Ravioli, a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, offers a delightful canvas for a variety of sauces. Each sauce, whether rich and creamy or light and zesty, brings its own unique flavor and character to the dish. In this list, you’ll discover 30 different sauces, ranging from classic favorites like Tomato Basil and Alfredo to more adventurous options like Chimichurri and Roasted Garlic and Herb. These sauces not only complement the fillings of your ravioli but also enhance the overall dining experience, making each bite a journey through different flavors and textures.
1. Classic Tomato Basil Sauce
A Timeless Favorite
This sauce combines ripe tomatoes with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil for a classic Italian flavor. It’s perfect for enhancing the delicate taste of ravioli without overpowering it.
Versatile and Simple
This sauce is not only delicious with ravioli but also versatile enough for other pasta dishes. Its simplicity allows the natural flavors of your ingredients to shine through.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add a personal touch to this sauce. A pinch of chili flakes for heat or a splash of cream for richness can transform this classic into something uniquely yours.
2. Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Rich and Decadent
Creamy Alfredo sauce, made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, offers a rich and decadent complement to ravioli. Its smooth, velvety texture coats each piece perfectly.
Quick and Easy
This sauce can be prepared in the time it takes to boil your pasta, making it perfect for a quick, luxurious meal.
Customize with Add-Ins
Enhance this sauce with add-ins like sautéed mushrooms, cooked spinach, or grilled chicken to elevate your ravioli dish to new heights.
3. Pesto Genovese
Fresh and Flavorful
Pesto Genovese, a blend of basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil, offers a burst of fresh flavor. Its vibrant green color and aromatic profile are a delight with cheese or vegetable-filled ravioli.
Nutty and Versatile
The nuttiness of pine nuts in this sauce pairs well with a variety of ravioli fillings, offering versatility and a unique taste experience.
Make It Nut-Free
For a nut-free version, substitute pine nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. This adjustment keeps the essence of the sauce while making it allergy-friendly.
4. Brown Butter Sage Sauce
Simple Elegance
This sauce, made by browning butter and adding fresh sage leaves, brings a nutty and earthy flavor to your ravioli. Its simplicity is its elegance, enhancing the pasta without overpowering it.
Quick to Prepare
Brown butter sage sauce is quick to make, perfect for a sophisticated yet easy meal. The key is to cook the butter until it’s just golden brown, releasing its nutty aroma.
Experiment with Aromatics
Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic experience.
5. Garlic Butter Sauce
Simple and Flavorful
A garlic butter sauce is a simple yet flavorful option for ravioli. It combines the richness of butter with the aromatic punch of garlic, ideal for seafood or cheese ravioli.
Quick and Foolproof
This sauce can be whipped up in minutes, making it a foolproof option for a quick yet delicious meal.
Add a Twist
Consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice for an extra zing that can elevate the overall flavor profile.
Read also: 27 Gnocchi Recipes
6. Mushroom Cream Sauce
Earthy and Rich
A mushroom cream sauce, featuring sautéed mushrooms in a creamy, garlic-infused base, is both earthy and rich. It complements meat-filled ravioli exceptionally well.
Hearty and Satisfying
This hearty sauce is particularly satisfying in cooler weather, offering a comforting and fulfilling meal.
Customize Your Mushrooms
Feel free to use a variety of mushrooms, like portobello, shiitake, or cremini, to explore different flavors and textures.
7. Spinach and Walnut Pesto
A Nutrient-Rich Twist
Spinach and walnut pesto offers a nutrient-rich twist on the traditional pesto. It combines the health benefits of spinach with the rich, earthy flavor of walnuts.
Versatile and Wholesome
This pesto is not only delicious with ravioli but also serves as a wholesome spread or dip for other dishes.
Adapt to Your Preference
Swap walnuts for other nuts like almonds or pine nuts, or add a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
8. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Vibrant and Flavorful
This sauce, made from roasted red peppers blended with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, offers a vibrant and sweetly flavored alternative. It pairs wonderfully with cheese or meat ravioli.
Smooth and Versatile
Its smooth texture and rich flavor profile make it a versatile choice, suitable for various pasta dishes, including ravioli.
Customize the Heat
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a splash of cream for extra richness, depending on your taste preferences.
9. Gorgonzola Cream Sauce
Creamy and Bold
Gorgonzola cream sauce is a luxurious option, blending the bold flavor of Gorgonzola cheese with cream and butter. It’s especially delightful with spinach or meat-filled ravioli.
Rich and Indulgent
This sauce is rich and indulgent, perfect for a special occasion or when you’re craving something extra creamy.
Balance with Sweetness
For a balanced flavor profile, consider adding a touch of honey or pear slices to complement the sharpness of the cheese.
10. Lemon Butter Sauce
Light and Zesty
Lemon butter sauce, combining butter, fresh lemon juice, and zest, offers a light and zesty complement to seafood or vegetable ravioli.
Quick and Refreshing
This sauce is not only quick to prepare but also brings a refreshing twist to your pasta dish.
Add Herbs for Flavor
Incorporate herbs like dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with the lemon’s brightness.
11. Arrabbiata Sauce
Spicy and Robust
Arrabbiata sauce, made with tomatoes, garlic, and red chili peppers, offers a spicy and robust flavor. It’s a great match for cheese or meat ravioli for those who love a bit of heat.
Easy and Flavorful
This sauce is not only easy to make but also packs a lot of flavors, making your ravioli dish more exciting.
Adjust the Spice Level
Feel free to adjust the amount of chili to suit your spice tolerance. Adding a bit of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
12. Carbonara Sauce
Rich and Savory
Carbonara sauce, traditionally made with egg, cheese, and pancetta, offers a rich and savory flavor. It’s particularly satisfying with ravioli filled with cheese or vegetables.
Creamy Without Cream
This sauce achieves its creamy texture without the use of cream, relying instead on the eggs and cheese to provide richness.
Experiment with Proteins
Feel free to replace pancetta with bacon or even vegetarian alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.
13. Bolognese Sauce
Hearty and Meaty
Bolognese sauce, a slow-cooked blend of meat, tomatoes, and vegetables, is a hearty and meaty option that pairs well with cheese or meat ravioli.
Rich in Flavor
This sauce is rich in flavor, thanks to the slow cooking process, which allows the ingredients’ flavors to meld and deepen.
Make it Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or a meat substitute without losing the sauce’s hearty quality.
14. Puttanesca Sauce
Bold and Briny
Puttanesca sauce, known for its bold and briny flavor, is made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies. It’s a flavorful match for plain or cheese-filled ravioli.
Quick and Pungent
This sauce is quick to prepare and offers a pungent, robust flavor that’s sure to stand out in any meal.
Modify to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the quantities of olives, capers, and anchovies to suit your taste buds.
15. Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
Sweet and Nutty
Creamy pumpkin sauce, combining pureed pumpkin with cream and spices, offers a sweet and nutty flavor. It’s an excellent choice for fall and pairs beautifully with cheese or sage-filled ravioli.
Comforting and Seasonal
This sauce is both comforting and seasonal, bringing a warm and homey feel to your meal.
Spice It Up
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
16. Bechamel Sauce
Classic and Creamy
Bechamel sauce, one of the mother sauces in French cuisine, is a classic and creamy choice. Made with butter, flour, and milk, it’s a great base for cheese or vegetable ravioli.
Versatile Foundation
Bechamel is not only a superb sauce for ravioli but also serves as a foundation for other dishes, such as lasagna or gratins.
Enhance with Spices
Infuse this sauce with spices like nutmeg or black pepper to add depth to its mild, creamy flavor.
17. Walnut Cream Sauce
Nutty and Rich
A walnut cream sauce, blending crushed walnuts with cream and Parmesan, offers a rich and nutty flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with mushroom or cheese-filled ravioli.
Luxuriously Creamy
This sauce is luxuriously creamy, providing a sophisticated and indulgent complement to your pasta.
Add a Crunch
For added texture, sprinkle some toasted walnuts on top of your ravioli for a satisfying crunch.
18. Cacio e Pepe Sauce
Simple and Peppery
Cacio e Pepe, literally “cheese and pepper,” is a simple yet flavorful sauce. Made with Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and pasta water, it’s perfect for enhancing ravioli with its sharp, peppery taste.
Easy Yet Elegant
This sauce is surprisingly easy to make but brings an elegance to the table that belies its simplicity.
Adjust Pepper to Taste
The amount of black pepper can be adjusted to suit your preference, whether you like it mild or with a strong peppery bite.
19. Vodka Sauce
Smooth and Slightly Tangy
Vodka sauce, a blend of tomato sauce, cream, and a splash of vodka, offers a smooth and slightly tangy flavor. Its richness is a great match for cheese or meat-filled ravioli.
Creamy with a Kick
The addition of vodka enhances the sauce’s flavor and adds a subtle kick, making it more interesting than your average tomato sauce.
Alcohol-Free Version
For an alcohol-free version, you can omit the vodka. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious.
20. Truffle Cream Sauce
Luxurious and Earthy
Truffle cream sauce, made with truffle oil or finely chopped truffles, cream, and Parmesan, is a luxurious choice. It elevates ravioli to a gourmet level with its earthy, distinctive flavor.
Indulgent and Flavorful
This sauce is for those special occasions when you want something indulgent and packed with flavor.
A Little Goes a Long Way
Remember, truffle flavor is potent, so a little goes a long way. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
21. Basil Cream Sauce
Fresh and Creamy
Basil cream sauce combines the freshness of basil with the richness of cream. It’s a delightful complement to vegetable or cheese ravioli.
Summer in a Sauce
This sauce captures the essence of summer, bringing brightness and lightness to your pasta dish.
Customize with Additional Herbs
Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to introduce new dimensions of flavor.
Read also: 27 Tortellini Recipes
22. Saffron Cream Sauce
Exotic and Aromatic
Saffron cream sauce, made with the luxurious spice saffron, cream, and a touch of garlic, offers an exotic and aromatic experience. It pairs beautifully with seafood ravioli.
Unique and Flavorful
This sauce is unique and full of flavor, perfect for a distinctive and memorable meal.
Balance the Saffron
Be careful with the amount of saffron; too much can overpower the dish. Use it sparingly to enjoy its unique taste fully.
23. Amatriciana Sauce
Spicy and Tomatoey
Amatriciana sauce, originating from the town of Amatrice in Italy, is a spicy, tomato-based sauce with guanciale (Italian cured pork cheek) and Pecorino cheese. It adds a robust and hearty flavor to ravioli.
Rich and Meaty
This sauce is perfect for those who love a rich, meaty, and slightly spicy accompaniment to their pasta.
Substitute for Guanciale
If guanciale is not available, you can substitute pancetta or bacon to still achieve a similar depth of flavor.
24. Lemon Cream Sauce
Light and Citrusy
Lemon cream sauce, combining cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice, provides a light and citrusy complement. It’s particularly delightful with seafood or chicken-filled ravioli.
Refreshing and Creamy
This sauce offers a refreshing twist to the usual cream sauce, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Adjust Lemon to Taste
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon to suit your taste for the perfect balance of tangy and creamy.
25. Butternut Squash Sauce
Sweet and Nutty
Butternut squash sauce, made from pureed butternut squash with a hint of cream and nutmeg, offers a sweet and nutty flavor. It’s an excellent choice for fall and pairs well with cheese or sage-filled ravioli.
Comforting and Flavorful
This sauce brings a comforting, homey feel to your meal, perfect for cozy evenings.
Spice It Up
Add spices like cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth and complexity.
26. Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Rich and Tangy
Sun-dried tomato cream sauce, blending the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes with cream and garlic, offers a rich and tangy taste. It’s a wonderful match for cheese or vegetable ravioli.
Thick and Flavorful
This sauce is thick and full of flavor, adding a robust dimension to your pasta dish.
Customize with Fresh Herbs
Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
27. Four Cheese Sauce
Cheesy and Indulgent
Four cheese sauce, combining Parmesan, Asiago, Mozzarella, and Gorgonzola, is a cheesy and indulgent treat. It’s perfect for cheese lovers and pairs well with any ravioli.
Rich and Creamy
This sauce is wonderfully rich and creamy, enveloping the pasta in a blanket of cheesy goodness.
Mix and Match Cheeses
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your perfect blend.
28. Olive and Caper Sauce
Briny and Flavorful
Olive and caper sauce, featuring chopped olives and capers in a tomato base, offers a briny and flavorful twist. It’s especially good with simple cheese or meat ravioli.
Mediterranean Flair
This sauce brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your meal, with its lively and tangy flavors.
Adjust to Your Preference
Modify the quantity of olives and capers to suit your taste for a perfect balance of flavors.
29. Chimichurri Sauce
Herby and Fresh
Chimichurri sauce, a blend of fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil, offers a herby and fresh alternative. It’s an excellent choice for beef or lamb ravioli.
Vibrant and Zesty
This Argentinian sauce is vibrant and zesty, adding a refreshing twist to your pasta dish.
Customize the Herbs
Feel free to experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint for a new flavor profile.
30. Roasted Garlic and Herb Sauce
Savory and Aromatic
Roasted garlic and herb sauce, made with slow-roasted garlic and a mix of herbs, offers a savory and aromatic flavor. It complements a wide range of ravioli fillings, from cheese to mushroom.
Rich and Full-Bodied
This sauce is rich and full-bodied, perfect for enhancing the natural flavors of your ravioli.
Experiment with Different Herbs
Tailor the sauce to your liking by using different combinations of herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil.
Conclusion
Exploring these 30 sauces for ravioli is like embarking on a culinary adventure, where each sauce adds its own distinct flair to your dish. Whether you prefer the comforting richness of a cream sauce or the tangy kick of a tomato-based sauce, there’s something in this list for every palate. Remember, the key to a memorable ravioli dish lies in pairing it with the right sauce, one that complements and elevates the flavors within. So go ahead, experiment with these sauces, and transform your ravioli into a masterpiece of taste and aroma.
