If you’re looking for a flavorful, quick, and satisfying Italian dinner idea, this ravioli recipe is perfect. With fresh ingredients like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that comes together in no time.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or just craving a comforting pasta dish, this recipe is a must-try.
What Makes This Ravioli Recipe Special?
This dish is more than just pasta—it’s a blend of fresh flavors and textures that elevate a classic ravioli recipe.
- Fresh and Vibrant: The combination of asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and garlic creates a light yet flavorful sauce.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can swap ingredients based on what you have or your dietary preferences.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tanginess of lemon juice, richness of Parmesan, and freshness of basil bring harmony to every bite.
Tips for the Best Ravioli Recipe
To make sure your ravioli dish turns out perfectly every time, follow these key tips:
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- Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: Cook just until tender, as overcooking can make them mushy.
- Sauté Vegetables Correctly: Asparagus should be tender-crisp, and tomatoes should soften just enough to release their juices.
- Use Fresh Herbs Whenever Possible: Basil and parsley add a bright, fresh flavor that dried herbs can’t quite match.
- Balance the Sauce: A splash of lemon juice enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Finish with Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the dish, adding a rich and savory touch.
Simple Ways to Customize This Ravioli Recipe
One of the best things about this dinner idea is its versatility. Here are some easy ways to change it up:
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it completely plant-based.
- Try a Different Cheese: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier taste.
- Use a Different Protein: Add grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Switch Up the Vegetables: Green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers can replace asparagus for a unique twist.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This ravioli recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored and reheated easily:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
- Meal Prep Option: Prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply cook the ravioli and combine everything in the skillet.
What to Serve with This Ravioli Recipe
Pairing the right sides and drinks can make this dinner idea even better. Here are some great serving ideas:
- Side Dishes: Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables complement the ravioli perfectly.
- Wine Pairing: A light Pinot Grigio or a classic Chianti enhances the dish’s flavors.
- Extra Garnishes: More Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.
This easy ravioli recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Easy Ravioli Recipe with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic & Herbs
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling ravioli)
- Large skillet
- Colander (to drain ravioli)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian version
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1 package 20 ounces refrigerated cheese ravioli
Instructions
- Cook the Ravioli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Asparagus: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender-crisp.
- Add the Tomatoes and Garlic: Toss in the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Combine with Ravioli: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the vegetables and sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve Hot: Transfer to serving plates and top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.