Indulge in a gourmet-style ravioli dish that combines the delicate flavors of fresh asparagus, juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a medley of herbs. This recipe is a perfect balance of richness and freshness, offering a mouthwatering experience for pasta lovers. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or a family meal, this dish is easy to make yet impressively elegant. The combination of tender ravioli and a light, herb-infused sauce brings out the best in every bite. Try this simple yet luxurious recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9-12 oz) fresh or frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the ravioli aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly tender.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, then add the cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for about 3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Ravioli: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Enhance with Butter and Cheese: Stir in the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the sauce for a creamy texture.
- Season and Finish: Add salt, black pepper, fresh basil, parsley, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with toasted pine nuts (if using) and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy this exquisite ravioli dish.