Ravioli with tomatoes,asparagus,garlic and herbs
#best raviolis #confortfood #loverofpasta #asparagus
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese ravioli
Directions:
Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Add the cherry tomatoes and garlic to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve the ravioli hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
It's true, nothing beats a quick and delicious meal on a busy night, and this ravioli dish with its vibrant green asparagus pieces and halved red cherry tomatoes always hits the spot! But one of the best things about cheese ravioli is how incredibly versatile it is. While this garlic and herb sauce is fantastic, I've found so many ways to customize store-bought ravioli to keep things exciting and make it feel like a gourmet meal with minimal effort. It really makes me wonder what other vegetables go well with ravioli, and what simple sauces can elevate it even further. Beyond the perfect pairing of asparagus and cherry tomatoes, there's a whole world of vegetables that can transform your ravioli. For a heartier dish, I often sauté sliced mushrooms and zucchini until tender, or roast bell peppers and onions for a sweet, smoky flavor. Spinach is another fantastic choice; just wilt it into your sauce at the last minute for a boost of greens. Even broccoli florets, lightly steamed or roasted, can add a wonderful texture and freshness. When I'm planning my meals, I always think about what vegetables I have on hand that could be tossed in. It's an easy way to add nutrients and variety to any ravioli and vegetables dish. Speaking of sauces, while the light sauce in this recipe is truly delightful, there are other simple sauces for cheese ravioli that I rotate through. A classic, incredibly easy option is a butter-sage sauce: simply brown butter gently, add fresh sage leaves until crispy, and toss with your cooked ravioli. The nutty flavor is divine! For something bolder, a quick pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade) offers a burst of fresh basil and garlic. Sometimes, I even just drizzle good quality olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an incredibly simple yet satisfying coating. These minimal additions truly highlight the cheese within the ravioli itself. To really make store-bought cheese ravioli shine, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Always finish with fresh herbs – a mix of parsley, basil, or chives truly brightens up any dish and contributes to that delicious fresh chopped herbs aroma. Don't forget a final grating of high-quality Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese; it melts beautifully into the warm pasta and sauce. For an extra crunch, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs can add a fantastic textural contrast. Sometimes, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, especially if you love a little heat. These small touches make a huge difference in creating a memorable meal that's far from just "packaged pasta." Ultimately, cooking with ravioli is all about enjoying delicious, comforting food without the fuss. Experiment with different vegetable combinations and simple sauce ideas. It’s amazing how a few fresh ingredients can elevate a quick meal into something truly special. The dish pictured, with its beautiful asparagus and tomatoes coated in a light sauce, is a perfect example of how delicious and beautiful a simple ravioli meal can be.