Delicious Ravioli Pairings: Unforgettable Food Combinations

franshikhaJanhavi Ramesh Kowligi
21 Min Read

Ah, pasta! May it be spaghetti, rigatoni, ravioli, or any type, count me in!

Ravioli is a traditional Italian dish and an essential part of Italian cuisine which can be found anywhere globally, but many people might not know much about it.

Ravioli undoubtedly falls under the pasta category, and you must know Italians’ love for pasta (which is equivalent to Joey’s love for food).

Ravioli usually has a filling of chicken, meat, beef, or any other stuffing you like, but if you are vegetarian, you can add vegetables. It is easy to make it home, but we can also buy frozen ravioli from the markets. Delve in to know all about this amazing dish and what to eat with ravioli!

1. What is Ravioli?

Ravioli is an Italian dish that has changed significantly over time; it can also be an excellent choice for any dinner party. It is a delicious pasta with a filling of chicken or vegetables. We can also choose if we want any meat in it or not because it tastes good with vegetables.

Ravioli can be combined with all types of sauces, and it is better to taste them all because they all have different flavours and highlights. The next portion of this article will discuss the correct way to make fresh ravioli at home. 

2. Difference Between the Fresh Ravioli and Frozen Ravioli

This question often arises when discussing ravioli: Should we make fresh ravioli or use frozen ones?

Fresh ravioli can be a little time-consuming and problematic if you are planning a gathering on short notice. To make ravioli by ourselves, we would need some ingredients like flour, eggs, ground beef, and more.

Fresh ravioli may taste better than frozen ones because they have fresh ingredients; all the ingredients will give a pleasant smell and great texture. 

Now, when we talk about frozen ravioli, we can go to the market any time of the day and buy it. The frozen ravioli is made beforehand; we have to boil it, and it will be ready for use in a dish.

It may also contain a few preservatives to keep it fresh for a long time, and it can be harmful to our health in the long term. Frozen ravioli may have less flavour because they stay in storage for a long time, affecting the ingredients’ freshness.

what to eat with ravioli
Source: Pexels

Freshness Versus Variety and Economy

Manobal Jain - Featured
Manobal Jain

There are several things I take into account while deciding between fresh and frozen ravioli. Firstly, freshness is necessary. The texture and flavor of fresh ravioli are often softer.

On the other hand, frozen ravioli has a longer shelf life and is more economical. It’s ideal for hectic days when you just want something simple to eat quickly.

Furthermore, frozen ravioli frequently offers a range of fillings and flavors. Therefore, frozen ravioli may be the best alternative if you’re seeking additional options. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and time constraints.

Manobal Jain, Founder, Trainerfu

Explore Unique Flavors in Ravioli

Tim Elliott - Featured
Tim Elliott

I’m drawn to innovative flavors and fillings that offer a unique dining experience, which plays a significant role in whether I opt for fresh or frozen ravioli.

Fresh ravioli often features artisanal combinations and seasonal ingredients that pique my culinary curiosity. However, some frozen ravioli brands have begun to introduce unique and adventurous flavors into their lineups.

My inclination toward trying new and exciting flavor profiles dictates my choice, encouraging culinary exploration and delight in every bite.

Tim Elliott, President & COO, Mr. Moxey’s

3. How to Make Ravioli?

It will not be a problem if you know how to make pasta sheets; it is pretty straightforward. One should start by making a dough by mixing eggs and refined flour.

Then, make thin sheets with the dough and spread it on a smooth surface. Use a knife to cut the pasta sheets into small, square pieces. 

To prepare the filling, take a pan and add olive oil. After this, add some chopped garlic and saute it until golden brown. Now, you can add the finely chopped onion and the spices and cook it well, then add some pepper powder, too, because it can add a nice flavour.

This is the correct time to add the ground beef to the pan and close the lid to cook it perfectly. When it’s done, keep it aside at room temperature to cool down.

Now, you can start filling the ravioli one by one. Make sure to seal the ravioli’s boundaries carefully so they don’t burst open in the water. 

4. The Correct Way to Boil Ravioli

How to Cook Ravioli Pasta : Chicken, Pasta & Sauce

Boiling ravioli can be a little tricky because it has filling in it. Start by boiling the water on a high flame for a few minutes; when the water starts boiling, gently put the ravioli in the utensil.

Ensure not to put a lot of ravioli in a small amount of water as it can mess up everything, and they will start breaking. After putting it in water, gently swirl it with a wooden spatula.

Now let it boil evenly, and when it is done, strain the water out of the ravioli and keep it in cold water to cool down. Please note that the frozen ravioli take more time to boil than fresh ones because of the temperature difference.

Mastering Ravioli: Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Melissa
Melissa

While boiling ravioli seems like a super simple task there are a few steps that can be taken to ensure properly cooked ravioli. There are different tips for frozen ravioli and fresh ravioli. 

For frozen ravioli: first, be sure to keep ravioli frozen until ready to cook. This will help to keep the filling from coming out of the pasta when it is cooking.

Second, be sure that the water is boiling before adding ravioli. Adding ravioli to water before it is boiling will result in longer cooking time, and therefore, the pasta may fall apart.

Third, while cooking the ravioli, gently stir it to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot as well as itself. Fourth, when ravioli is all floating to the top of the pot, drain water from the pot. Overcooked ravioli is sure to fall apart and lose its filling.

Last, immediately coat the ravioli in sauce or olive oil to keep them from sticking to each other. 

For fresh ravioli, the tips are similar. If you are making your own ravioli, be sure to follow the recipe to a “t”. When cooking fresh ravioli, it is also very important to add it to boiling water.

Fresh ravioli should have a cooking time of 3-5 minutes so once they begin to float to the top of the water that is a sign that they are almost done.

It is best to try one before draining the water from the pot. As with frozen ravioli be sure to coat in sauce or olive oil once the water is drained. 

Don’t let ravioli intimidate you! It is very simple to make with these tips and will guarantee the best results.

Melissa, Food Blogger, Return to the Kitchen

5. Different Things to Try With Ravioli

When we talk about ravioli, it can come to our mind that it would be nice to try something flavorful. This section will give you some suggestions that you can try with ravioli.

5.1. Garlic Bread

Who doesn’t love having a slice of cheesy garlic bread? It would be great to eat with your ravioli. This combination can be really good if it is made carefully. Use fresh or frozen ravioli and start the procedure by boiling it for some time without breaking it.

When the pasta is boiled, strain the water and put it in cold water. Now, at this point, you can save pasta water because it has starch, and it can help thicken the sauce. 

For garlic bread, we would need some French bread slices. Start by toasting the bread slices in a pan with some olive oil. After this, put some roasted garlic cloves on the bread and smush it.

Now add some salt and pepper powder on top of it and put a lot of cheese on the bread slice. You can use both parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.

At this stage, it is advisable to microwave it for a few seconds instead of cooking it in the pan because the bread can get burnt. Now, you can serve it on one side of ravioli, and it will add more colours and flavours to your dish.

what to eat with ravioli
Source: Pixabay

5.2. Peas

Peas can be a really good option to try out at least once. We would need some peas to make this, so make sure to peel them beforehand. Start by taking a pan, putting one stick of butter in it, and letting it melt.

Put the peas in the pan and add salt and black pepper when the butter is melted. Cook it for a reasonable amount of time, and then you can serve it as a side dish with your ravioli.

Don’t forget to add some lemon juice too, it goes perfectly with all different kinds of ravioli in all sauces. If you are healthy and love to eat cheese, add some parmesan cheese to the peas.

Make sure to add cheese when the stove is off to add the creamy texture instead of burning it.

what to eat with ravioli
Source: Pixabay

5.3. Broccoli Rabe

It is a healthy vegetable and everyone should eat it. But wouldn’t it be great if we made it tasty? Broccoli rabe can be a really good and healthy choice, and you can learn to make it by yourself easily. First, cut the broccoli into small pieces.

Now start by taking some olive oil or butter in a pan, once the olive oil is heated, add the broccoli to the pan and cook it for some time. When the broccoli is half cooked, add some salt and pepper and cook it entirely for some time.

Now you can serve it with ravioli and enjoy!

The BEST SAUTEED BROCCOLI RABE With Garlic And Oil

5.4. Green Beans

Green beans can be a great snack to enjoy, and it can taste even better if you serve it with ravioli. We can blanch and combine them with ravioli in green beans to enhance the taste and make it a successful match with ravioli.

Start by melting two sticks of butter. Both salted butter and unsalted butter work fine. When the butter is melted, add the chopped garlic to the pan.

Now add the green beans to it and cook it well. Now that the butter is unsalted, add some salt or leave it just like that, you can also add some chilli flakes to make it a little spicy. It is best to serve it when it is still hot. Otherwise, the butter will not taste creamy.

what to eat with ravioli
Source: Pixabay

5.5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes can add a little sweetness to the spicy taste of ravioli. It is easy to make, and anyone can try it at their place. You need some sweet potatoes and choose potatoes of the same size, and it is essential to choose wisely.

It can be a hurdle while cooking, and the more significant pieces will stay uncooked from the inside. Take a pot, pour some water in it, and let it boil. Now, you can add the sweet potatoes to the pot and close the lid to cook it evenly. After six minutes, take them out and serve. 

what to eat with ravioli
Source: Pexels

5.6. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon and asparagus are both healthy for our bodies, and it is a fun way to eat them. For this recipe, we would need some bacon strips along with the asparagus. Make sure to wash asparagus beforehand. Now start by wrapping one bacon on one asparagus at a time.

When they are all done, you can put some olive oil in a utensil and cook them. Put some herbs with them to enhance their natural aroma and make them attractive, you can serve it on the same plate as your ravioli or use a separate plate.

what to eat with ravioli
Source: Pixabay

5.7. Roasted Vegetables

You can try roasted vegetables if you don’t want to put in any effort and still want to enjoy something with your ravioli. You can start by cutting all your desired vegetables into equal pieces of five inches.

Now, simply add some olive oil to a pan on medium flame. At this point, you should add vegetables to the pan and cook it. Don’t close the lid for better results.

Add some light spices like salt to enhance the flavour and help it to cook quickly. When it is ready, serve it with ravioli when it is still hot. 

what to eat with ravioli
Source: Unsplash

6. Different Kinds of Ravioli

The ravioli used to be made from beef, spinach, veal, and chickpeas, but now, we can add many different ingredients to it as a filling. In this part of the article, we will try to explain some things that you can add to your ravioli. 

6.1. Lobster Ravioli

If you are planning on making fresh pasta, can you also need some flour and eggs to make a dough out of them?

When the dough is ready, you can fill it. For lobster ravioli start by cutting some lobster tails along with garlic. To make lobster ravioli, start by adding some olive oil to a pan and then add the chopped garlic. Cook it until it shrinks and changes its colour.

Now add the lobster accompanied with some salt and lemon juice. Close the lid to cook it evenly. When it’s cooked, add the ricotta cheese because it can add a creamy texture to the pasta.

You can make it with tomato sauce, alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, or creamy sauce. Serve it with some basil on top to add colour. 

Spanish Chorizo and Manchego Blend

Stephan Baldwin - Featured
Stephan Baldwin

I ventured into Spanish cuisine for inspiration and developed a ravioli filling that combines spicy chorizo, sharp Manchego cheese, and sweet piquillo peppers.

The smoky spice of the chorizo is perfectly balanced by the creaminess of the Manchego, while the piquillo peppers add a unique sweetness and a touch of color. 

This filling is a tribute to the vibrant flavors of Spain and offers a hearty, flavorful bite that’s unexpected in pasta. Serving it with a light tomato sauce infused with Spanish paprika can elevate the dish, making it a memorable culinary experience that’s both comforting and exotic.

Stephan Baldwin, Founder, Assisted Living Center

6.2. Cheese Ravioli

Cheese lovers would love this recipe, and it is super easy to make at home. Before beginning, make sure that you have both parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Use any ravioli because that’s your choice to make.

Now, take a pan from your kitchen cabinet and put olive oil or butter in it. Now add some garlic to it and cook it. After this, add some flour to the pan and cook it.

Once it is done, add milk and stir it continuously. It is time to add the cheese and stir it until the cheese melts. You can also add some heavy cream, then add seasoning to it and mix it properly.

Then, it is time to add your ravioli to the creamy sauce and mix it very slowly to prevent it from breaking. Serve hot and enjoy!

what to eat with ravioli
Source: Pixabay

From Pasta Course to Chef: Ravioli’s Versatility

Amy Hand
Amy Hand

While I was saving for cooking school, I took a pasta course to enhance my at-home learning. This is where I truly fell in love with ravioli!

Now, as a professional chef, I love ravioli because of how versatile it is. There are so many shape options that deliver a meal in a mouthful. With the right sauce, you can get every food group in one neatly packaged parcel.

Creative pastry chefs can also create sweet ravioli served with a fruit consomme.

You can choose a classic filling like beef mince or spinach and ricotta or completely mix it up by straying away from Italian flavors altogether. For example, an Indian fusion take on ravioli could take a paneer butter masala curry recipe and adapt it to fit inside a ravioli.

Amy Hand, Contributing Writer, The Skillful Cook

Final Note

Ravioli pasta tastes fantastic if you follow the correct recipe. There are many different delicious side dishes to try with ravioli, as listed above. How about you try these combinations and let us know your favourite in the comments?

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on by Arnab

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I am passionate about writing and see it as a way to spread knowledge. I believe that great content can make a real difference in the world. I am always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn more and more every day.

Finance enthusiast who wants to explore the world - Janhavi R. Kowligi is a freelance editor and content provider pursuing a bachelor's in commerce. With two years of diverse experience in content writing, she focuses on ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the content of various categories like health, travel, food and much more. She likes to interact with people of diverse backgrounds and bring out the best in them.

Education Bachelor’s in Commerce, Pune University Specialization in Banking and Finance Certifications/Qualifications All India School Certificate Examination with Skill Course 402-Information Technology