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To make the creamy tomato ravioli, gather these simple ingredients: - 12 oz store-bought or homemade cheese ravioli - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These ingredients come together to create rich flavors and a creamy texture that you’ll love. You can add a twist to your ravioli dish with these optional ingredients: - Spinach for extra greens - Red pepper flakes for heat - Mushrooms for earthy flavors - A splash of white wine for depth - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your taste. If you need to make swaps, here are some easy substitutions: - Use ricotta or spinach ravioli instead of cheese ravioli - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter sauce - Use fresh basil in place of dried basil for a brighter flavor - Try cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes for a change - Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option These substitutions keep the recipe flexible while still being delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once boiling, add 12 oz of cheese ravioli. Cook them until they are al dente, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Check the package for exact cooking time. When done, drain the ravioli and set them aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the hot oil. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells nice. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and start to burst. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything well to mix. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens a bit. Now it’s time to combine! Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the creamy tomato sauce. Make sure each ravioli gets a good coating of the sauce. Heat everything together for about 2 minutes. Once done, serve the ravioli on plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a lovely finish. Enjoy your meal! - Always cook ravioli in salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. - Don’t overcook the ravioli. Al dente is key for the best bite. - Stir gently while cooking to prevent sticking. This keeps the ravioli intact. - Drain ravioli carefully. Use a slotted spoon to avoid breaking them. - Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste. It makes a big difference. - Sauté the cherry tomatoes until they burst. This brings out their sweetness. - A pinch of sugar balances the sauce's acidity. It creates a smoother taste. - Adding fresh basil at the end brightens the dish. It adds a lovely aroma. - Store leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps them fresh for up to three days. - Reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy. - Avoid microwaving if possible. It can make the ravioli mushy. - For longer storage, freeze the sauce and ravioli separately. They’ll taste great later! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly compared to canned or older tomatoes. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth for a thinner consistency. Customize the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to give your sauce a unique twist. Save Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. A splash can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian option, use cheese ravioli. Look for brands that offer a variety filled with spinach or ricotta. For a vegan alternative, choose plant-based ravioli made from mushrooms or lentils. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. This change keeps the sauce creamy and adds a nice flavor twist. Ravioli comes in many flavors. You can switch things up by using different fillings. Try butternut squash or mushroom ravioli for a sweet and savory mix. If you love spinach, use spinach and ricotta ravioli. Each filling will change the taste of your dish. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination! Want to add some heat? Mix in red pepper flakes to your sauce for a spicy kick. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavor. Another fun idea is to use sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste. You can even swap out the dried basil for fresh basil. Each variation will give your dish a unique twist! To store leftover ravioli, let it cool first. Place the ravioli in an airtight container. Make sure to add some sauce if you have any left. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze ravioli, follow these steps. First, let the ravioli cool completely. Spread them out on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months. To keep your ravioli fresh, avoid adding sauce until serving. Keep the pasta and sauce separate. Use the airtight container for both, if needed. For the best taste, consume the ravioli soon after cooking. If you freeze, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. The best way to cook ravioli is by boiling it. Use a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook until al dente. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen. Always check the package for specific times. After cooking, drain the ravioli and toss it in your sauce right away. This keeps it warm and helps the flavors blend. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop them into small pieces. You will need about 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh tomatoes. Remove the seeds for a smoother sauce. Cooking time may change slightly. You want to cook them until they soften and start to break down. This adds a nice, rich flavor to your sauce. Fresh tomatoes give a different taste but are just as tasty. To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream. Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream. You can also use cashew cream for a rich texture. Make sure your ravioli is dairy-free too. You can find options made with spinach or other fillings. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor. Fresh herbs can add depth without dairy. This way, you can still enjoy a creamy sauce. This blog covered how to make delicious ravioli with sauce. We discussed key ingredients and tips for cooking. You also learned about different variations and storage methods. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Use these pointers to make your dish perfect next time. Explore your own flavors and share your meals. Enjoy your culinary journey and try new things with ravioli!

Creamy Tomato Dream Ravioli

A delicious and creamy ravioli dish featuring fresh cherry tomatoes and basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz store-bought or homemade cheese ravioli
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the ravioli according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and begin to burst.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Heat through for about 2 minutes.
  • Serve the ravioli on plates, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
Keyword creamy, pasta, ravioli, tomato