If you have ever dreamed of making restaurant-quality pasta right in your own kitchen, this Classic Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly the dish to bring that dream to life. Soft, tender pillows of homemade pasta filled with a luscious blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese combine with a silky, fragrant garlic butter sauce to create a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. The harmony of flavors and textures here is pure magic, making this recipe a true favorite to share with family and friends during any meal that deserves a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things straightforward and allow the fresh flavors to shine through. Each element plays a vital role: the pasta dough brings that perfect chew, the cheese filling adds creamy richness, and the garlic butter sauce ties everything together with its savory warmth and subtle heat.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the pasta dough, providing structure and elasticity.
- Eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to the tender texture you want in homemade pasta.
- Salt: Enhances flavor in both the dough and filling, never skip it!
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, a perfect base for the cheese filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a tangy, nutty sharpness that deepens the filling’s flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella: Brings gooey stretch and richness to the cheese blend.
- Egg yolk: Helps bind the filling ingredients together smoothly.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle aromatic notes without overpowering the mix.
- Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, it melts into a luscious, golden coating.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for a bold, fresh punch in the garlic butter sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the sauce if you like a little heat.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the sauce with a pop of color and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan (for topping): A finishing touch for extra savory goodness right before serving.
How to Make Classic Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough
Start by creating a mound of flour on a clean surface and forming a well in the center to crack your eggs into. Adding salt at this stage sets the foundation for perfectly seasoned dough. Whisk the eggs gradually incorporating the flour, then knead everything gently but thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic. Wrapping it and letting it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature allows the gluten to relax, which makes rolling out a dream.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the dough rests, mix ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg yolk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Keeping this mixture chilled helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to handle during assembly and ensuring that each ravioli pocket holds that creamy filling perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Ravioli
Roll out your rested dough into thin sheets—using a pasta machine speeds this up, but rolling by hand works just as beautifully with a little patience. Spoon small mounds of the cheese filling spaced about an inch apart on one sheet, then brush around them with water to help seal. Cover with the second dough sheet and press down firmly around the filling to remove any air pockets. Cut into squares and crimp the edges with a fork for a classic look and tight seal.
Step 4: Cook the Ravioli
Boil a large pot of salted water and gently cook your ravioli for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they float to the surface—this tells you they’re perfectly cooked through. Drain carefully, so you don’t break these delicate parcels before they meet the luscious sauce.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to infuse the butter with incredible aroma. Stir for about 1 to 2 minutes until everything is fragrant but not browned. Toss in the cooked ravioli, coating them gently in this flavorful sauce, and finish by sprinkling fresh parsley and some extra grated Parmesan on top right before serving.
How to Serve Classic Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish. Don’t forget a generous grating of Parmesan cheese on top, which melts into the warm ravioli, elevating each bite with savory depth.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs superbly with light, crisp green salads dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to contrast the creamy texture. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes also complement the garlic butter sauce beautifully, bringing an earthy sweetness that brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your ravioli nestled on a bed of wilted spinach or alongside a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze for an elegant touch. You could also plate them in shallow bowls, tossing delicately with additional garlic butter sauce and garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning presentation that impresses anyone lucky enough to dine with you.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days for the best texture and flavor. This helps retain the tender pasta and creamy filling without drying out or becoming rubbery.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked ravioli laid out in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to avoid sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer to a resealable bag for convenient storage. When ready to cook, boil them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to your cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cooked ravioli gently in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil over medium-low heat to revive their silky texture without drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pasta tough and the cheese filling grainy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ravioli instead of making pasta from scratch?
Absolutely! While homemade pasta is a special treat, store-bought cheese ravioli can be cooked and tossed in the garlic butter sauce for a quicker version that still delivers great flavor.
What cheeses work best for the filling?
The classic blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a creamy, flavorful filling, but feel free to experiment with fontina or goat cheese for different nuances—just keep the textures balanced.
Is it necessary to rest the pasta dough?
Yes, resting relaxes the gluten strands in the dough, which makes rolling easier and prevents the pasta from shrinking or tearing during shaping and cooking.
How can I prevent the ravioli from sticking together?
Dust the ravioli lightly with flour or place them on a parchment-lined tray, spaced apart until ready to cook. This keeps them separate and maintains their perfect shape.
Can I add herbs or spinach to the filling?
Definitely! Adding finely chopped fresh herbs or cooked, drained spinach can add lovely flavor and a touch of color to the cheese filling, giving your ravioli a personalized twist.
Final Thoughts
Making this Classic Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is such a wonderful way to bring a little Italian magic right into your kitchen. From the satisfying kneading of dough to the joy of savoring warm, cheesy bites coated in buttery garlic goodness, every step is a delight. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—the smiles it brings to your table will be well worth the effort!
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Classic Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce is a delicious homemade Italian pasta dish featuring tender ravioli filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
For the pasta dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
For the cheese filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the garlic butter sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Make the pasta dough: On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Crack in the eggs and add salt. Use a fork to whisk the eggs gradually incorporating flour from the edges, then knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg yolk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the ravioli: Roll out the rested dough into thin sheets either by hand or with a pasta machine. Place teaspoons of filling spaced 1 inch apart on one sheet. Brush water around the filling, cover with second dough sheet, and press to seal. Cut into squares and press edges with a fork. Lay ravioli on a floured surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop ravioli into the water and cook for 3–4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain carefully.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- You can freeze uncooked ravioli in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for longer storage. Boil directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to cooking time.
- For variation, add chopped spinach or fresh herbs to the cheese filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
