Name: Creamy Ravioli Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 20 Oz Cheese Ravioli, cooked; 1 Ladel Pasta Water, reserved when boiling the ravioli; 2 Tbs Butter; 1/2 Cup Onion, diced; 3 Cloves Garlic, minced; 2 Tbs Flour; 3 Oz Tomato Paste; 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth; 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream; 4 Oz Cream Cheese, room temp and cubed; 10 Oz Diced Tomatoes; Salt and Pepper to taste; 1 Tsp Garlic Powder; 1 Tbs Italian Seasoning (divided); Fresh Parsley, for garnish (optional)

Creamy Ravioli Sauce is a creamy, tomato based sauce that is loaded with Italian herbs and seasonings and just the right amount of cheese.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

This creamy ravioli sauce has a permanent spot on my families dinner menu. It's incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. I can put this together in about 30 minutes with very little effort. The best part is that I usually already have all of these ingredients already on hand.

Easy to make recipes that include pantry staples like this one are a god send for me on busy weekdays. One less trip to the grocery store is just fine by me! This sauce goes together so perfectly with the ravioli. It also coats every one very nicely so you'll get some of this delicious sauce in every bite.

Why You'll Love It

Easy To Make- This sauce comes together in one skillet with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Rich & Creamy- Cream cheese and heavy cream give this sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
Perfect For Store Bought Ravioli- An easy way to make refrigerated or frozen ravioli taste like something out of a resturant.

Ingredients

Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious sauce. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.

Cheese Ravioli- Compliments the sauce perfectly.
Onion- Adds a subtle sweetness.
Garlic- Brings an earthy homemade aroma and taste to the sauce
Flour- Helps to thicken the sauce.
Butter- Adds rich flavor.
Tomato Paste- Brings just the right amount of acidity.
Chicken Broth- Adds flavor and loosens the sauce.
Heavy cream- Turns the simple tomato sauce into something rich and creamy
Cream Cheese- Adds creaminess and a mild cheesy falvor.
Diced Tomatoes- Adds acidity and texture.
Salt & Pepper- Enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients.
Garlic Powder-Brings the taste of garlic evenly into the sauce.
Italian Seasoning- All the right amount of Italian herbs and spices all in one place.
Fresh Parsley- An optional garnish that adds a pop of color.

How To Make It

Heres how to make this amazing sauce. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt the butter and add the onion and garlic. Season them with salt, pepper and half of the Italian seasoning. Saute them for about 3 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add the flour and tomato paste and let it cook for 2-3 minutes stirring frequently.

PRO TIP: Don't rush cooking the flour and tomato paste. The flour needs time to cook out the "raw' flour taste and the tomato paste needs time to deepen in flavor.

Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and the rest of the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. Turn the heat to low and stir in cream cheese until it melts into the sauce. Then stir in the heavy cream.

NOTE: Cube the cream cheese before adding it to the sauce so it incorporates easily.

Add in the pasta water and ravioli and gently toss them into the sauce until evenly coated. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy! Finally, transfer the ravioli to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley (if desired), serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

Soften The Cream Cheese- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce so it melts more easily and blends smoothly.
Don't Skip The Pasta Water- The starch in the reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce.
Keep The Heat Low- Once the heavy cream and cream cheese are added, keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from sepertating.
Don't Overcook The Ravioli- Ravioli can be delicate, so cook it just until tender.

Variations

Switch up the ravioli: Cheese, spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or lobster ravioli would all be delicious with this sauce.
Add some protein: Stir in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or cooked Italian sausage to make the dish even heartier.
Make it spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat.
Add vegetables: Fresh baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers would be great additions.
Make it extra cheesy: Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for even more flavor.
Add fresh herbs: Finish the dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a little freshness and color.

What Should I Serve This With?

Pasta always goes great with some Homemade Italian Garlic Bread and a simple side salad. If you're looking for something a little more filling, try these Chicken Cutlets or Classic Italian Meatballs.

Storage

Let the sauce cool completely and place it into a food safe, air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days.