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Creamy Tomato Parmesan Ravioli Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 15 reviews

This Easy Ravioli Sauce is a creamy, flavorful tomato-infused sauce that pairs perfectly with refrigerated or frozen ravioli. Made with a blend of butter, garlic, cream cheese, and a hint of tomato paste and spices, it creates a rich and comforting dish ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter (Land O’ Lakes recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups half and half (half light cream, half milk)
  • 10 oz. Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, juices reserved
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Main Dish

  • 20 oz. refrigerated ravioli

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Measure out all ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large, high-walled skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop aroma.
  3. Create Roux: Add the flour to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to blend with the butter and form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and mustard powder until well combined, creating a flavorful base.
  5. Add Liquids: Gradually add the chicken broth in small splashes while stirring continuously. Then add the half and half in the same gradual manner. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Add Cream Cheese and Tomatoes: Stir in the softened cream cheese and the drained diced Rotel tomatoes. Keep reserved tomato juice handy to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  7. Cook Ravioli: Prepare the refrigerated ravioli according to package instructions and drain thoroughly.
  8. Finish Sauce: Lower the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. Add red pepper flakes if using to add a slight heat.
  9. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked ravioli to the sauce and gently stir with a silicone spatula until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved tomato juice a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can reserve the tomato juice from the Rotel tomatoes to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
  • Use refrigerated or frozen ravioli as per your convenience.
  • If you want a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • Fresh garlic can be substituted with garlic powder if needed, but fresh is preferred for flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American