Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s on the table in under 20 minutes? This creamy Garlic Parmesan Ravioli is your answer. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that transforms a humble package of ravioli into an unforgettable dinner. We’re talking tender, cheese-filled pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made with fresh garlic, savory Parmesan, and a touch of cream. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, a last-minute dinner for guests, or any time you need a comforting and incredibly satisfying meal without the fuss.
Forget spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and speed. The sauce comes together in the time it takes to boil the ravioli, making it the ultimate comfort food hack. Let’s get started on what will surely become your new favorite pasta night staple.
Why This Garlic Parmesan Ravioli Recipe is a Must-Try
You are going to absolutely love how easily this decadent dish comes together. Here’s why it stands out:
- Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, you can have this meal ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic evenings when you need something delicious, fast.
- Simple, Flavorful Ingredients: With a handful of pantry staples like garlic, butter, and Parmesan, you can create a sauce that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base. You can easily add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to make it your own.
- Budget-Friendly Elegance: It feels like a fancy, expensive meal but is surprisingly economical to make, especially when using your favorite store-bought ravioli.
Ingredients for the Perfect Sauce
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the luscious garlic parmesan sauce:
- Cheese Ravioli: One (16-ounce) package of your favorite refrigerated cheese ravioli. Four-cheese or spinach and ricotta varieties work beautifully.
- Butter: Salted butter forms the rich base of our sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps to thicken the sauce into a velvety consistency.
- Heavy Cream & Milk: A combination of heavy cream and whole milk creates the perfect creamy texture without being overly heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt smoother and taste infinitely better than the pre-shredded kind.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy this is? Follow these simple steps for perfect Garlic Parmesan Ravioli every time.
- Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to the package directions, usually for about 3-5 minutes. Once they float to the top, they’re done. Drain and set aside.
- Start the Sauce: While the ravioli is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux. This will prevent lumps and thicken your sauce.
- Create the Creamy Base: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine and Serve: Gently add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss carefully to coat each piece. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Variations and Add-Ins
While this creamy garlic parmesan ravioli is fantastic on its own, it’s also a wonderful canvas for additions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add a Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier meal. For a similar flavor profile, check out this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
- Toss in Vegetables: Add some greens by stirring in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until wilted. Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are also delicious additions.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little kick of heat.
- Baked Ravioli: For a cheesy, baked version, transfer the sauced ravioli to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Ravioli
This dish is a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect fresh contrast. For something heartier, serve it alongside some Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes (coming soon) or a slice of crusty Amish White Bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the ravioli and sauce in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency. Microwaving is possible, but low and slow on the stovetop will give you the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This dish is wonderful with added protein. Stir in cooked shredded chicken, seared shrimp, or cooked Italian sausage at the end for a more substantial meal.
The key is to whisk the flour into the melted butter to create a smooth paste (a roux) before slowly adding the liquids. Pour in the milk and cream gradually while whisking continuously to ensure a silky, lump-free sauce.
Store leftover ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce’s original creamy consistency.
This creamy ravioli pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli. For a classic combination, serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
We recommend using refrigerated cheese ravioli, such as a four-cheese, spinach and ricotta, or mushroom variety. However, this sauce is delicious with almost any type of filled pasta.
The Perfect Weeknight Indulgence
This Garlic Parmesan Ravioli recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to create a truly spectacular meal. It’s a dish that brings comfort and elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. Give it a try, and watch it become an instant family favorite.
If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it on Pinterest! We’d love to see your creations.
Garlic Parmesan Ravioli
Garlic Parmesan Ravioli: The Creamiest 20-Minute Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the ravioli cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Gently add the drained ravioli to the skillet and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Be careful not to overcook the ravioli. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with an extra splash of milk.
