A delicious, easy pasta dish made with tender cheese ravioli, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp asparagus, fresh garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. This colorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fresh Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
15 minutes
Servings
4 people
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them.
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[ ] 1 tablespoon olive oil
[ ] 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
[ ] 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
[ ] 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
[ ] 20–24 oz (565–680 g) cheese ravioli, fresh or refrigerated
[ ] ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water, as needed
[ ] ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
[ ] ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
[ ] ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
[ ] 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
[ ] 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
[ ] 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
[ ] 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the asparagus
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and just tender.Step 3: Add tomatoes and garlic
Add the cherry tomatoes and chopped garlic. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Avoid browning the garlic.Step 4: Combine the pasta
Gently add the cooked ravioli to the skillet. Pour in a little reserved pasta water and toss carefully to coat the pasta with the tomato-garlic juices. Add more water a tablespoon at a time if needed.Step 5: Add herbs and serve
Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, and optional lemon juice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving, based on four servings and cheese ravioli, with no optional Parmesan included.
Approximate values per serving
350–450
Calories
12–16 g
Protein
45–55 g
Carbohydrates
12–18 g
Total fat
4–6 g
Fiber
5–8 g
SugarThese are estimates, not laboratory-tested values. Actual nutrition varies with ravioli brand, filling, serving size, and optional toppings.
recipes by sofie
+1Health Benefits
– Cherry tomatoes: Provide vitamin C and lycopene, a naturally occurring antioxidant.
– Asparagus: Supplies fiber, folate, and vitamin K.
– Olive oil: Provides predominantly monounsaturated fats.
– Garlic and fresh herbs: Add flavor without requiring heavy sauces.
– Cheese ravioli: Provides carbohydrates and some protein, with amounts depending on the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes! Cook frozen ravioli according to the package instructions. Avoid thawing it first unless the package recommends it.
Q2: Can I use another vegetable instead of asparagus?
Absolutely. Broccoli florets, zucchini, spinach, or green beans work well in this recipe.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes. Choose dairy-free ravioli and skip the Parmesan. Check the ingredient labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Q4: How can I make the sauce creamier?
Add a little reserved pasta water and a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan. For a richer sauce, stir in a small amount of cream.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the vegetables ahead, but the dish tastes best when the ravioli is freshly cooked and tossed with the sauce just before serving.
Q6: How should I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. Eat within 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly. Add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Q7: Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetarian cheese ravioli and vegetarian Parmesan. Some cheeses use animal-derived rennet, so check the labels if needed.
Q8: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free ravioli and check all seasonings and toppings for gluten-containing ingredients.
Q9: How can I reduce the calories?
Use a moderate portion of ravioli, add extra asparagus and tomatoes, measure the olive oil, and skip the optional Parmesan.
Q10: What can I serve with this pasta?
Serve it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of whole-grain bread.
Serving Tips
– Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and cracked black pepper.
– Add lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
– Serve immediately while the ravioli is tender and the tomatoes are juicy.
– For extra protein, serve with grilled chicken or white beans.
Recipe title for your social media post: Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic & Fresh Herbs 🍅🌿
A simple, colorful pasta dinner packed with fresh vegetables and delicious Italian-inspired flavor!