Ravioli With Broccoli Sauce
Creamy ravioli with tender broccoli florets and a flavorful garlic Romano sauce, perfect for a comforting, vegetarian-friendly weeknight dinner that balances richness and freshness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil on low in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add chopped garlic, salt, pepper, and dried red pepper.
- Saute until garlic is lightly browned, about 1 to 3 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and cook for 20 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, cut broccoli into 1 1/2-inch florets.
- Cook broccoli in boiling water until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Add grated Romano or Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir to blend.
- Prepare the ravioli according to package directions, then drain.
- Add cooked broccoli to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce and broccoli mixture over cooked ravioli and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine along with the cream. If you don't have Romano or Parmesan cheese, any hard cheese will work in a pinch. You can also use fresh garlic instead of minced for a more robust flavor. If you're short on time, try using store-bought pesto as a shortcut sauce; it pairs beautifully with Ravioli With Broccoli Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ravioli topped with extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Pair with a light salad dressed with Tangy Italian Dressing or serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. This dish also complements a glass of white wine for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the ravioli and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ravioli With Broccoli Sauce contains roughly 518 calories, with 12g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh ravioli can be used in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as fresh ravioli typically cooks faster than frozen. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. However, this may alter the richness of the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them alongside the garlic for a delicious twist on the original recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).