Oh my goodness, this Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the creamy richness of a perfectly cooked ravioli, the slight crunch of fresh asparagus, the savory depth of sausage, and the sweetness of peas all mingling together in one bowl. This dish is comfort food at its finest, and trust me, every bite is like a warm hug. It’s got that cozy, satisfying feeling, but it’s also fresh and full of vibrant flavors. Ready to dig in? Let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a dinner party, or just because you want something decadent, here’s why you’re going to love this dish:
Versatile: It’s a beautiful balance of rich and fresh flavors, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. The combination of asparagus, sausage, peas, and ravioli feels both indulgent and light at the same time.
Budget-Friendly: No need to splurge on anything exotic here—this dish uses simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, and the results are seriously gourmet.
Quick and Easy: Despite the fancy vibe, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s straightforward and perfect for busy nights when you still want something special.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a loved one, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to impress. The creamy sauce, juicy sausage, and flavorful veggies will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients in Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so mouthwateringly good:
Fresh Ravioli: The ravioli is the heart of this dish. You can use store-bought or homemade, but I recommend something like cheese or spinach-filled ravioli for an extra layer of flavor.
Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. It adds such a rich, savory depth to the dish that’s perfectly balanced by the creaminess of the sauce.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a crunchy, slightly sweet note. Make sure to trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment.
Peas: Sweet peas add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness that complements the richness of the sausage and the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The key to that luscious, velvety sauce. It makes the sauce rich, smooth, and indulgent—exactly what this dish needs.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic goodness. It pairs perfectly with the sausage for a flavor explosion.
Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, umami finish. A sprinkle on top ties everything together beautifully.
Butter: A bit of butter to sauté the garlic and sausage, adding richness and flavor to the base of the sauce.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the asparagus and sausage. It adds a nice touch of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s cook up this creamy masterpiece! Follow these steps for a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite:
Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for the sauce.
Cook the Sausage: In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Asparagus: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the asparagus pieces. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Add the peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the pan. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits of sausage and garlic from the bottom of the pan. Let the cream come to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Combine and Finish: Add the cooked sausage back into the pan along with the ravioli. Stir everything together gently to coat the ravioli in the creamy sauce. Let everything cook for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the creamy ravioli into bowls, top with freshly grated Parmesan, and garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy every indulgent bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas
This dish is delicious enough to stand alone, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and a few toasted nuts makes a perfect side to balance the richness of the ravioli.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce. It’s the perfect pairing!
Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing this dish with some roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts, for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep the sausage, garlic, and vegetables ahead of time to speed up the cooking process when you’re ready to make the dish.
Make it Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a plant-based cream for a lighter version of this dish.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mix for added texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This dish makes great leftovers, so feel free to double the batch for an easy meal prep option.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?
A1: Absolutely! Frozen ravioli works just as well, and you don’t need to thaw it before cooking. Just follow the package instructions for boiling.
Q2: Can I substitute the sausage with something else?
A2: Yes! You can swap the sausage for ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a lighter or meat-free option.
Q3: Can I make this dish in advance?
A3: While the sauce is best fresh, you can prep the sausage and vegetables ahead of time. Just cook everything and combine before serving.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: It’s not the best for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when reheated, but you can freeze the sausage and veggie mixture separately and then cook fresh ravioli when you’re ready to eat.
Q6: Can I use other vegetables in this dish?
A6: Yes! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a different flavor profile.
Q7: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
A7: Yes! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version of this dish.
Q8: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A8: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer to reduce it. You can also add a bit of Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken the sauce.
Q9: How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
A9: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a dash of white wine for a little acidity.
Q10: Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making my own?
A10: While homemade sauce is always the best, you can definitely use a store-bought creamy sauce or alfredo sauce in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something indulgent yet fresh, Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas is the perfect recipe for you. It’s rich, creamy, and full of vibrant flavors that will make every bite feel like a special treat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this dish won’t disappoint. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Print
Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas is a quick and elegant dinner that brings the fresh flavors of spring to your table. The combination of tender ravioli, asparagus, savory sausage, and creamy sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 18 ounces cheese ravioli (refrigerated) (Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining)
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and discarded, spears cut at an angle in large pieces
- 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 grinds fresh black pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Preheat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and brown the sausage for 7-9 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt, then add ravioli and asparagus. Cook for 3-5 minutes (check the package for cooking time). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water for the sauce.
- While the pasta cooks, stir the minced garlic into the browned sausage. Add the heavy cream and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cream has thickened, add the frozen peas, salt, pepper, thyme leaves, half of the Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine and continue simmering over low heat.
- Add the drained ravioli and asparagus to the sauce, stirring gently to combine. If the sauce gets too dry, add more reserved pasta water. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme leaves for garnish. Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish can be made with any type of ravioli, but cheese ravioli works best for pairing with the creamy sauce.
- If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme can be used in place of the fresh sprigs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 915
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 53g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg