Description
A bright, fresh, and elegant pasta dish that comes together in under 20 minutes!
Soft cheese ravioli is tossed in a light garlic-herb butter sauce with juicy tomatoes and tender asparagus. Itβs simple but full of Italian-inspired flavor β perfect for weeknights or a special dinner.
π Ingredients (2β3 servings)
For the Pasta
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1 package (9β12 oz) cheese or spinach ravioli
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Salt for boiling water
Vegetables & Sauce
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1.5 cups asparagus, trimmed & cut into 1β2 inch pieces
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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3 tbsp butter (or 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter)
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3β4 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup pasta water
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh Herbs (very important!)
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2 tbsp chopped basil
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
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1 tsp fresh thyme or oregano (optional)
Finish
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Grated Parmesan
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Lemon zest (optional but amazing!)
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Drizzle of olive oil
π©βπ³ Instructions
1. Cook the Ravioli
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Bring salted water to a boil.
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Add ravioli and cook according to package instructions (usually 3β4 minutes).
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Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
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In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add asparagus and sautΓ© for 3β4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add cherry tomatoes and cook 1β2 minutes until they soften slightly but donβt fall apart.
3. Combine Everything
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Add cooked ravioli to the pan.
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Pour in 1/4 cup pasta water.
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Gently toss to coat everything without breaking the ravioli.
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Add fresh herbs, black pepper, and taste for salt.
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Squeeze a hint of lemon or add zest if you like brightness.
4. Serve
Top with:
β Fresh basil
β Parmesan
β A drizzle of olive oil
β Extra tomatoes or herbs on top
Serve immediately while warm.
β Optional Q/A (tell me if you want this added to your recipe cards!)
Q1. What kind of ravioli works best?
Cheese, spinach-ricotta, mushroom, or chicken ravioli all taste great.
Q2. Can I make it creamy?
Yes β add 1/4 cup heavy cream or a spoon of cream cheese before adding the ravioli.
Q3. Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes! Boil straight from frozen.
Q4. Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Try:
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Grilled chicken
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Shrimp
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Crispy bacon
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Italian sausage
Q5. Can I make it vegetarian?
It already is β just use cheese or veggie ravioli.

