Cheese Ravioli Recipe

Cheese ravioli is a classic Italian dish that combines delicate pasta filled with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture. Perfect for fall, this comforting dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces, including marinara or a simple butter and sage sauce. It’s an ideal recipe for cozy dinners, and you can easily add Italian sausage for a heartier version.

Ingredients for Cheese Ravioli

For the Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional:

• 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (for Italian sausage ravioli)

For Serving:

• Marinara sauce or butter and sage sauce
• Extra Parmesan for garnish

Method for Cheese Ravioli

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Dough

1. On a clean surface, make a mound with the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add olive oil and salt.
2. Slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding Italian sausage, fold it into the cheese mixture.
2. Stir until the filling is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pasta

1. Once the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each portion on a floured surface until it’s very thin, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Cut the dough into long strips or squares, depending on the size of ravioli you want.

Step 4: Fill the Ravioli

1. Place small spoonful of the cheese filling (about 1 teaspoon) onto one sheet of dough, spacing them evenly. Brush the edges around each filling with water.
2. Lay another sheet of dough on top and press down around the filling to seal. Cut out individual ravioli using a knife or ravioli cutter.

Step 5: Cook the Ravioli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
2. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli and transfer to a serving dish.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the cheese ravioli with your choice of marinara sauce or a simple butter and sage sauce.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Nutrition Facts for Cheese Ravioli

• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg

This cheese ravioli recipe provides a balanced and comforting meal, with a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You can customize it with Italian sausage for a heartier dish, perfect for fall chicken recipes and cozy evenings.

Conclusion

Cheese ravioli is a timeless Italian dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Its soft, pillow pasta and creamy cheese filling make it a versatile recipe that can be served with a variety of sauces. Whether you’re enjoying a simple marinara or elevating the dish with a rich sage butter sauce, this homemade ravioli recipe is perfect for fall and easy to customize with Italian sausage for added flavor.