Name: Creamy Ravioli Sauce That Will Have You Begging for Seconds
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or to taste); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (or to taste); 5 fresh basil leaves, chopped; Sea salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated ravioli, cooked according to package directions

Why You’ll Love Creamy Ravioli Sauce Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The sauce is smooth and creamy with just the right balance of savory parmesan and subtle heat from red pepper flakes. It pairs beautifully with cheese, meat, or spinach-filled ravioli and can easily be customized with your favorite add-ins. Best of all, it uses simple pantry staples and comes together in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or more to taste)
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated ravioli, cooked according to package instructions

Directions

Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, mixing until well combined.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to slightly reduce.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Mix in the chopped basil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations
For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage. You can stir in fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables. If you prefer a slightly tangier sauce, add a splash of white wine before adding the broth and let it reduce. For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half with additional heavy cream. Sun-dried tomatoes or a spoonful of pesto can also give the sauce a flavorful twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one to maintain a smooth texture. Freezing is possible, but cream-based sauces may slightly change in texture when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen ravioli works perfectly. Just cook according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked ravioli before serving.

What type of ravioli works best?

Cheese ravioli is a classic choice, but spinach, mushroom, lobster, or meat-filled ravioli all pair wonderfully with this sauce.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a little more grated parmesan to help thicken it.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Is this sauce spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can reduce or omit them if you prefer no heat.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, spinach, peas, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes are excellent additions.

Why did my sauce separate?

High heat can cause cream sauces to separate. Keep the heat low once the cream is added and avoid boiling.

What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes to complete the meal.

Conclusion

This creamy ravioli sauce is the perfect way to elevate a simple pasta dinner into something truly special. With its rich texture, balanced flavors, and quick preparation time, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this sauce is sure to impress.