20-Minute Ravioli with Simple Sauce (Printable version)
Tender cheese ravioli in vibrant tomato-basil sauce, ready in 20 minutes.
# Ingredient list:
→ Pasta
01 - 18 oz fresh or refrigerated cheese ravioli
→ Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
04 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
05 - 1 teaspoon sugar
06 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
07 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - 1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped
→ Garnish
10 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Extra basil leaves, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the ravioli.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
03 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, then add sugar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
04 - Add ravioli to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 3–4 minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain gently using a slotted spoon or colander.
05 - Stir chopped basil into the sauce, then gently fold in the drained ravioli until evenly coated. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and additional fresh basil leaves.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in the time it takes to boil water, so dinner is ready faster than delivery would arrive.
- Fresh ravioli feels fancy enough for company but takes zero effort to make taste incredible.
02 -
- I learned the hard way that crushing garlic instead of mincing it gives you accidental bites of raw garlic, so chop it finely and evenly.
- The sugar isnt for sweetness, it balances the acidity of canned tomatoes and I can always tell when I skip this step.
03 -
- Meat filled ravioli works just as well if cheese feels too rich, and the cooking time stays exactly the same.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but that tiny kick of heat makes the whole dish feel more complete and restaurant quality.