Ravioli with tomatoes is an easy yet flavorful dish that brings the essence of Italy straight to your table. With its rich tomato sauce and tender ravioli, this meal is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe will elevate your culinary skills.

Ingredients

Fresh ravioli (any filling of your choice, though cheese and spinach work wonderfully)
Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Garlic
Olive oil
Fresh basil
Parmesan cheese

How to Make Ravioli with Tomatoes

Prepare the Ravioli: Start by boiling your ravioli according to the package instructions. Be sure not to overcook them to maintain their delicate texture.
Make the Tomato Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Then, add chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned), and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves to taste.
Combine and Serve: Gently toss the cooked ravioli in the tomato sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated. Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ravioli with Tomatoes: A Deliciously Simple Italian Dish

Ravioli with tomatoes is one of those quintessential Italian dishes that combines the rich flavors of fresh tomatoes with the satisfying texture of ravioli. This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use either store-bought ravioli or make your own from scratch. Whether you prefer a meat, cheese, or vegetable filling for your ravioli, pairing it with a homemade tomato sauce brings out the full depth of flavor.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a simple, yet flavorful ravioli with tomato sauce that will make you feel like you’re dining in an Italian bistro. Along the way, we’ll explore tips on cooking ravioli, making tomato sauce, and how to elevate your dish with a few extra touches. Plus, we’ll suggest some internal links to other delicious pasta recipes to keep your Italian cooking journey going!

Why Ravioli with Tomatoes?

There’s something special about the combination of fresh tomatoes and ravioli. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the savory, rich flavor of ravioli create a balanced meal that is both comforting and light. The best part about this dish is that it’s highly customizable:

Store-Bought or Homemade Ravioli: Whether you’re short on time or love to cook from scratch, ravioli can be purchased fresh or frozen, or you can prepare it yourself.
Fresh or Canned Tomatoes: You can make this dish with fresh tomatoes when they are in season or rely on canned tomatoes for a quick, year-round option.
Customizable Fillings: Ravioli comes in a wide range of flavors, so you can mix and match the filling with the tomato sauce. Common choices include cheese, spinach, mushrooms, meat, and even butternut squash.

If you’re curious about making ravioli from scratch, check out this detailed guide on Homemade Ravioli for an easy-to-follow recipe. With a little practice, you’ll be making your own ravioli in no time!

Ingredients for Ravioli with Tomatoes

To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients that will come together beautifully in just a few steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:

Fresh Ravioli (1 lb): You can choose ravioli with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, spinach, or meat. If you’re using store-bought ravioli, ensure it’s fresh or frozen, depending on what’s available.
Fresh Tomatoes (4-5 medium-sized): If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can opt for canned tomatoes instead.
Garlic (3 cloves): Garlic adds depth and flavor to your sauce, making it rich and aromatic.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the garlic and creating the base for your tomato sauce.
Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a refreshing herbal note to your sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): A finishing touch that enhances the dish with a savory, nutty flavor.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ravioli with Tomatoes

Step 1: Boil the Ravioli

Start by boiling the ravioli. If you’re using store-bought ravioli, follow the package instructions for cooking times. Typically, ravioli takes about 4-6 minutes to cook in a pot of boiling salted water.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ravioli and cook until they float to the surface.
Once cooked, remove the ravioli from the water using a slotted spoon and set them aside.

For tips on how to cook pasta like a pro, be sure to read through this helpful post on Pasta Cooking Tips, which offers great advice for perfect pasta every time!

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

While the ravioli is cooking, you can make the tomato sauce. The beauty of this sauce is that it’s quick and simple to prepare, allowing the natural flavors of the tomatoes to shine through.

Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
Add Tomatoes: Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces. If you’re using canned tomatoes, crush them slightly with your spoon.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat and let the tomatoes simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly, and the tomatoes will break down into a chunky sauce.
Season: Add salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few more minutes.

If you’re interested in experimenting with different types of tomato sauces, check out this post on Tomato Sauce Varieties for more ideas on how to personalize your sauce.

Step 3: Combine Ravioli and Sauce

Once the ravioli are cooked and the tomato sauce is ready, it’s time to combine the two.

Add Ravioli to Sauce: Gently add the cooked ravioli into the pan with the tomato sauce. Stir carefully to coat the ravioli with the sauce. You can use a spoon or tongs to ensure the ravioli doesn’t break apart.
Cook for a Few More Minutes: Let the ravioli and sauce simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the ravioli to absorb some of the tomato sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the ravioli and tomato sauce, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately while it’s hot.

If you’re a fan of pesto, consider adding a drizzle of Fresh Basil Pesto on top for an extra layer of flavor!

Variations and Add-Ins

Ravioli with tomatoes is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to personalize your dish:

Add Vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini along with the garlic to add some extra texture and flavor.
Use a Different Cheese Filling: Try using ricotta, goat cheese, or even a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan in your ravioli.
Spicy Tomato Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Meat Ravioli: Swap the cheese ravioli for a meat-filled version for a heartier meal.

For a lighter version of this dish, consider pairing your ravioli with a light tomato basil sauce or a creamy pesto sauce. For more recipe ideas, explore Easy Italian Pasta Recipes, which includes a range of simple pasta dishes to try at home.

How to Store Leftover Ravioli with Tomatoes

If you have leftovers, no worries! Ravioli with tomatoes can be easily stored for future meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerate: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra olive oil or water to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs About Ravioli with Tomatoes

Can I Use Canned Tomatoes for the Sauce?

Yes, canned tomatoes are a great alternative if fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano, for the best flavor.

How Do I Prevent My Ravioli from Falling Apart?

To prevent ravioli from falling apart, make sure the water is at a full boil before adding the ravioli. Don’t overcrowd the pot, and stir gently to avoid breaking the delicate pasta.

Can I Freeze Ravioli with Tomatoes?

Yes, you can freeze both the ravioli and the tomato sauce separately. Store the ravioli in an airtight container, and freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply reheat both, and combine.

Conclusion

Ravioli with tomatoes is a timeless dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to explore other Italian pasta dishes, and be sure to check out Spinach and Cheese Ravioli for another ravioli variation that you can make at home!

By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a delicious plate of ravioli with tomatoes that will have everyone coming back for more. Buon appetito!

Ravioli with Tomatoes: Easy Italian Recipe for a Delicious Meal