If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances freshness, heartiness, and a touch of indulgence, this Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Tender asparagus-filled ravioli meet savory Italian sausage and sweet peas, all coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each plays an essential role in building layers of taste and texture. From the pasta’s silky smoothness to the slightly spicy sausage and the pop of sweetness from the peas, everything comes together to create a harmonious plate that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- Fresh asparagus ravioli: The star of the dish, offering a delicate vegetable filling that pairs beautifully with rich flavors.
- Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture; removing the casing makes it easier to crumble and cook evenly.
- Frozen peas: Provide a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant green color; fresh peas work wonderfully if you have them on hand.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce, giving it a silky finish without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle sharpness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offer just the right amount of heat to lift the dish without overwhelming the palate.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty essence that ties all the elements together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, herbal garnish that completes the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fresh asparagus ravioli according to the package instructions. The key here is not to overcook so the ravioli stay tender but don’t fall apart. Once done, drain carefully and save about a quarter cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid will help create a luscious sauce later, so don’t toss it out!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the ravioli cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Break it up into small pieces with your spatula and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and slightly crispy around the edges. This step not only deepens the flavor but also ensures each bite is packed with that wonderful meaty richness. If the pan looks greasy, feel free to spoon out the excess fat for a lighter meal.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once your sausage is beautifully browned, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick. Stir them in and cook just for a couple of minutes until you can smell that fragrant garlic aroma filling your kitchen. This step layers in aromatic warmth that’s so inviting.
Step 4: Stir in the Peas
Add the peas right to the skillet and give everything a good toss. Cooking the peas for about two minutes warms them through, allowing their sweet freshness to mingle with the sausage and garlic. The vibrant green color brightens the dish, making it as appealing to the eyes as to the taste buds.
Step 5: Combine Ravioli and Finish the Sauce
Next, gently add the cooked ravioli back into the skillet, along with the butter and reserved pasta water. Toss everything carefully to coat the pasta in that silky, flavorful sauce. The butter melts into the pasta water, creating a light emulsion that clings beautifully to each ravioli. Season with salt and pepper to your liking—this final seasoning step really brings all those flavors into perfect harmony.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Garnish
Finally, sprinkle a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese over the top and mix just slightly so it starts to melt into the sauce. Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley for a punch of herbal brightness and a charming pop of color.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe immediately while everything is warm, silky, and inviting. This dish is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that feel both comforting and a little special—a true winner for any occasion.
How to Serve Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley brightens the dish, but you can also try finely chopped chives or basil for a different herbal note. If you like a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or a few shards of aged Parmesan add a delightful contrast. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil at the end can elevate the texture and shine.
Side Dishes
This rich and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or lightly steamed vegetables like asparagus tips or broccoli also complement the meal well. For bread lovers, a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up any remaining buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the ravioli individually topped with a parmesan crisp or a small nest of microgreens for a restaurant-quality presentation. Another fun idea is to serve this in shallow bowls with a splash of extra sauce swirling around. Adding edible flowers as garnish can also boost visual appeal for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to keep the pasta texture at its best.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a shallow, freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to two months. To avoid clumping, try flash-freezing the ravioli separately on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. This keeps the ravioli intact and easier to reheat later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent the ravioli from drying out. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain tenderness and even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! While asparagus ravioli is ideal for its fresh vegetable flavor, cheese, mushroom, or spinach ravioli would all work wonderfully as alternatives, offering a new twist on the dish.
Is it necessary to remove the casing from the sausage?
Removing the casing allows you to crumble the sausage easily for even cooking and better sauce integration. Whole sausages can be chopped finely, but crumbled sausage tends to coat the pasta more thoroughly.
Can I substitute frozen peas with fresh ones?
Yes, fresh peas are a great substitute and can add an extra pop of sweetness and texture. Just blanch them briefly to soften before adding to the skillet.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. The combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan helps maintain the rich flavor even without meat.
Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?
Definitely! The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that’s optional. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dish or if you’re serving kids.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe that makes it a comforting yet elegant meal to share with friends and family. It’s quick to prepare but packed with fresh, hearty flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you want to enjoy a dish that’s both approachable and impressive, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again.
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Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and comforting dish featuring fresh asparagus ravioli tossed with savory Italian sausage, sweet peas, garlic, and a buttery Parmesan sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package fresh asparagus ravioli (or homemade)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if preferred)
- 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 Ravioli: Prepare the asparagus ravioli according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then set the ravioli aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cooked sausage. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Peas: Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes until they are heated through and tender.
- Combine Ravioli and Sauce: Add the cooked ravioli back into the skillet. Add the butter and the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat the ravioli in the buttery sauce and to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir briefly to melt slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve the asparagus ravioli immediately while warm and enjoy your flavorful dish.
Notes
- You can use either frozen or fresh peas depending on availability.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- For homemade ravioli, ensure they are sealed well to prevent filling loss.
- Reserve pasta water is important to help create a smooth sauce that clings to the ravioli.
- Use good-quality Parmesan cheese for best flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
