If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender pasta, savory meat, and vibrant vegetables in a harmonious blend, look no further than the Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe. This recipe delivers a wonderful balance of fresh asparagus pockets nestled inside delicate ravioli, complemented by the rich flavors of Italian sausage and sweet peas. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that feels comforting yet elegant enough for a special dinner. Each bite celebrates spring freshness with a buttery finish and just a touch of spice, making it a personal favorite that you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully in this dish. Each one plays an essential role, from the creamy ravioli to the hearty sausage and bright peas, creating a perfect melody of flavor and texture.
- Fresh asparagus ravioli: Choose fresh for the best texture or homemade for a personal touch filled with vibrant asparagus flavor.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds a savory, slightly spicy richness that perfectly complements the gentle veggies.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): These little bursts of sweetness brighten the dish and add lovely color.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): Provides that silky, buttery coating that ties everything together.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the dish with fragrant depth and warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Offers a subtle kick without overpowering the flavors, perfect for those who like a bit of heat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbal garnish that boosts color and brightness on the plate.
How to Make Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Begin by boiling your fresh asparagus ravioli according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe. Drain them carefully, but make sure to reserve about a quarter cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid will be key later for creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While your ravioli cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned and crumbled, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. If the pan has excess fat afterward, remove a bit to keep the dish from feeling too greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Next, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for another minute or two until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, releasing its full depth of flavor into the sausage mixture.
Step 4: Toss in the Peas
Add the peas to the sausage mix and cook for an additional couple of minutes until they are heated through. This step ensures the peas stay bright and tender rather than mushy, contributing a fresh burst of sweetness and a beautiful pop of green to the dish.
Step 5: Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Now, gently add the cooked ravioli to your skillet along with the butter and reserved pasta water. Toss everything carefully to coat the ravioli in a glossy, buttery sauce that carries the flavors of sausage and garlic. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Parsley
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with a generous handful of chopped parsley. The cheese melts slightly into the warm pasta while the parsley adds a refreshing herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve this comforting and colorful meal right away while it’s warm and luscious. Each forkful of the Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe bursts with layered flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic parsley and Parmesan, consider topping your dish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts for added crunch. A few lemon zest shavings can also add a bright note that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this meal with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness or serve alongside roasted asparagus for an extra veggie boost. Crusty garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser too, perfect for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the ravioli in shallow bowls with the sausage and pea mixture artfully spooned over the top and garnished with fresh herbs. Alternatively, layer it in a large serving dish for family-style dining, allowing guests to help themselves to the vibrant, comforting flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining most of their texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the texture of fresh ravioli and peas might suffer. If you do want to freeze, consider doing so before combining with the sauce and sausage. Cooked ravioli tend to lose their delicate structure after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers over low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the ravioli rubbery. Fresh garnishes like parsley and Parmesan can be added after reheating to brighten things up.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ravioli for this Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh store-bought ravioli works wonderfully and saves time. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can omit the Italian sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative to keep the hearty flavor and texture.
Can I substitute fresh peas for frozen peas?
Definitely. Fresh peas will add a sweeter, more vibrant flavor, but frozen peas are a convenient and equally delicious option that work well in this recipe.
How do I know when the ravioli is cooked perfectly?
Fresh ravioli generally cook quickly, often just 3 to 4 minutes. They’re done when they float to the top of the boiling water and have a tender but firm texture when bitten.
Can I prepare the sausage mixture in advance?
You can cook the sausage and garlic ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in the peas, ravioli, and other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
The Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe is a delightful way to bring something fresh and flavorful to your dinner table without fuss. It’s absolutely packed with bright greens and rich, savory notes that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress and become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy the joyful burst of spring in every bite!
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Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delight in this delicious Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas, a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight. Tender fresh asparagus ravioli is combined with savory Italian sausage, sweet peas, and a simple buttery garlic sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a satisfying pasta dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 1 package fresh asparagus ravioli (or homemade)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if preferred)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli: Prepare the asparagus ravioli according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the ravioli, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use, then set the ravioli aside.
- Brown the sausage: While the ravioli cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the sausage in the skillet. Cook together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add peas: Stir in the peas, cooking for another 2 minutes until they are warmed through.
- Combine ravioli and sauce: Add the cooked ravioli back into the skillet, along with the butter and reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently to combine and to coat the ravioli evenly in the buttery sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve this flavorful dish immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh peas for frozen if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of crushed chili.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage.
- Reserve the pasta water carefully—it helps create a silky sauce that clings to the ravioli.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
