Description
Homemade ravioli sauce brings classic Italian comfort to your kitchen. Creamy tomato base with fresh basil and garlic creates a rich, authentic flavor profile that elevates pasta dishes and delights dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 20 ounces (567 grams) refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) softened cream cheese
- 0.33 cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) salted butter
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (juices reserved)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium-low heat until it becomes smooth and slightly translucent, around 30-45 seconds.
- Add finely chopped garlic and sauté gently, stirring continuously to prevent browning, creating a fragrant base for approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly across the butter-garlic mixture, whisking consistently to create a roux with a pale golden appearance for 2 minutes.
- Introduce tomato paste along with onion powder, dried basil, oregano, and ground mustard, stirring to distribute seasonings and intensify their aromatic qualities for 45-60 seconds.
- Gradually stream chicken broth into the skillet, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth consistency, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Pour half-and-half cream into the sauce, stirring gently and maintaining a consistent temperature to prevent separation.
- Add cream cheese in small cubes, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Incorporate Rotel tomatoes with their natural juices, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
- Cook ravioli according to package directions in a separate pot, draining carefully without rinsing to preserve their delicate texture.
- Reduce sauce heat and blend in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an added spicy dimension if desired.
- Gently fold cooked ravioli into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated without breaking the pasta.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Elevate your ravioli game with this luxurious, restaurant-worthy sauce packed with layers of rich, complex flavors.
- Creamy texture comes from carefully melting cream cheese and Parmesan, creating a velvety base that clings perfectly to pasta.
- Rotel tomatoes bring unexpected zingy brightness, complementing the deep, buttery garlic undertones in the sauce.
- Subtle spice from red pepper flakes and mustard powder adds gentle warmth without overwhelming the delicate ravioli.
- Strategic layering of ingredients builds depth, transforming simple pantry staples into a gourmet-style sauce that impresses every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 608 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 973 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 96 mg