The Best Sauces for Cheese Ravioli
Looking for some inspiration for the best sauces for cheese ravioli?
You’re in the right place!
Whether you’re making a quick and easy midweek dinner, or you want something that’s sophisticated for a dinner party when you’re entertaining friends and family, you’ll find all the ideas you need right here…
The Best Sauces for Cheese Ravioli
Some of the most delicious sauces to serve with cheese ravioli include:
- Tomato based choices, including marinara, arrabbiata, bolognese, and diavolo
- Classic creamy options, like Alfredo, gorgonzola, and carbonara
- Light and vibrant pesto variations, such as traditional basil pesto and sun-dried tomato pesto
Let’s take a look at some tried and tested recipes for making these sauces at home…
Savoury Tomato Sauces for Cheese Ravioli
When it comes to pairing cheese ravioli with a delicious sauce, savoury tomato sauces are always a popular choice.
They provide a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and richness that enhances the delicate flavour of cheese ravioli.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic choice for cheese ravioli, offering a simple yet flavourful tomato-based sauce that perfectly complements the pasta.
Traditionally made with garlic, olive oil, and whole peeled tomatoes, this sauce highlights the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes and allows the cheese filling to shine through.
To make it, simply sauté garlic in olive oil, add canned, whole peeled tomatoes, and season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
Simmer the mixture until the flavours meld and your sauce has a rustic texture.
(By the way, for more mealtime ideas, be sure to also take a look at the best side dishes for ravioli!)
Arrabbiata Sauce
If you’re in the mood for a bit of heat, arrabbiata sauce is the way to go.
Like the marinara sauce, it features a tomato base, but adds a kick with the inclusion of red pepper flakes.
Cook diced tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes until the sauce thickens and you achieve that fiery taste.
The blend of delicious tomato flavour with a touch of spice will create a wonderful contrast to the creamy cheese ravioli.
For side dish inspiration, take a look at the best sides for arrabbiata.
Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese sauce, often considered a hearty and indulgent option, elevates your cheese ravioli dish to a whole new level of satisfaction.
This rich and complex sauce combines ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, creating a savoury and robust tomato sauce.
To achieve the perfect balance of flavours, try simmering your sauce with a splash of red wine, which adds depth and a hint of umami flavour to the dish.
Although typically served with beef ravioli, it’s delightful with cheese ravioli as well, especially for tomato sauce lovers.
Don’t forget to try out a few accompaniments for bolognese too!
Diavolo Sauce
For those who enjoy even more heat, the diavolo sauce should be your go-to choice.
This fiery sauce takes the tomato base and adds a generous amount of hot red pepper, creating a piquant and mouth-watering combination that will tantalise your taste buds.
To make this sauce, sauté garlic and crushed red pepper in olive oil before adding canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened and garnish with fresh parsley.
The tangy, spicy flavour of the Diavolo sauce brings a delightful contrast to the smooth and creamy cheese ravioli, leaving your palate craving more.
Classic Cream Sauces for Cheese Ravioli
Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
To make a tasty Alfredo sauce, simply melt butter in a saucepan, stir in some minced garlic, and then add the heavy cream.
Allow the mixture to simmer before gradually adding the Parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce until it thickens, and season it to taste with salt and pepper.
The velvety texture and salty flavour of Alfredo sauce complement cheese ravioli beautifully, creating a classic and indulgent dish.
Try making a little bit more than you need, and check out how to use leftover Alfredo sauce for inspiration for tomorrow’s dinner!
Gorgonzola Sauce
For fans of bold flavours, a gorgonzola sauce is a fantastic option.
This delectable sauce is made by melting butter in a pan, adding minced garlic and crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
To balance the strong taste of gorgonzola, mix in some cream or milk, depending on how rich you want the sauce.
You can also add a pinch of herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for an aromatic touch.
The tang of gorgonzola adds a burst of flavour to delicate cheese ravioli, creating a delicious contrast.
Carbonara Sauce
Another great way to enjoy your cheese ravioli is by making a carbonara sauce, which is a creamy, garlicky sauce with a hint of bacon.
Start by sautéing garlic and bacon in a pan with a bit of olive oil.
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of heavy cream or half and half.
Heat the pan to thicken this mixture, ensuring that the egg doesn’t scramble.
Add the cooked cheese ravioli to the sauce and toss so that each piece is nicely coated.
The bacon and garlic in carbonara sauce give a mouth-watering umami touch to the dish.
For side dishes, visit what to serve with carbonara.
White Wine Cream Sauce
Last but not least, try pairing your cheese ravioli with a white wine cream sauce.
In a saucepan, combine minced shallots, garlic, and a splash of white wine.
Allow the wine to reduce slightly, then add chicken broth, cream, and a knob of butter.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
You can enhance the depth of flavour by adding some herbs like basil or parsley.
The subtle notes of the white wine, along with the cream, create a well-balanced sauce that enhances the taste of cheese ravioli without overwhelming it.
Delicious Pesto Sauces for Cheese Ravioli
Basil Pesto Sauce
Basil pesto sauce is a classic choice for cheese ravioli. Its herbaceous flavour and creamy texture perfectly complement the rich filling.
To make this sauce, you’ll need:
- A large bunch of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
To prepare, simply combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running.
The result will be a beautifully fragrant and vibrant basil pesto that will taste divine on your cheese ravioli.
If you need to use a ready made variety, find out how to improve store bought pesto.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
For a slightly different twist on the classic pesto, try this sun-dried tomato version.
The sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes add a delicious depth of flavour that pairs brilliantly with cheese ravioli.
To make sun-dried tomato pesto sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
The process is similar to making basil pesto – blend the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
While the processor is running, slowly add the olive oil until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Which of these sauces will you be making for your ravioli?
