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
- Prep Work: Measure out all ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook Ravioli: Prepare the refrigerated ravioli according to package instructions and drain thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American