Easy Ravioli Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a sauce that will turn your ravioli dinner into a delightful experience, this Easy Ravioli Sauce is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh tomato flavor, yet incredibly simple to whip up. Combining pantry staples like tomato paste and canned tomatoes with a splash of cream, this sauce balances savory and sweet notes perfectly, making every bite of ravioli rich and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering, this sauce will quickly become your go-to companion for pasta nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in building the depth and smooth texture of this Easy Ravioli Sauce. From the olive oil that provides a fruity base to the cream that adds lusciousness, every item enhances the flavor and character of the sauce.

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Offers a fragrant, fruity foundation for sautéing aromatics.
• 1 medium onion (finely diced): Adds subtle sweetness and texture when softened.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a warm, savory punch essential for depth.
• ⅓ cup tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness and color.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock: Provides moisture and savory umami without overpowering.
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Brings brightness and a pleasant chunkiness to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances acidity and enhances sweetness naturally.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that hints at basil, oregano, and rosemary for authentic taste.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Elevates and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick and dimension.
• ⅓ cup heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce, making it velvety and indulgent.

How to Make Easy Ravioli Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating up the extra virgin olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your finely diced onions and minced garlic. Let them cook together for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and translucent. This step is all about building a fragrant and flavorful foundation that will elevate the entire sauce.

Step 2: Add the Tomato Paste

Now stir in the tomato paste with your onions and garlic, cooking it for another full minute. This short cooking time helps to deepen the tomato’s natural flavor and prevents any raw taste, ensuring your sauce has that signature richness right from the start.

Step 3: Combine Liquids and Seasonings

Next, pour in the low-sodium chicken stock and the canned diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring this hearty mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Patience here will reward you with a sauce that’s perfectly balanced and full-bodied.

Step 4: Finish with Cream

Finally, stir in the heavy cream, letting it cook for just 2 minutes more. This last touch transforms the sauce from simple and rustic to silky and luxurious. Your Easy Ravioli Sauce is now perfectly ready to dress your cooked ravioli with a creamy, tangy hug.

How to Serve Easy Ravioli Sauce

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation and add fresh flavor by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley over the sauce just before serving. A handful of grated Parmesan cheese also melts beautifully into the warm sauce, offering a salty, nutty contrast. If you love a bit of texture, a few toasted pine nuts scattered on top can add a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing complement to the richness of the Easy Ravioli Sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making every morsel count. Roasted or steamed seasonal veggies add balance and brightness for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering cooked ravioli and sauce in a casserole dish, topping it with mozzarella, and baking until bubbly and golden. You can also swirl a spoonful of pesto into the sauce just before serving for an herbal lift. Or serve the sauce over a bed of sautéed spinach alongside ravioli for an elegant restaurant-style plate that’s surprisingly easy to create.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the leftover Easy Ravioli Sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners where flavor and convenience meet perfectly.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully, which is perfect for batch cooking. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Ravioli Sauce gently over low to medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. If it feels too thick when reheated, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it. Avoid boiling once it contains cream to keep it smooth and prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth, and the sauce remains just as delicious and flavorful.

What type of ravioli works best with this sauce?

Fresh cheese or meat ravioli pairs wonderfully with this sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite kind, as the sauce is versatile and complements all varieties.

Is it possible to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use about 2 cups of finely chopped fresh tomatoes. Just be sure to cook them down longer to achieve a similar consistency and concentrate the flavors.

Can I add heat to this Easy Ravioli Sauce?

Definitely! Stir in some red pepper flakes during the simmering step to bring a spicy kick that warms every bite.

How thick should the sauce be when served?

The sauce should be creamy but not too thick; it should coat the ravioli nicely without pooling excessively on the plate. Adjust the consistency by simmering longer or adding a splash of liquid as needed.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about a homemade sauce that’s both simple and satisfying, and this Easy Ravioli Sauce delivers on all fronts with ease and flair. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how effortless it is to create a sauce that feels special but comes together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s a wonderful way to elevate your ravioli nights and share a bit of warmth and deliciousness with those you love. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!

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