Ravioli Tomatoes Asparagus Dish

This Ravioli Tomatoes Asparagus Dish is a delightful, vibrant meal that combines the richness of cheese-filled ravioli with the fresh flavors of asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty herb sauce. The dish is simple yet packed with flavors that will transport you straight to Italy. With a zesty lemon and herb sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this recipe makes for a quick, satisfying, and delicious dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a great balance of freshness and richness. The ravioli is tender and creamy, the asparagus adds a light crispness, and the cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness. The lemon and herb sauce ties everything together beautifully, adding just the right amount of brightness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s a vegetarian recipe that even non-vegetarians will love!

Ingredients

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus extra for serving

• 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese ravioli

Directions

1. Cook the cheese ravioli according to package directions until tender. Drain well and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and bright green.

3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.

5. Gently add the cooked ravioli to the skillet. Toss carefully to coat with the vegetables and sauce.

6. Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through and the cheese has slightly melted.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Swap the cheese ravioli with a vegan version and use vegan Parmesan to make this dish plant-based.

• Add Protein: If you’d like to add some protein to the dish, you can include grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.

• Substitute Vegetables: Swap the asparagus for zucchini, spinach, or even broccoli for a different veggie combo.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the dish in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use frozen ravioli. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as frozen ravioli may require a slightly longer cooking time.

2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great substitution if you want to keep the dish fully vegetarian or if you have dietary preferences.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance, then quickly toss them with the cooked ravioli when you’re ready to serve.

4. What kind of ravioli is best for this dish?

Cheese ravioli works beautifully in this recipe, but you can also experiment with other types like spinach, mushroom, or ricotta-filled ravioli for a different flavor profile.

5. How do I prevent the asparagus from getting too soft?

Cook the asparagus just until it’s tender-crisp and bright green. If it’s cooked too long, it can become mushy, so keep an eye on it while cooking.

6. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs really enhance the flavor of this dish, but if you don’t have them on hand, you can use dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe (for example, 1 tablespoon of fresh basil equals about 1 teaspoon of dried basil).

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free ravioli. There are many delicious gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

8. What’s the best way to serve this dish?

This dish is fantastic on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

9. How do I make the sauce a bit richer?

For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the chicken broth for a creamier texture.

10. Can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the garlic and tomato mixture or even stir in a dash of hot sauce when adding the broth and lemon juice.

Conclusion

This Ravioli Tomatoes Asparagus Dish is an easy-to-make, flavorful, and fresh meal that combines pasta, vegetables, and a zesty sauce in the most satisfying way. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, elegant meal, it’s a dish that proves how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply craving something light yet flavorful, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.