Name: Quick & Easy Ravioli Sauce Recipe - Delicious Beef Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional); ¾ cup beef broth; 1½ cups half and half; 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes with green chilies; 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 20 ounces refrigerated ravioli

Easy Ravioli Sauce is the magical key to transforming humble stuffed pasta into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece, right in your own kitchen. We all love ravioli, don’t we? That delightful pocket of savory filling encased in tender pasta, beggin extractg for a sauce that complements without overwhelming. But often, the thought of making a truly exceptional sauce can feel daunting, conjuring images of lengthy simmering times and complex techniques. That’s where this incredibly easy ravioli sauce comes in. It’s the secret weapon for busy weeknights, elegant dinner parties, or whenever you crave comforting, delicious Italian-inspired flavors without the fuss. What makes it so special? It’s a harmonious blend of simple, fresh ingredients that come together in mere minutes, delivering a rich, vibrant taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your ravioli game with this foolproof, unbelievably satisfying recipe!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons salted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon mustard powder
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
¾ cup chicken broth
1½ cups half and half
10 ounces Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
20 ounces refrigerated ravioli (your favorite kind!)

Creating the Delicious Easy Ravioli Sauce

This sauce is designed to be incredibly straightforward, allowing you to elevate your weeknight dinner with minimal fuss. The key is building layers of flavor, starting with a simple but effective aromatic base. We’ll then incorporate rich, creamy elements and a hint of tangin extractess to create a sauce that perfectly complements the tender ravioli.

Step 1: Building the Flavor BaseStep 2: Thickening and Enriching the Base

Next, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic and butter. Whisk continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes, creating a roux. This roux is what will help thicken our sauce, giving it a luxurious consistency. Cook the flour for this short period to eliminate any raw flour taste. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, ensuring it’s well combined with the roux. Cook for another minute, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and flavor. This concentrated paste adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely depth to the sauce.

Step 3: Introducing the Spices and Liquid

Now it’s time to bring in our dried spices and liquid. Add the ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, dried basil, and dried oregano, along with the ½ teaspoon of mustard powder. If you’re using them, sprinkle in the pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant. Gradually whisk in the ¾ cup of chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – this is where a lot of flavor resides! Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.

Step 4: Achieving Creaminess and Depth

Pour in the 1½ cups of half and half, whisking continuously to incorporate it smoothly into the broth mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain them; the juice adds wonderful flavor and a touch of zest). Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly. This simmering period allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches for Richness

To achieve ultimate creaminess, stir in the 3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, making it wonderfully smooth and luxurious. Finally, stir in the ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the Parmesan is melted and the sauce is beautifully cohesive. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, though the Rotel and Parmesan often provide enough saltiness.

While the sauce is simmering and the flavors are developing, you can cook your 20 ounces of refrigerated ravioli according to the package directions. Typically, this involves boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface. Once the ravioli are cooked, drain them well and gently add them directly to the warm sauce. Toss them gently to coat each ravioli in the rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce. Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top, for a truly satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your journey to crafting the perfect Easy Ravioli Sauce is complete! This simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce is a testament to how minimal effort can yield maximum deliciousness. We’ve explored how to create a rich tomato base, infuse it with aromatic herbs, and achieve a wonderfully balanced taste that will elevate any ravioli you choose. Remember, this sauce is your canvas; feel free to adapt it to your personal preferences.

For serving suggestions, imagin extracte this vibrant sauce generously coating fluffy ricotta ravioli, or perhaps a more robust meat-filled variety. It also pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few torn basil leaves. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, a splash of heavy cream for a richer texture, or even some sautéed mushrooms and onions for added depth.

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Easy Ravioli Sauce. It’s a recipe that’s designed to be fuss-free, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Ravioli Sauce:

Can I make this Easy Ravioli Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Easy Ravioli Sauce is fantastic for making ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.

What kind of ravioli works best with this Easy Ravioli Sauce?

The beauty of this Easy Ravioli Sauce is its versatility. It complements almost any type of ravioli beautifully. Whether you have cheese-filled, spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or meat ravioli, this sauce will enhance their flavors without overpowering them. Its balanced taste makes it a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of ravioli fillings.