Ricotta and Tomato Ravioli with Basil Butter Sauce
Handmade ravioli stuffed with creamy ricotta and tomato, tossed in a fragrant basil butter sauce for a satisfying Italian pasta experience. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes blends all-purpose flour, large eggs, ricotta cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: On a clean surface, mound 2 cups all-purpose flour and make a well in the center. Crack 2 large eggs into the well and slowly mix with your fingers until dough forms. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover with plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup chopped basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Roll out the pasta dough into thin sheets about 1/16 inch thick. Place small teaspoons of the ricotta mixture spaced evenly on one sheet, brush edges with water, and cover with a second sheet. Press around the filling to seal, then cut into 2-inch squares.
- Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli in batches for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped basil and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6: Drain ravioli and toss gently in the basil butter sauce. Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ricotta and Tomato Ravioli with Basil Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (50 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Ricotta and Tomato Ravioli with Basil Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ricotta and Tomato Ravioli with Basil Butter Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ricotta and Tomato Ravioli with Basil Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Ricotta and Tomato Ravioli with Basil Butter Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.