Delicious Ravioli with Fresh Tomatoes Quick Dish

Are you craving a quick and tasty meal? Let me show you how to make delicious ravioli with fresh tomatoes in under 30 minutes. This vibrant dish combines tender cheese ravioli, ripe cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe that brings summer to your table!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 package of fresh cheese ravioli (approximately 9 oz)

– 3 cups ripe cherry tomatoes, halved

– 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Nutritional Information

A serving of this dish is about 350 calories. Each dish contains protein, carbs, and healthy fats. You get around 15 grams of protein, 50 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of fat. This meal offers a good balance of nutrients.

Cooking Equipment Needed

– Pot for cooking ravioli

– Large skillet

– Knife and cutting board

Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe. With these simple items, you can create a dish full of flavor and freshness. For the full recipe, check out the main article.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Ravioli

To cook the cheese ravioli, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook them for about 3-5 minutes. You want them to be al dente, which means they should be firm but cooked through. After cooking, drain the ravioli carefully. Make sure to save a cup of the pasta water. This water helps later with the sauce.

Reserving pasta water is very important. It contains starch from the pasta, which helps the sauce stick and gives it a nice texture. You won’t want to skip this step!

Preparing the Sauce

In a large skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and warm it up over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it to smell good but not burn.

Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Watch as they soften and start to burst. This is how you create a rich and tasty sauce. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Don’t forget to season your sauce with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Combining Ingredients

Once the tomatoes are ready, gently fold the cooked ravioli into the skillet. This action helps mix the flavors. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help you get that silky smooth sauce.

Before you serve, mix in the chopped basil. The heat from the pasta will wilt the basil and bring out its nice flavor. Serve the dish right away, and feel free to add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra taste.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Dish

To cook ravioli to al dente, follow the package instructions closely. Al dente means that the pasta is firm yet tender. This gives your dish a nice texture. When you drain the ravioli, remember to save a bit of pasta water. This water helps to adjust the sauce later.

For the sauce, start with fresh ingredients. I recommend ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. When sautéing garlic, do it gently. Cook it just until fragrant to avoid burning. Add salt and pepper to taste. This enhances the natural flavors of your sauce.

Presentation Ideas

Serving your ravioli in shallow bowls makes for an elegant look. The bright colors of the tomatoes and basil will stand out beautifully. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for added shine and flavor.

For garnishing, use fresh basil leaves. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a rich flavor and a lovely touch to your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcooking tomatoes. You want them to soften but not become mushy. This will keep the sauce fresh and vibrant.

Another mistake is using too much or too little pasta water. If your sauce is thick, a splash of reserved water can help. If too watery, it can dilute the flavors. Finding the right balance is key for a perfect dish.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can switch up your ravioli for fun. Try using mushroom or spinach ravioli. These options add unique flavors and textures. You can also add vegetables to your dish. Sliced zucchini or fresh spinach work well. They add color and nutrients.

Variations in Flavor

Herbs can change the taste of your dish. For a different flavor, use oregano or parsley. Both herbs bring freshness to the sauce. If you want some heat, try different peppers. Jalapeños or crushed red pepper can spice things up.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your ravioli with tasty side dishes. A fresh salad or garlic bread makes a great match. For drinks, consider white wine. A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the meal nicely. You can find more ideas in the Full Recipe.

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

To keep your delicious ravioli fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. Place the ravioli and sauce together if you plan to eat it within two days. If not, store them separately. This way, the ravioli won’t get too soggy. Glass or plastic containers work well for this purpose.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze ravioli before or after cooking. For uncooked ravioli, lay them flat on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together. For cooked ravioli, let them cool first. Then, place them in a container with some sauce. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep them moist.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your ravioli dish lasts about three to four days. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or a change in color. If the sauce has separated or looks dry, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses. If it looks or smells bad, it’s time to say goodbye.

FAQs

How can I make homemade ravioli?

To make homemade ravioli, you need flour, eggs, and water. Start by mixing flour and eggs to form a dough. Knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Roll the dough thin and cut it into squares. Fill each square with your choice of filling, then fold and seal the edges. Cooking them is simple; just boil in salted water for three to four minutes.

Can I use dried ravioli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried ravioli instead of fresh. Fresh ravioli cooks faster and is softer. Dried ravioli takes longer to cook and often has a firmer texture. When using dried ravioli, follow the package instructions for cooking time. Adjust the sauce to match the heartiness of dried ravioli.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you need to avoid Parmesan cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use pecorino cheese if you want a similar taste. For a creamy option, consider cashew cream or vegan cheese. These substitutions work well without losing the dish’s richness.

This blog covers a simple and tasty recipe for cheese ravioli with cherry tomato sauce. You learned how to cook ravioli, make a fresh sauce, and put it all together. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and variations to try. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Whether cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy making this delicious meal and have fun in the kitchen!