Ravioli Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking to truly elevate your pasta night, this Ravioli Sauce is about to become your new go-to favorite. Creamy, garlicky, and just a little bit spicy, it wraps each pillowy ravioli in a luxurious embrace that feels straight out of a cozy Italian trattoria. With a handful of simple ingredients and just a few minutes at the stove, you’ll end up with a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold, fresh flavor—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a little weeknight indulgence. Get ready to discover the secret weapon your ravioli has been waiting for!

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Ravioli Sauce so irresistible is how each ingredient plays a starring role. From the creamy base to the brightness of fresh basil, every element is chosen to highlight the flavors of your favorite ravioli. Here’s what you need, along with a little tip for each:
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic to golden perfection.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and an irresistible aroma to the sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Offers a subtly sweet and tangy depth, giving the sauce beautiful color.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Lends just a touch of heat to balance the creamy richness.
- Chicken Broth: Lightens the sauce while infusing it with extra savoriness.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, silky base—add more or less to get your ideal consistency.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: Brings salty, nutty complexity; grate it fresh for the absolute best flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds a burst of green freshness right at the end.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste—these classics make all the flavors sing.
- Refrigerated Ravioli: Use your favorite variety and cook according to package instructions; this sauce loves both cheese and meat fillings!
How to Make Ravioli Sauce
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it melts and begins to shimmer, add the minced garlic. Sauté gently for about a minute, just until the garlic turns lightly golden and the kitchen smells amazing. Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, and let everything cook together for about another minute, blending the flavors and waking up the spices.
Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld. Next, add the heavy cream, stirring steadily until the sauce becomes smooth and luscious. Adjust the amount of cream to suit your personal preference for richness.
Step 3: Enrich with Cheese and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmigiano reggiano and season the sauce to your liking with salt and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely, thickening the sauce and giving it that unmistakable savory kick that pairs so well with ravioli.
Step 4: Add Fresh Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. The residual warmth will release all those aromatic oils, ensuring the basil’s flavor is bright and uplifting without overpowering the sauce.
Step 5: Toss with Ravioli and Serve
Now it’s time for the grand finale! Gently toss your cooked ravioli into the sauce, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This is where the magic happens—serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Ravioli Sauce

Garnishes
This sauce is practically begging for a little finishing touch. Try topping your plated ravioli with an extra flourish of freshly chopped basil, more grated parmigiano, or a twist of black pepper. These simple garnishes not only look beautiful but also amplify the fresh, rich flavors of the Ravioli Sauce.
Side Dishes
Ravioli covered in this savory sauce is a main event, but a few simple sides can turn dinner into a true Italian feast. Think warm, crusty bread for swiping up extra sauce, a classic arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even some roasted seasonal vegetables for color and crunch. Each one complements the Ravioli Sauce without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Serve your ravioli in shallow bowls for that restaurant feel, or top with a tangle of microgreens for a modern twist. For a dinner party, try spooning the Ravioli Sauce in a pool on the plate and nestling the ravioli on top for a dramatic effect. Even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can give your presentation that chef’s touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a little extra Ravioli Sauce? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days—just long enough to look forward to a delicious encore lunch or quick weeknight dinner.
Freezing
The creamy base means this sauce freezes surprisingly well! Pour it into a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best consistency—it’ll be ready when you need a speedy meal solution.
Reheating
To reheat your Ravioli Sauce, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce appears too thick, a splash of cream or milk will restore its silky texture. If you’re reheating with ravioli, try to do it gently to avoid breaking those delicate filled pasta pillows.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ravioli with this sauce?
Absolutely! This Ravioli Sauce is designed to elevate even the simplest store-bought ravioli to a special treat. Whether you love cheese, spinach, or meat-filled varieties, this sauce brings out the best in every bite.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Easy fix—just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a vegetarian-friendly Ravioli Sauce that loses nothing in flavor or richness.
What if I want a thicker or thinner sauce?
Control the consistency by adjusting the cream and broth: add more cream to thicken, or pour in extra broth to thin it out. You can even simmer the sauce a bit longer if you want it extra velvety.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or even stir in a pinch of cayenne. This Ravioli Sauce is super adaptable to your personal spice tolerance!
What can I substitute for parmigiano reggiano?
While nothing beats fresh parmigiano for flavor, you can try pecorino romano or even a sharp aged cheddar for a different twist. Even pre-grated parmesan will do in a pinch—just add it gradually and taste as you go.
Final Thoughts
This creamy, garlicky Ravioli Sauce is so much more than just a topping—it’s an invitation to slow down, gather around the table, and savor every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and put your own spin on the recipe. Here’s to crave-worthy dinners and plenty of happy forks clinking!
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Ravioli Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful ravioli sauce is the perfect complement to your favorite stuffed pasta. With a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and the richness of Parmigiano Reggiano, this sauce is sure to elevate your meal.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (or to taste)
- 5 leaves fresh basil (chopped)
- Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
Other:
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated ravioli (prepared according to package directions)
Instructions
- Heat butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until garlic becomes lightly golden and fragrant. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes and stir together for another minute.
- Add chicken broth and stir until combined, bring to a simmer. Add cream and stir until smooth.
- Add Parmigiano Reggiano and salt and pepper, to taste.
- Remove from heat and add fresh basil, stirring until well combined.
- Gently toss with prepared ravioli and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: ravioli sauce, creamy sauce, pasta sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano sauce