Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce Recipe

Luscious Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce Recipe – Ready in a Flash

Comfort meets culinary magic with this creamy tomato ravioli sauce that promises pure deliciousness.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of rich flavors.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Bright red tomatoes and smooth cream form the heart of this incredible sauce.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, this recipe turns ordinary meals into memorable moments.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible sauce.

Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce Overview

  • Easily adapt the recipe by switching up herbs, adjusting cream levels, or adding extra protein like shredded chicken or crispy pancetta.
  • Prepare a luxurious pasta sauce in less than 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
  • Combine rich, creamy textures with tangy tomatoes and aromatic garlic for a universally loved meal that satisfies all taste buds.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce

Main Ingredients:
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes that provide a rich and tangy base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, smooth texture and creamy richness to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Garlic offers a deep, aromatic flavor, while Italian seasoning adds a classic herbal note to the sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors of the sauce.
Cooking Fats and Garnish:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing garlic and adds depth to the sauce.
  • Fresh Basil: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and herbal freshness to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Grab a skillet and drizzle olive oil or drop in a pat of butter.

Set the heat to medium and let the pan get nice and toasty.

Step 2: Wake Up the Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan.

Watch for those amazing aromatics to release and fill your kitchen with delicious scents.

Stir gently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Bring on the Tomato Magic

Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in Italian seasoning.

Let everything bubble and mingle together.

The sauce will start to develop deep, rich flavors as it simmers for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Silky Smoothness

Turn down the heat to low and introduce these ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Stir until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy blend.

Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 5: Marry the Sauce with Ravioli

Gently fold cooked ravioli into the sauce, making sure each pillow gets completely coated.

Alternatively, plate your ravioli and generously ladle the sauce on top.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the dish.

The bright green will add a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal flavor that takes this sauce to the next level.

Tips for Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce Success

  • Use the flat side of a knife to lightly crush garlic cloves before chopping, releasing more flavor and aroma into the sauce.
  • Adjust heavy cream amount to create a thicker or lighter sauce depending on personal preference and desired richness.
  • Chop fresh basil right before adding to maintain vibrant color and maximize the herb's aromatic qualities.
  • Taste the sauce before adding salt, as Parmesan cheese already contributes significant saltiness to the dish.
  • Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky texture for the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce

  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place sauce in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when steaming hot.
  • Pour sauce into a skillet over low-medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of cream or water if sauce seems too thick. Warm until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce

Complement Creamy Tomato Ravioli with Delightful Pairings:
  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the sauce's richness and cut through the creamy texture.
  • Fresh Garden Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty contrast against the rich, velvety ravioli sauce.
  • Rustic Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread brushed with olive oil and herbs to soak up extra sauce and add delightful crunch.
  • Herb-Roasted Vegetable Ally: Prepare a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with fresh rosemary to complement the ravioli's robust flavors.

Variations on Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly sauce that's rich and creamy.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring heat and complexity to the tomato sauce for those who enjoy a spicier profile.
  • Herb-Infused Version: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a more vibrant, garden-fresh flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower ravioli instead of traditional pasta to create a lighter, vegetable-based alternative for carb-conscious eaters.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, you can substitute dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for the same flavor intensity as fresh basil leaves.

  • Is there a way to make this sauce less rich?

Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce the richness. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still creamy.

  • What type of tomatoes work best for this sauce?

Canned crushed tomatoes are ideal. San Marzano tomatoes provide the best flavor and smooth texture for this creamy tomato sauce.

  • Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving with ravioli.

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Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce Recipe

Creamy Tomato Ravioli Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent creamy tomato ravioli sauce brings Italian comfort straight to home kitchens with its silky, rich texture. Rich basil-infused cream and ripe San Marzano tomatoes create a luxurious coating that elevates simple pasta into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil or butter
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil or butter in a medium-heat skillet, releasing aromatic garlic until it becomes golden and fragrant.
  2. Incorporate crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop rich flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat and introduce heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a velvety, uniform consistency.
  4. Carefully season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  5. Fold cooked ravioli into the luxurious sauce, ensuring each pasta pocket is generously coated with the creamy tomato blend.
  6. Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with freshly torn basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Enhance garlic flavor by using freshly minced garlic instead of pre-chopped for a more vibrant, aromatic sauce.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream quantity; less cream creates a lighter consistency, while more cream makes it richer and more luxurious.
  • Opt for San Marzano tomatoes when possible, as they provide a sweeter, less acidic base that elevates the overall sauce quality.
  • Accommodate dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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