Description
Homemade “Garden Patch” Ravioli celebrates fresh Italian pasta dancing with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs. Delicate pasta pockets filled with creamy ricotta showcase summer’s finest produce, promising a delightful meal that connects regional culinary traditions with pure, simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese ravioli
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook ravioli according to package instructions at medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, ensuring they remain vibrant green and tender-crisp.
- Introduce cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing tomatoes to soften slightly and release their natural juices.
- Pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Simmer gently for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and concentrate.
- Gently fold cooked ravioli into the vegetable mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. If sauce seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle fresh basil, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Toss carefully to distribute herbs and cheese evenly.
- Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the ravioli are warm and the herbs are fragrant. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality ravioli to elevate the overall taste and texture of the dish.
- Avoid overcooking asparagus to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Toast garlic briefly to enhance its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a more aromatic and bright final result.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra Parmesan for depth.
- Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free ravioli and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme or oregano to personalize the flavor profile.
- If asparagus isn’t in season, substitute with zucchini or green beans for similar green vegetable texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 337 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg