The best sides for for Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli are Classic Marinara Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Pesto Sauce, Brown Butter Sauce, and Vodka Sauce.
Classic Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic when it comes to pasta but especially pairs well with ravioli.
For something lighter, swap in Vodka Sauce instead.
Are you looking for the best sauces to make your spinach and ricotta ravioli even tastier?
This article provides an in-depth look on the 12 best options ranging from classic tomato sauces to adventurous options such as basil pesto.
From cooking procedures to key ingredients, this article will surely make sure that you get the perfect sauce for your dish in no time.
Learn about exciting combinations and tempting flavors that will take your pasta dish to a whole new level.
Criteria for Choosing Sauce for Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Choosing the right sauce for Spinach and Ricotta ravioli can be overwhelming but know that, when done right, it can improve the flavors of your dish - consider egg roll dipping options for pairing to inspire balanced sauces.
The perfect pairing isn't something you should leave up to trial-and-error; keep these criteria in mind when selecting your sauce:
- Uniformity: The texture and size of the pasta should remain consistent throughout the dish. A smooth tomato sauce will prevent ravioli pieces from disintegrating during the cooking process and will also provide an even coating of flavor on each bite.
- Flavor: Ravioli are already filled with flavorful ingredients, so it's important not to overpower its unique flavor by selecting a sauce that is too sharp or acidic. However, adding a light touch of acidity can help cut through some of the richness from the ricotta and balance out all the flavors in this dish.
- Composition: The structure of ravioli may mean that it takes longer for meaty sauces to cook properly than does thinner sauces such as pesto or tomato sauce. Therefore, choosing a lighter sauce with less ingredients may lead to better results in terms of cooking time as well as presentation.
Taking each criteria into consideration will ensure that you choose a delicious accompanying sauce for your Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli.
Here are 12 recommended options to consider: butter and sage; lemon butter; cream alfredo; red pepper cream; olive oil pesto; carbonara; Bolognese; fungi misti; marinara; arrabbiata; vodka tomato cream, and white wine garlic butter.
Ideal Sauces for Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Spinach and ricotta ravioli is a classic dish that lends itself to a range of delicious sauces.
Whether you're looking for something creamy, cheesy or tomato-based, there are plenty of options to choose from - even unexpected ones like Philly cheesesteak sauce ideas for variety.
Here are 12 great sauces for this flexible dish.
1. Classic Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic when it comes to pasta but especially pairs well with ravioli - for other simple, complementary sauces see schnitzel sauce ideas for pairing.
This tomato-based sauce is flavorful, making it the perfect accompaniment for ravioli.
Marinara sauces are often flavored with garlic, onions, oregano and basil.
To make a more traditional marinara sauce that really complements spinach and ricotta ravioli, try adding some white wine or red pepper flakes for a slightly spicier version of this classic.
Serve hot over your boiled ravioli for the perfect meal - you might even want to try adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
2. Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy white cheese sauce made with lots of butter and Parmesan cheese.
It's a classic accompaniment to many Italian-style dishes and it can also be used as a pizza topping.
To make Alfredo sauce, you typically mix garlic, butter, flour and heavy cream to thicken the sauce.
Parmesan cheese is whisked in at the end for additional flavor.
The finished sauce has a velvety-smooth texture and a subtle tang from the Parmesan cheese.
Alfredo sauce goes well with spinach and ricotta ravioli for an indulgent meal - boost that classic with suggested spices for Alfredo sauce to consider.
You can top your ravioli with Alfredo sauce alone or you can get creative by mixing in additional seasonings, such as herbs or hot pepper flakes.
For convenience sake, high quality pre-made Alfredo sauces are also available in jar form at most stores - just heat it up for an easy and delicious way to complete your dish.
3. Pesto Sauce
Pesto sauce is a great complement to spinach and ricotta ravioli - try pairing with recommended types of pasta for pesto to see how texture changes the bite.
Made with basil, garlic, parmesan cheese and olive oil, pesto is both delicious and healthy.
This flavor-packed sauce can be prepared ahead of time and taken out of the refrigerator just before serving.
One downside to consider is that pesto contains quite a bit of oil, so use it in moderation.
For the perfect pairing with ravioli, try mixing equal parts pesto and marinara sauce together - serve hot or cold depending on your preference.
4. Brown Butter Sauce
Brown butter sauces are creamy and pair deliciously with ricotta and spinach ravioli - similarly rich pairings are listed in butter chicken vegetables to consider for inspiration.
To prepare this sauce, begin by melting a stick of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously.
Once the butter has melted, keep stirring until the butter starts to lightly brown and give off a nutty aroma.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, a few sprigs of chopped fresh sage, and lemon zest to the pan.
As the garlic cooks, whisk in ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half until everything is combined into a thick and fragrant sauce.
Take your hot pan off the heat before adding freshly ground black pepper, sea salt to taste, 1 tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan cheese, then fold in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined with other ingredients.
To finish it off add some crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor (optional).
Drizzle over your warm ravioli for an indulgent dinner treat.
5. Vodka Sauce
A vodka sauce is an Italian classic and a great choice for spinach and ricotta ravioli - for other creamy, savory matches see sauces for chicken cordon bleu.
This creamy, tomato-based sauce is made with cream and vodka, giving it a unique flavor.
It's also great as a topping on pizza.
To make homemade vodka sauce, start by sautéing garlic in olive oil until fragrant and then adding crushed tomatoes and a dash of salt and pepper.
When the mixture begins to bubble, add ¼ cup of vodka, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of butter, and some freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly; reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve this delicious sauce over cooked ravioli for an incredible meal.
6. Tomato and Basil Sauce
This classic combination is made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and olive oil.
For a bit of flavor, it's best to use plum tomatoes but canned crushed tomatoes will also work.
Simmer the tomato sauce for about 15 minutes until it thickens.
Then stir in plenty of chopped fresh basil leaves, salt, pepper and a generous glug of extra-virgin olive oil.
Serve warm over ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach.
For more depth of flavor, add garlic or shallots to the tomato sauce before simmering.
Or add grated Parmesan cheese at the end for an even richer flavor.
Tomato-based sauces also work with handhelds; see taquito sauce recipes and twists for ideas that translate flavorfully to pasta.
7. Garlic and Olive Oil Sauce
Garlic and olive oil is a classic red-sauce alternative when it comes to serving spinach and ricotta ravioli.
It gives the dish an Italian flavor without overpowering the filling in the ravioli.
To make this sauce, simply heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized skillet on medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, lower the heat, and simmer for 2 minutes.
Serve over cooked ravioli for an easy yet flavorful dinner or lunch.
8. Gorgonzola Sauce
This creamy, cheese-laden sauce adds a tangy uniqueness to ravioli.
Gorgonzola is a pungent and salty blue cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk.
To make the Gorgonzola sauce, start by melting a half cup butter in a small pan over medium heat.
When it melts and turns light golden, stir in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make a roux.
Keeping it on low heat, cook this mixture for about three minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually pour in one cup of milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly - about five minutes or so.
Once thickened, remove from heat and add the gorgonzola cheese; approximately one cup will do the trick.
Stir until melted and mixed throughout the sauce before pouring over your spinach and ricotta ravioli.
9. Mushroom Sauce
Mushroom sauce makes an excellent accompaniment to spinach and ricotta ravioli.
This unique sauce is a combination of sautéed mushrooms, herbs, garlic and cream which lend an earthy flavor to your ravioli's creamy filling.
If you prefer even more flavor, use a variety of mushrooms for your sauce.
They can be sautéed with butter or olive oil, or cooked in a stock such as vegetable or chicken for added depth.
The lighter flavors of shallots or onions can also be used to round out the mushroom mixture.
If a richer base is desired, try using beef or portobello broth instead.
Finally, pour in some cream and season with salt, pepper and herbs to taste, such as rosemary or thyme.
Simmer until the desired consistency is reached and pour over your ravioli before serving.
10. Lemon Cream Sauce
This classic Italian cream sauce combines the freshness of lemon and the smoothness of butter for a tempting combination.
To make this delicious sauce, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant and lightly golden.
Add a splash of white wine, cooking until reduced.
Blend in chicken stock, lemon juice, heavy cream and parmesan cheese to bring it all together.
Cook until thickened to your desired thickness; then add your cooked ravioli and fold into the sauce coating them evenly.
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley before serving.
11. Sage Butter Sauce
Sage and butter make for a classic pairing in this simple sauce, with nutty and fragrant flavors perfectly complementing the spinach and ricotta ravioli.
Begin by briefly frying a few sage leaves in butter, then add heavy cream and stir until thickened.
Freshly grated parmesan adds a sharpness while lemon juice adds brightness to balance the creaminess of this dish.
You can also add freshly chopped parsley to give the sauce even more favor.
Serve the ravioli with generous spoonfuls of your sage butter sauce for a heavenly taste experience.
12. Walnut Sauce
Walnut sauce is a simple yet delicious way to dress up spinach and ricotta ravioli.
It can be easily prepared in just a few minutes, allowing quick and easy meal preparation.
Walnuts are an excellent source of unsaturated fats, which are essential for healthy cell function, and walnut sauce is vegan friendly as well.
To create this flavorful topping, simply blend together a few ingredients such as ground walnuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt to taste.
Serve the finished product over freshly cooked ravioli for an excellent dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tomato-based sauce is flavorful, making it the perfect accompaniment for ravioli. It's a classic accompaniment to many Italian-style dishes and it can also be used as a pizza topping.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
Look for sides with brightness or acidity to cut through richness. This tomato-based sauce brings the right contrast.
A squeeze of citrus or a vinegar-dressed salad achieves a similar effect if you want something lighter.
A good side dish either contrasts or goes with the dominant flavor. If the main is rich and savory, something with acidity or crunch balances the plate without competing.
Can side dishes be swapped based on dietary needs?
Yes.
Most classic pairings have easy swaps - substitute roasted vegetables for grain sides, or use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb option.
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