Cheese ravioli is a delightful embrace of flavors, where tender pasta pillows are filled with creamy ricotta and savory mozzarella, creating a symphony of cheesy goodness. Paired with a luscious marinara sauce made from ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, each bite is a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort, perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings. With a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, your cheese ravioli will shine, inviting everyone to the table for seconds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in.
- Easy to make, even for novice cooks—no fancy skills required!
- Customizable with your favorite fillings and sauces for a personal touch.
- Great for meal prep—freeze extras for a quick dinner later.
- Impress your family and friends with a homemade dish that tastes gourmet!
cheese ravioli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center and add 3 large eggs. Gradually mix the flour into the eggs until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll out each piece on a floured surface until it’s thin enough to see your hand through it. Aim for about 1/16 inch thickness.
- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the rolled dough. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
- Moisten the edges of the dough circles with water. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no filling escapes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the ravioli in and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- In a pan, heat your favorite marinara sauce. Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the sauce until coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
- Dig in and savor every cheesy bite of your homemade ravioli. Share with friends or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!
Notes
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Course |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Prep Time: | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | With marinara sauce |
Ingredients
- Fresh Pasta Sheets – Essential for creating the perfect ravioli texture.
- Ricotta Cheese – Provides a creamy and rich filling.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory depth of flavor to the filling.
- Spinach – A nutritious addition that complements the cheese.
- Eggs – Helps bind the filling and enriches the dough.
- Nutmeg – A pinch enhances the flavor of the cheese filling.
- Olive Oil – Used for cooking and adds a lovely richness.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning the pasta and filling.
- Black Pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- Marinara Sauce – A delicious sauce to serve with the ravioli.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to dive into the delicious world of cheese ravioli! Follow these simple steps to create a comforting dish that will warm your heart.
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center and add 3 large eggs. Gradually mix the flour into the eggs until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll out each piece on a floured surface until it’s thin enough to see your hand through it. Aim for about 1/16 inch thickness.
Step 4: Cut the Ravioli
Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the rolled dough. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
Step 5: Seal the Ravioli
Moisten the edges of the dough circles with water. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no filling escapes.
Step 6: Cook the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the ravioli in and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Step 7: Serve with Sauce
In a pan, heat your favorite marinara sauce. Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the sauce until coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Dig in and savor every cheesy bite of your homemade ravioli. Share with friends or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Use fresh pasta for a tender bite that elevates your cheese ravioli.
• Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella for a unique flavor blend.
• Don’t overfill the ravioli; a tablespoon of filling per piece is just right.
• Seal the edges well with a little water to prevent any filling from leaking out.
• Serve with a light sauce, like a simple butter and sage, to let the ravioli shine.
How to Serve
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your cheese ravioli:
- Top with a rich marinara sauce and sprinkle with fresh basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for a light touch.
- Serve with sautéed spinach and garlic for a healthy twist.
- Pair with a creamy Alfredo sauce and a dash of nutmeg.
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts and arugula for added crunch.
- Enjoy in a broth with vegetables for a comforting soup.
- Mix with roasted cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for a fresh salad.
- Serve alongside garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cheese ravioli fresh:
- Allow the ravioli to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage:
- Place cooled ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label and date, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your ravioli again:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
- Cover and heat on low until warmed through.
- Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
What can I use as a substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can easily substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese. Just blend them until smooth for a similar texture and flavor. This way, you can still enjoy creamy cheese ravioli without missing out!
What sauce pairs best with cheese ravioli?
A simple marinara or a creamy Alfredo sauce works beautifully with cheese ravioli. You can also try a sage brown butter sauce for a gourmet touch. Each option enhances the flavors of the ravioli while adding a comforting element to your dish.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite comfort food, cheese ravioli! It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-rewarding to make. Picture yourself enjoying a warm bowl, savoring each cheesy bite, and sharing smiles with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delightful dish. You’ll be glad you did—happy cooking!
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