, creamy sauce base.
  • Wooden spoon or whisk: Perfect for stirring and preventing lumps while mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
  • Measuring cup: Useful for precise liquid measurements like chicken broth and half-and-half.
  • Cutting board: Great for mincing garlic if needed.
  • Sharp knife: Helps with any necessary ingredient prep.
  • Colander: Needed for draining cooked ravioli.

How to Prepare Ravioli Sauce in Minutes

How to Prepare Ravioli Sauce in Minutes
  • Butter Awakening

Grab a large pan and let butter melt into a silky pool over gentle heat. Sprinkle minced garlic into the golden liquid, releasing its aromatic magic without letting it turn brown.

  • Flour Foundation

Dust flour over the butter-garlic mixture, stirring with passion until the blend transforms into a smooth, light golden canvas that promises deliciousness.

  • Flavor Symphony

Introduce tomato paste and a dance of spices – onion powder, dried basil, oregano, and a whisper of mustard powder. Let them bloom and intertwine for a moment, creating depth.

  • Liquid Transformation

Stream chicken broth slowly, whisking continuously to prevent any rebellious lumps. Watch the sauce evolve into a velvety embrace, thickening with each gentle stir.

  • Creamy Crescendo

Pour half-and-half into the developing sauce, allowing it to simmer and meld. Add cream cheese, stirring until it dissolves completely into a luxurious river of flavor.

  • Tomato Tango

Invite Rotel tomatoes with their vibrant juices to join the party, adding a spark of excitement to the creamy landscape.

  • Ravioli Finale

Cook ravioli according to package wisdom, then lovingly fold them into the sauce. Ensure each pillow is generously coated with the rich, creamy blessing.

  • Cheesy Crown

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Optional red pepper flakes can add a playful heat if desired. Serve immediately, celebrating your culinary creation.

Tasty Tips for Ravioli Sauce

Tasty Tips for Ravioli Sauce
  • Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to elevate the sauce's aromatic profile and create a unique taste experience.
  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or add cooked ground sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the sauce for extra protein.
  • Try mixing in different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or crumbled blue cheese to create a more complex and exciting flavor palette.
  • Adjust the heat level by playing with different pepper varieties – from mild green chiles to fiery habaneros – to match your personal spice tolerance and preference.
  • This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency when you're ready to enjoy a quick meal.

How to Serve Ravioli Sauce Dishes

How to Serve Ravioli Sauce Dishes
  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this rich ravioli sauce as the star of a warm, inviting family meal with everyone gathered around the table.
  • Elegant Appetizer Option: Transform the sauce into a dipping delight by serving smaller ravioli portions as an impressive starter at dinner parties or gatherings.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish Magic: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives on top to add bright color and a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
  • Side Companion Perfection: Pair the creamy ravioli with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, indulgent sauce and create a well-rounded meal experience.

Storage Advice for Ravioli Sauce

  • Smart Storage Solutions
  • Refrigerator Reserve: Store leftover ravioli sauce in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Freezer Friendly Technique: Separate sauce from ravioli before freezing to maintain optimal texture; cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for 2-3 month storage.
  • Reheating Magic: Gently warm sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Planning: Prepare sauce base up to 2 days in advance, keeping ingredients separate until final cooking to ensure peak taste and quality when serving.
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Creamy Ravioli Sauce Recipe

Creamy Ravioli Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Classic ravioli sauce celebrates Italian culinary traditions with rich tomato and herb flavors. Simple ingredients combine to create a delectable complement for pasta you’ll savor with genuine Mediterranean satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 oz (567 g) refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) half-and-half
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) softened cream cheese
  • 10 oz (283 g) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (juices reserved)
  • 0.75 cup (180 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 0.33 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) salted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Butter Infusion: Gently melt unsalted butter in a spacious skillet over medium-low heat until smooth and translucent.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Introduce finely chopped garlic and sauté, stirring to prevent browning and release its fragrant essence.
  3. Roux Development: Sprinkle all-purpose flour across the butter-garlic mixture, whisking consistently to create a pale golden roux that will thicken the sauce.
  4. Seasoning Integration: Blend tomato paste with onion powder, dried basil, oregano, and ground mustard, stirring to intensify the aromatic profile and distribute seasonings evenly.
  5. Liquid Harmony: Methodically stream chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to eliminate potential lumps and achieve a silky smooth consistency while allowing the mixture to thicken gradually.
  6. Creamy Transformation: Gently pour half-and-half cream, stirring to maintain temperature and prevent separation, then add cream cheese cubes and stir until completely melted and integrated.
  7. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate Rotel tomatoes with their natural juices, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavor throughout the sauce, and reduce heat to prepare for final touches.
  8. Cheese Finale: Blend grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until fully melted and creating a luxurious, velvety texture; optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for added heat.
  9. Pasta Completion: Cook ravioli according to package instructions, drain carefully, and gently fold into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated without breaking the delicate pasta.
  10. Serving Presentation: Plate immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese to elevate both flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic gently on medium-low heat to avoid bitter, burnt flavors that can ruin the sauce’s delicate taste.
  • Whisk Roux Carefully: Consistently whisk flour into butter to create a smooth base without lumps, ensuring a silky sauce texture.
  • Control Cream Separation: Maintain a steady, low temperature when adding half-and-half to prevent curdling and maintain a creamy consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously to achieve a smooth, velvety sauce without grainy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 525
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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