Name: Ravioli Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream, or to taste; 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, or to taste; 5 leaves fresh basil, chopped; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated ravioli, prepared according to package directions

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and just a touch of heat to drape over pillowy pasta, this Ravioli Sauce is what dreams are made of. Ready in just minutes with a handful of pantry ingredients, it transforms any ordinary store-bought or homemade ravioli into a dinner you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this rich, garlicky sauce will make every bite unforgettable and have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beautiful simplicity behind this sauce. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect creamy texture, vivid color, and unbeatable combination of flavors. No fancy techniques required—just a few fresh staples that truly let the ravioli shine.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic for a golden, nutty base.
Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced): Provides heartwarming aroma and deep flavor—don’t skimp here!
Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Gives the sauce a subtly sweet, tangy depth and that gorgeous rosy hue.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle kick that wakes up your tastebuds, but isn’t overpowering.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce and infuses a savory backbone; vegetable broth also works for a vegetarian twist.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup or to taste): The secret to that luscious, velvety finish everyone loves.
Parmigiano Reggiano (1/2 cup or to taste): Freshly grated is key—it melts beautifully and gives a nutty, salty lift.
Fresh basil (5 leaves, chopped): A vibrant, fresh note that brightens and balances the richness.
Sea salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for drawing out all the flavors and seasoning to perfection.
Prepared ravioli (20 oz package): Your favorite store-bought or homemade ravioli, cooked according to the package for the perfect base.

How to Make Ravioli Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once it’s foaming gently, add in your minced garlic and sauté until it’s just turning golden and incredibly fragrant. This is where the foundation of flavor begins, so take care not to burn the garlic—it should smell nutty and inviting!

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Pepper Flakes

Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, asking them to mingle with the garlic goodness for about a minute. The tomato paste should darken just a little, developing a rich, caramelized flavor that will infuse the whole sauce with complexity.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth while stirring, scraping up any bits that sprang to the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld and the sauce starts coming together.

Step 4: Add Cream

Lower the heat and swirl in the heavy cream. Watch the sauce shift to a gorgeous pale orange, silky and enticing. Keep stirring to ensure it’s smooth and luscious, resisting the temptation to crank up the heat—gentle is the way!

Step 5: Cheese & Season

Stir in the Parmigiano Reggiano and season with sea salt and black pepper, tasting as you go. The cheese should melt in beautifully, thickening the sauce and making it even silkier. Adjust salt and pepper as needed—you want every nuance to shine.

Step 6: Add Basil & Toss

Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the fresh chopped basil. Immediately toss with hot, drained ravioli, making sure every piece is glistening and fully coated in the glorious Ravioli Sauce. Serve right away to capture all that creamy, herby goodness at its peak.

How to Serve Ravioli Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a scatter of torn basil leaves take this Ravioli Sauce from delicious to restaurant-worthy. For extra color and flavor, add a touch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil just before bringing it to the table.

Side Dishes

This silky Ravioli Sauce pairs beautifully with crisp Italian salads—think arugula and shaved parmesan, or a simple Caprese. Add a slice or two of warm crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop, and you have an Italian-inspired meal that feels indulgent but so easy to put together.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your ravioli in shallow pasta bowls for a cozy, bistro-style vibe, or arrange them on a large platter for family-style sharing. Garnish with microgreens, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an elegant twist that’s sure to impress dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Ravioli Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you know you’ll have extras, keep the sauce separate from the cooked pasta if possible to prevent the ravioli from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can sometimes be tricky to freeze, but this Ravioli Sauce actually holds up well! Pour it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency if needed. Avoid high heat, which can cause it to break or separate. Toss freshly warmed sauce with just-cooked ravioli for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Ravioli Sauce vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for veggie broth, and you instantly have a luscious, meat-free version that’s every bit as flavorful and satisfying.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While fresh basil gives the sauce an especially vibrant flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Aim for about 1 teaspoon, stirred in with the cream. But if you can, go fresh—the aroma is unbeatable.

What kind of ravioli works best with this Ravioli Sauce?

All kinds! Cheese, spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled ravioli sing when coated in this creamy sauce. Choose your favorite, and experiment—it’s the perfect base for any filling.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you love a little extra heat, simply increase the red pepper flakes or finish with a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to build up the spice level to your liking.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano necessary, or can I use another cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano gives an unbeatable flavor and melt, but good-quality parmesan or even Grana Padano are great alternatives. For a nutty twist, try a bit of pecorino romano instead.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself—this Ravioli Sauce is quick enough for busy nights but special enough to serve to loved ones. I hope you give it a try and share your own delicious twists. There’s absolutely nothing like a bowl of ravioli blanketed in this creamy, comforting sauce—buon appetito!

Ravioli Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Ravioli Sauce recipe is a creamy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite ravioli. The combination of garlic, tomato paste, cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano creates a rich and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

Instructions

Heat butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until garlic becomes lightly golden and fragrant. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes, stirring together for another minute.
Add chicken broth and stir until combined, bringing to a simmer. Add cream and stir until smooth.
Incorporate Parmigiano Reggiano, salt, and pepper, to taste.
Remove from heat and add fresh basil, stirring until well combined.
Gently toss with prepared ravioli and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian