Description
A rich and creamy sauce perfect for elevating cheese ravioli, featuring a blend of garlic, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil in a luxurious Parmesan-infused cream base. This quick and easy skillet sauce is ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 20 ounces cheese ravioli
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli: Cook the cheese ravioli according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1 minute to develop a richer flavor in the sauce.
- Deglaze and reduce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Incorporate cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add cheese and season: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Toss ravioli and finish: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss them to coat evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for a smooth melt and authentic flavor.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little cream or broth to restore creaminess.
