Easy Ravioli Sauce

Craving a comforting and delectable meal that can be whipped up in no time? Look no further! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s close to my heart and has been a hit in my kitchen – an Easy Ravioli Sauce that’s bound to elevate your pasta nights to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients:

Before diving into the culinary action, let’s ensure we have everything on hand. This recipe serves up to 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

• For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon EACH of onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and mustard powder
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups half and half
  • 10 oz. Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, juices reserved
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • A pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• Main Ingredient:
  • 20 oz. refrigerated ravioli (your choice of filling)

Preparation Steps:

1. Prep Work: The key to a smooth cooking process is preparation. Begin by measuring out all your ingredients. This not only saves time but also ensures a hassle-free cooking experience.
2. Making the Sauce:
   • Start by melting the butter in a large, high-walled skillet over medium-low heat.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning.
   • Mix in the flour and continue to stir for another 2 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce.
   • Stir in the tomato paste along with the onion powder, basil, oregano, and mustard powder until well combined.
   • Gradually add the chicken broth in small increments, stirring continuously. Follow this with the half and half, added in the same careful manner. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. This is where the sauce starts to thicken and the flavors meld together beautifully.
   • Incorporate the softened cream cheese and the drained Rotel tomatoes, stirring until smooth. Remember, the reserved tomato juice can be added later to adjust the consistency to your liking.
3. Cooking the Ravioli:
   • While your sauce simmers, cook the ravioli according to the package instructions, then drain. This usually involves boiling water in a large pot, adding the ravioli, and cooking for a specified number of minutes until tender but still al dente.
4. Finishing Touches:
   • Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully integrated and smooth.
   • For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this is the time to add the red pepper flakes.
   • Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the sauce, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, adjust the consistency with the reserved tomato juice to your preference.
5. Serve and Enjoy! Once everything is perfectly combined and the ravioli are warmed through, it’s time to plate up. Serve this comforting dish hot, garnished with a little extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information:

For those interested, this meal clocks in at approximately 390 kcal per serving, making it a satisfying yet not overly indulgent option for dinner.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this Easy Ravioli Sauce recipe promises a mouthwatering meal that’s simple to prepare and impossible to resist. So, why not treat your taste buds tonight?

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