Name: Easy Ravioli Sauce: Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 tbsp salted butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 0.5 tsp onion powder; 0.5 tsp dried basil; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp mustard powder; 0.75 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian); 1.5 cups half-and-half; 10 oz Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (juices reserved); 3 tbsp cream cheese (softened); 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 20 oz refrigerated ravioli (cheese-filled recommended); 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Elevate your ravioli night with this creamy, zesty sauce featuring butter, garlic, and a hint of spice from Rotel tomatoes. Perfectly paired with cheese-filled ravioli, this dish is rich, comforting, and ready in minutes. Top with extra Parmesan for the ultimate indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Pairs perfectly with any kind of ravioli—cheese-filled, spinach, or even meat-filled.
Rich Flavor: Combines creamy cheeses, aromatic spices, and juicy tomatoes for a sauce that’s anything but boring.
Kid-Approved: The mild flavors and creamy texture make it a family favorite.

Key Ingredients:

Salted Butter: Forms the rich base for the sauce and enhances every flavor.

Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic depth that takes the sauce from good to great.

Tomato Paste: Brings a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor that perfectly balances the creamy elements.

Seasonings: A blend of onion powder, dried basil, oregano, and mustard powder adds layers of flavor and a touch of warmth.

Half-and-Half: The creamy backbone of the sauce, creating that luscious texture we all love.

Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a pop of flavor and just a hint of spice with its juicy tomato-chili mix.

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, making it ultra-rich.

Parmesan Cheese: A nutty, salty addition that ties all the flavors together.

Cheese-Filled Ravioli: The perfect pasta choice for soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

1. Melt Butter and Cook Garlic

In a large pan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
Add minced garlic and stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown.

2. Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly golden.

3. Add Seasonings

Stir in:
Tomato paste
Onion powder
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Mustard powder.
Cook for about 1 minute until combined and aromatic.

4. Gradually Add Broth

Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Cook the mixture until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

5. Incorporate Cream

Gradually add half-and-half, stirring gently.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

6. Add Cheese and Tomatoes

Stir in cream cheese and mix until fully melted.
Add Rotel tomatoes with juices, stirring until evenly combined.

7. Cook the Ravioli

While the sauce is simmering, cook the ravioli according to package instructions.
Drain the ravioli and set aside.

8. Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if a little spice is desired.

9. Combine Ravioli and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

10. Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful ravioli dish!

Serving Suggestions:

This creamy ravioli dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these sides:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of the sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
Steamed Vegetables: Try tender asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for added color and nutrients.

Pair this dish with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, for a sophisticated touch.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or half-and-half to maintain creaminess.
Freezer: While the sauce freezes well, combine it with the ravioli just before serving for the best texture. Freeze the sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Cook the ravioli fresh for best results.

Variations to Try:

This ravioli sauce is incredibly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Protein Boost: Add cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage for a heartier dish.
Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts for a meatless version.
Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or use hot Rotel tomatoes for more heat.
Lemon Zest: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a bit of zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
Pesto Touch: Swirl in a tablespoon of basil pesto for an herby upgrade.

Conclusion:

This easy ravioli sauce is creamy, indulgent, and bursting with flavor—everything you need for a comforting dinner that feels special yet is simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this dish delivers every time.

So grab your favorite ravioli, whip up this sauce, and let your taste buds revel in the cheesy, tomatoey goodness. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!