Indulge in a delicious and vibrant dish with this Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs recipe. This dish perfectly balances the richness of cheese-filled ravioli with the freshness of juicy tomatoes, tender asparagus, and aromatic herbs. The infusion of garlic and olive oil enhances the overall flavor, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe brings an authentic Italian touch to your table. With simple yet fresh ingredients, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cheese or spinach ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup vegetable or chicken broth (optional for extra sauce)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. If using fresh ravioli, it will take about 3–4 minutes; frozen ravioli may take a little longer. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Toss in the asparagus pieces and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the asparagus is tender yet slightly crisp.
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes (if using) and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the vegetables for extra richness.
- If the mixture seems dry, pour in a small amount of vegetable or chicken broth along with the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss it with the vegetables, ensuring that every piece is coated with the delicious flavors.
- Sprinkle in the fresh basil, thyme, and dried oregano, stirring everything together for an aromatic touch.
- Remove from heat and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slightly over the warm ravioli.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. Enjoy this delightful ravioli dish with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.