Creamy

Ravioli With Creamy Tomato Sauce

Name: Ravioli With Creamy Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup '00' flour; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste

By Greta Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Creamy

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total50 min

Serves4

Ravioli With Creamy Tomato Sauce — Homemade ravioli in creamy tomato sauce

I still remember the first time I made ravioli from scratch. It was a Sunday afternoon, and my family had gathered in the kitchen to help with the process. We made the dough, rolled it out, and filled it with a delicious mixture of ricotta, parmesan, and fresh herbs. As we cooked the ravioli and tossed it in a creamy tomato sauce, the aroma filled the entire house, and everyone couldn't wait to sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

That's the magic of making ravioli from scratch - it's a process that brings people together, and the end result is always worth the effort. In this recipe, I'll guide you through the steps of making ravioli with a creamy tomato sauce, just like my family and I do on special occasions.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in with the family or a special dinner party with friends. The creamy tomato sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream, which gives it a rich and velvety texture. The ravioli is filled with a mixture of ricotta, parmesan, and fresh herbs, which adds a nice balance of flavors to the dish.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. You can make the ravioli dough and filling a day in advance, and then cook the ravioli and sauce just before serving. This way, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

In this recipe, I'll share with you my tips and tricks for making the perfect ravioli from scratch. From the importance of using the right type of flour to the technique of cooking the ravioli just until it's al dente, I'll guide you through every step of the way. So, let's get started and make some delicious ravioli with creamy tomato sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The ravioli can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
The creamy tomato sauce is made with fresh tomatoes and heavy cream, which gives it a rich and velvety texture.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in with the family or a special dinner party with friends.
The ravioli is filled with a mixture of ricotta, parmesan, and fresh herbs, which adds a nice balance of flavors to the dish.
This recipe is a great way to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different fillings and sauces.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great ravioli is to use the right type of flour. I use a combination of all-purpose flour and '00' flour, which gives the dough a nice balance of texture and flavor. The '00' flour is finer and more powdery than all-purpose flour, which makes it easier to roll out the dough to a thin sheet.

Another important factor is the temperature of the water when cooking the ravioli. I use a large pot of salted water, which helps to season the ravioli and gives it a nice flavor. The water should be at a rolling boil, and then reduced to a simmer once the ravioli is added. This helps to cook the ravioli evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

The creamy tomato sauce is also a crucial component of this recipe. I use a combination of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream, which gives the sauce a rich and velvety texture. The garlic is sautéed in olive oil until it's soft and fragrant, and then the tomatoes are added and cooked until they're tender. The heavy cream is added at the end, which gives the sauce a nice balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find. You'll need a combination of all-purpose flour and '00' flour for the ravioli dough, as well as ricotta, parmesan, and fresh herbs for the filling. For the creamy tomato sauce, you'll need fresh tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream. Be sure to use high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

When shopping for ingredients, look for fresh and flavorful produce. Choose tomatoes that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, earthy aroma. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add a bright, freshness to the dish, so be sure to choose ones that are fragrant and have a nice texture.

2 cups all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour provides structure and texture to the ravioli dough. Look for a high-protein flour that will help the dough to hold its shape.
1 cup '00' flour'00' flour is finer and more powdery than all-purpose flour, which makes it easier to roll out the dough to a thin sheet. It also gives the ravioli a more delicate texture.
2 eggsEggs provide moisture and richness to the ravioli dough. They help to bind the ingredients together and give the dough a nice texture.
1/2 cup ricotta cheeseRicotta cheese adds a creamy and tender texture to the ravioli filling. Look for a high-quality ricotta that is made from whole milk and has a smooth, creamy texture.
1/4 cup parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the ravioli filling. Look for a high-quality parmesan that is made from cow's milk and has a nice, crumbly texture.
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbsFresh herbs like basil and parsley add a bright, freshness to the ravioli filling. Look for herbs that are fragrant and have a nice texture.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to sauté the garlic and cook the ravioli. Look for a high-quality olive oil that has a rich, fruity flavor.
4 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the creamy tomato sauce. Look for garlic that is fresh and has a nice, firm texture.
2 cups fresh tomatoes, dicedFresh tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor to the creamy tomato sauce. Look for tomatoes that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, earthy aroma.
1 cup heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich, velvety texture to the creamy tomato sauce. Look for a high-quality heavy cream that is made from whole milk and has a smooth, creamy texture.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the ravioli and creamy tomato sauce. Look for high-quality salt and pepper that have a nice, balanced flavor.

Ingredients for Ravioli With Creamy Tomato Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoonRolling pinPasta cutter or sharp knifeLarge potColanderInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Ravioli With Creamy Tomato Sauce

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, '00' flour, and eggs. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms, then knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This will help the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out.
3
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a thin sheet, using a rolling pin or pasta machine. The dough should be thin enough to see your hand through it, but not so thin that it tears easily.
4
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh herbs. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
5
Use a spoon or piping bag to place small balls of the ricotta mixture onto the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball.
6
Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or circle, and press the edges together to seal the ravioli. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
7
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the ravioli in the simmering water for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
8
While the ravioli is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it is soft and fragrant.
9
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and have released their juices.
10
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and reduced by about half.
11
Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the water and add them to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss the ravioli in the sauce to coat them evenly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
12
Serve the ravioli hot, garnished with additional chopped fresh herbs and parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and real parmesan cheese, to get the best flavor out of your dish.
Don't overwork the ravioli dough, as this can make it tough and dense.
Use a light touch when handling the ravioli, as they can be delicate and prone to tearing.
Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the ravioli, as this can cause them to stick together.
Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the ravioli, as this can be used to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Experiment with different fillings and sauces to find your favorite combination.
Consider making the ravioli dough and filling ahead of time, as this can save you time and effort on the day of serving.
If you're having trouble getting the ravioli to seal, try using a little bit of water to help the dough stick together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the ravioli dough, which can make it tough and dense.
Not cooking the ravioli for long enough, which can leave them undercooked and doughy.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unappetizing dish.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make the sauce too thick and sticky.
Overcrowding the pot when cooking the ravioli, which can cause them to stick together.
Not using enough cheese in the filling, which can make the ravioli taste bland and uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to add a unique flavor to the ravioli.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as basil or oregano, to add a fresh and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or shrimp, to add a new dimension to the dish.
Try using a different type of sauce, such as a light and oily sauce or a rich and creamy sauce, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
Consider adding some sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Try using a different type of pasta, such as tortellini or agnolotti, to change up the shape and texture of the dish.
Experiment with different cooking methods, such as baking or grilling, to add a new dimension to the dish.

What to Serve With Ravioli With Creamy Tomato Sauce

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in with the family or a special dinner party with friends. Serve the ravioli hot, garnished with additional chopped fresh herbs and parmesan cheese if desired. You can also add some sautéed vegetables or a side salad to round out the meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Serve the ravioli with a side of garlic bread or a green saladAdd some sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the filling for added flavor and nutritionTry using a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to add a unique flavor to the ravioliServe the ravioli with a light and oily sauce, such as a tomato sauce or a cream sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This recipe can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. You can make the ravioli dough and filling a day in advance, and then cook the ravioli and sauce just before serving.

To store the ravioli, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the ravioli for up to 3 months, and then cook them from frozen.

To reheat the ravioli, simply cook them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

Some other tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flour is best for making ravioli?

The best type of flour for making ravioli is a combination of all-purpose flour and '00' flour. The '00' flour is finer and more powdery than all-purpose flour, which makes it easier to roll out the dough to a thin sheet.

How do I know when the ravioli is cooked?

The ravioli is cooked when it floats to the surface of the water. You can also check for doneness by biting into one of the ravioli - it should be tender and slightly firm to the bite.

Can I make the ravioli dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the ravioli dough ahead of time. Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 3 months.

What type of sauce is best for serving with ravioli?

The best type of sauce for serving with ravioli is a light and oily sauce, such as a tomato sauce or a cream sauce. You can also serve the ravioli with a simple sauce made from butter and parmesan cheese.

Can I freeze the ravioli?

Yes, you can freeze the ravioli. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook the frozen ravioli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through.

How do I reheat the ravioli?

To reheat the ravioli, simply cook them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

Can I make the creamy tomato sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the creamy tomato sauce ahead of time. Simply refrigerate or freeze the sauce and reheat it when you're ready to serve.

What type of cheese is best for using in the ravioli filling?

The best type of cheese for using in the ravioli filling is a combination of ricotta and parmesan cheese. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy and tender texture, while the parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor.

The Full Recipe

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