If you are craving a dish that’s both comforting and full of vibrant flavors, you’re in for a real treat with this Easy Ravioli with Creamy Tomato and Green Chili Sauce Recipe. It combines tender ravioli with a luscious sauce that’s beautifully balanced between creamy richness, the sweet tang of tomato, and a lively kick from green chilies. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress friends, this recipe hits all the right notes without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make the magic happen in this recipe, each bringing something special to the sauce and pasta. You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh dairy to create something extraordinary.
- Salted butter: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the garlic for deeper flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with an aromatic warmth that’s absolutely essential.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce its creamy texture.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Chicken broth: Gives the sauce depth and a subtle savory background.
- Half and half: Creates the luscious creaminess that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: The star ingredient adding bright tomato notes with a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- Refrigerated ravioli: Convenient and tender pasta pockets that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra richness and a silky finish.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Provides a sharp, salty punch that complements the creaminess and balances the dish.
How to Make Easy Ravioli with Creamy Tomato and Green Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Start by melting butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. When it’s gently bubbling, add the minced garlic and let it cook until it releases that wonderful fragrant aroma. This step is crucial because garlic is the flavor foundation for the sauce, and the butter helps soften it without burning.
Step 2: Create the Roux and Build Flavor
Stir in the flour to the garlic-butter mixture, cooking for about two minutes. This forms a roux, which will thicken your sauce perfectly. Now add the tomato paste along with a sprinkle of onion powder, basil, oregano, and mustard powder to layer in complex, comforting herbs and a slight tang. This combination is what makes this Easy Ravioli with Creamy Tomato and Green Chili Sauce Recipe so unique and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth first, whisking to combine, then gradually add the half and half. Stir the mixture nonstop as it comes to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. This careful process ensures a silky sauce without lumps and lets the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Tomatoes
Mix in softened cream cheese into the sauce until it melts completely, giving the sauce that hallmark creamy texture. Next, add the drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, reserving the juice in case you want to adjust the consistency later. The tomatoes bring brightness while the chilies add a mild but delightful kick.
Step 5: Cook the Ravioli
While your sauce is simmering and thickening, cook the refrigerated ravioli according to package directions. This is where convenience meets taste—fresh ravioli cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce with Parmesan
Lower the heat and slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce while stirring constantly. This step adds savory depth and a slightly nutty flavor that enhances every bite, making the sauce truly decadent.
Step 7: Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Gently fold the drained ravioli into the sauce, coating each piece evenly. Use the reserved tomato juice if the sauce feels too thick, so it clings lightly without overpowering the pasta. This final step pulls it all together, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that make this Easy Ravioli with Creamy Tomato and Green Chili Sauce Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Easy Ravioli with Creamy Tomato and Green Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation and flavor by topping this dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of green and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few red chili flakes can also add a lovely visual contrast and an added dimension of taste.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing this rich, creamy ravioli with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the meal. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is another perfect companion to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the ravioli in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Or, for family nights, pile it onto a large platter for everyone to help themselves, creating a communal, cozy atmosphere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken when chilled, so keep that in mind for reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored properly. Place the ravioli and sauce together in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. It’s a great option for easy meals later on, though fresh ravioli might become a bit softer after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ravioli and sauce in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent drying out the ravioli.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for frozen ravioli. They might take a minute or two longer to cook, but the sauce remains the same delicious way.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the sauce rich and flavorful without compromising taste.
How spicy is the green chili in the sauce?
The green chilies from the Rotel tomatoes add a mild to moderate spice level, which can be easily adjusted by using less or more according to your preference.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, try using plant-based butter, cream substitutes like coconut cream, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The flavor will differ slightly but still be wonderfully creamy.
What’s the best cheese for topping?
Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal because it melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ravioli with Creamy Tomato and Green Chili Sauce Recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorites because of how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, the combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors is guaranteed to satisfy. I really encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Easy Ravioli with Creamy Tomato and Green Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Ravioli Sauce recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful sauce perfectly paired with refrigerated ravioli for a quick and satisfying meal. The sauce combines sautéed garlic, tomato paste, chicken broth, half and half, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich and savory coating for the pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort but impressive taste.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups half and half
- 10 oz. Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained (reserve juice)
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pasta
- 20 oz. refrigerated ravioli
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in a large high-walled skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for two minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Then add the tomato paste, along with seasonings such as onion powder, basil, oregano, and mustard powder, stirring to combine well.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and then the half and half while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Tomatoes: Mix in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the drained diced Rotel tomatoes, reserving the tomato juice for later adjustments to sauce consistency.
- Cook Ravioli: Prepare the ravioli according to the package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Lower the heat on the sauce and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Ravioli and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, adjust by adding some of the reserved tomato juice to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- Use refrigerated ravioli for best results and shorter cooking time.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier blending into the sauce.
- Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot Rotel tomatoes according to preference.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
