Italian Sausage & Ravioli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Sausage & Ravioli dish is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. The spicy, savory sausage pairs perfectly with the soft, pillowy ravioli, while the tomato sauce ties everything together in a tangy, aromatic symphony. It’s a great way to enjoy the comforting elements of a classic pasta dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and quick cooking, you’ll have a delicious, filling meal in no time, making it perfect for busy days or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)

  • 1 package (about 12 oz) of refrigerated or frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1/4 cup tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Cook the sausage:

    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat in the skillet for the sauce.

  2. Sauté the onion and garlic:

    • In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Make the sauce:

    • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

  4. Cook the ravioli:

    • While the sauce is simmering, cook the ravioli according to the package instructions, usually boiling them for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top. Drain the ravioli and set them aside.

  5. Combine sausage and ravioli:

    • Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Gently add the cooked ravioli to the sauce, tossing carefully to coat the ravioli with the sauce.

  6. Serve:

    • Serve the Italian Sausage & Ravioli hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.

  • Add greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale to the sauce for added color and nutrition.

  • Spicy kick: If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it an extra kick.

  • Creamy sauce: Add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half to the tomato sauce for a creamy, rich version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers of Italian Sausage & Ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ravioli?

Yes, frozen ravioli works great for this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time.

2. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage if you prefer a lighter or plant-based option.

3. Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, you can substitute jarred marinara sauce for the homemade tomato sauce. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.

4. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can stir in some ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier sauce, or sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish before serving for a cheesy finish.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and then cook the ravioli and combine everything just before serving. You can also reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the sausage and sauce mixture for up to 2 months. Just freeze it in an airtight container and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Cook the ravioli fresh when you’re ready to serve.

7. How do I know when the ravioli are done?

Ravioli are typically done when they float to the surface of the boiling water, which usually takes 3-4 minutes. For fresh ravioli, check for any floating signs, and for frozen ravioli, refer to the package instructions.

8. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all be great additions to this dish, either mixed into the sauce or cooked separately and added at the end.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage to give the dish more heat.

10. Can I use a different kind of pasta instead of ravioli?

Yes! If you don’t have ravioli on hand, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just cook the pasta separately and toss it with the sausage and sauce.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage & Ravioli is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone craving a comforting meal with a bit of Italian flair. The savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and tender ravioli come together to create a filling meal that’s perfect for busy nights or special occasions. It’s easy to make, versatile, and delicious—what’s not to love?

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Italian Sausage & Ravioli

Italian Sausage & Ravioli

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Italian Sausage & Ravioli is a comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage with tender ravioli, all smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce. A hearty meal that’s quick to prepare and full of rich flavors.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  1. 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
  2. 1 package (about 12 oz) of refrigerated or frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach)
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 1 onion, finely chopped
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  7. 1/4 cup tomato paste
  8. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  9. 1 teaspoon dried basil
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  12. Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving a little rendered fat for the sauce.

  1. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the onion for 3-5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
  3. While the sauce simmers, cook the ravioli according to the package instructions, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine, then gently add the ravioli to the sauce, tossing carefully to coat.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
  • Add fresh spinach or kale to the sauce for extra nutrition and color.
  • For a creamy version, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce.
  • If using frozen ravioli, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time.
  • Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or on the stove.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
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