Turning ravioli into a complete and satisfying meal is all about choosing the right accompaniments. Are you wondering What To Serve With Ravioli to elevate your pasta night? From classic sauces that complement every filling to delightful side dishes that round out the meal, this guide is packed with inspiration.
Lobster ravioli on a plate with creamy lemon sauce and fresh chives, a delicious example of what to serve with ravioli.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a special occasion feast, ravioli is a versatile pasta that deserves equally impressive pairings. Let’s explore the best sauces, vegetable sides, salads, breads, and proteins to serve with ravioli, ensuring a balanced and flavorful dining experience. And before you get started, make sure your ravioli is perfectly cooked by checking out a helpful guide on how long to cook ravioli.
Choosing the Perfect Ravioli Sauce
The secret to a truly exceptional ravioli dish often lies in the sauce. The ideal sauce should harmonize with the ravioli filling, creating a balanced flavor profile. Think of it as a culinary partnership where neither element overpowers the other. Generally, lighter ravioli fillings, such as cheese or spinach and ricotta, pair beautifully with richer, more robust sauces. Conversely, heartier meat-filled ravioli shines when served with lighter, creamier, or more delicate sauces. This contrast ensures a delightful meal that isn’t too heavy or monotonous.
Ravioli Filling and Sauce Combination Ideas
To get you started, here are some popular ravioli fillings and sauce pairing suggestions:
- Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli: Consider a slow-cooked meat ragu for a luxurious richness or a simple butter and sage sauce to maintain a lighter, vegetarian focus.
- Cheese Ravioli: A vibrant fresh tomato sauce offers a bright counterpoint to the cheese’s richness. Alternatively, browned butter with crispy sage provides a nutty and aromatic depth.
- Meat Ravioli: A creamy mushroom sauce brings an earthy and comforting element, while a classic tomato sauce adds a familiar and pleasing zest.
- Mushroom Ravioli: Elevate the earthy notes with a truffle butter sauce or opt for a light parmesan cream sauce to enhance the mushroom flavor without overpowering it.
- Butternut Squash Ravioli: Brown butter and sage beautifully accentuate the squash’s natural sweetness. For a savory twist, a sausage ragu offers a delightful contrast.
- Lobster or Crab Ravioli: A light, buttery lemon sauce keeps the seafood flavors fresh and bright, while a tomato cream sauce adds a touch of richness and indulgence.
- Pumpkin Ravioli: Embrace warm, autumnal flavors with browned butter and sage, or create a refreshing contrast with a light, herby cream sauce.
With these guidelines in mind, let’s dive into some specific sauce recommendations that will perfectly complement your ravioli.
Garlic Butter Sauce
For ultimate versatility and ease, look no further than a classic Garlic Butter Sauce. This incredibly simple, 3-ingredient sauce is a winner with virtually any type of ravioli. The rich, garlicky butter enhances the pasta without masking the filling’s flavor. Best of all, it’s ready in just 5 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
Garlic butter sauce generously coating ravioli, showcasing a quick and delicious sauce option.
Hearty Meat Sauce
If you’re craving a deeply savory and satisfying meal, you absolutely must try a robust meat sauce. A well-made meat sauce, or ragu, is a game-changer, and this recipe for the best meat sauce is sure to become a staple. This rich, tomatoey sauce is incredibly kid-friendly and pairs exceptionally well with vegetable ravioli, offering a hearty and flavorful contrast. Consider making a big batch – it’s perfect for meal prepping!
A pot of rich meat sauce simmering, highlighting a classic and comforting ravioli pairing.
Creamy Lemon Sauce
For seafood ravioli fillings like lobster or crab, a light and elegant lobster ravioli lemon cream sauce is an absolute must-try. This fan-favorite recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to make, yet delivers a restaurant-quality flavor that is perfect for special occasions. The creamy lemon sauce enhances the delicate seafood without overpowering it, creating a truly luxurious dish. For an extra special touch, serve it with a side of asparagus, a fresh salad, or even a poached lobster tail.
Ingredients for a creamy lemon sauce, including lemon, cream, and herbs, ready to be made for lobster ravioli.
Lamb Ragu
For lamb lovers, a flavorful lamb ragu is an exceptional choice. This lamb ragu offers a bold and rich flavor that is particularly delicious when served over simple cheese ravioli. The robust lamb flavor is beautifully balanced by the pasta, creating a sophisticated and satisfying dish. The addition of torn mozzarella at the end adds an extra layer of creamy richness.
A bowl of hearty lamb ragu, showcasing a bold and flavorful sauce option for ravioli.
Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
For a truly convenient and deeply flavorful option, a crockpot spaghetti sauce is a fantastic choice. This crockpot spaghetti sauce is a dream for busy days. Its slow-cooked, beefy flavor is infused with incredible depth, making it a wonderful pairing for cheese, mushroom, or vegetable ravioli fillings. The “set it and forget it” nature of a crockpot sauce makes it a stress-free way to create a delicious and comforting meal.
Crockpot spaghetti sauce simmering in a slow cooker, emphasizing the ease and convenience of this sauce option.
Butternut Squash Alfredo Sauce
For a seasonal and comforting twist, a butternut squash alfredo sauce is a delightful choice. This butternut squash alfredo is earthy, umami-rich, and hearty, making it a perfect complement to pumpkin, mushroom, or cheese ravioli. The creamy sweetness of the butternut squash creates a wonderful flavor profile that is both satisfying and unique.
Butternut squash alfredo sauce being poured over pasta, illustrating a creamy and seasonal sauce pairing.
Beet Pasta Sauce
For a visually stunning and surprisingly light option, a beet pasta sauce is a fantastic choice. This vibrant pink beet pasta sauce recipe is fresh, light, and relatively quick to prepare. Its beautiful color and delicate flavor make it a memorable pairing for simple ravioli fillings like cheese or ricotta and spinach. It’s a great way to add a touch of elegance and visual appeal to your ravioli dish.
Vibrant pink beet pasta sauce being tossed with pasta, showcasing a visually appealing and lighter sauce option.
Classic Red Sauce (Marinara)
Sometimes, simplicity is key. A classic red sauce, or marinara sauce, is an incredibly easy and delicious option that pairs well with almost any ravioli. A bright and fresh tomato sauce made with garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, and seasonings is a timeless choice. The key is to ensure the sauce is well-balanced in flavor, with a good balance of acidity and sweetness from the tomatoes.
Skillet of classic red pizza sauce with fresh basil, representing a simple and versatile sauce for ravioli.
Browned Mushroom Sauce
Inspired by mushroom pappardelle, a browned mushroom sauce is a fantastic vegetarian option that doubles down on umami flavor. Taking inspiration from this mushroom pappardelle recipe and swapping pappardelle for ravioli creates a rich and earthy sauce. This sauce is particularly delicious with cheese or vegetable-filled ravioli, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Mushroom pappardelle on a plate, inspiring a rich and umami-packed mushroom sauce for ravioli.
Alfredo Sauce
For a creamy and indulgent option, Alfredo sauce is a classic pairing with ravioli. Use the Alfredo sauce recipe from this Penne Alfredo recipe as a base and simply submerge your ravioli in the creamy goodness. Alfredo sauce is particularly delicious with vegetable or cheese ravioli, creating a rich and comforting meal.
Asiago alfredo sauce with tortelloni and chicken, demonstrating a creamy and rich sauce option adaptable for ravioli.
Basil Pesto
For a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor, basil pesto is an excellent choice. Keeping a stash of basil pesto sauce in the freezer is a weeknight dinner win. Toss pesto with cheese or butternut squash ravioli for a quick and vibrant meal. This simple Italian sauce is particularly wonderful if you grow fresh basil at home. The parmesan cheese adds savory notes, while the basil brings a blend of floral and herbaceousness. For an extra layer of flavor, try serving a dollop of basil pesto alongside tomato sauce for a delightful duo of sauces.
Homemade basil pesto in a bowl, showcasing a fresh and vibrant sauce option for ravioli.
Vegetable Side Dishes to Serve with Ravioli
While in Italy, ravioli is often served as a primo (first course) and doesn’t traditionally require side dishes, in North America, we often enjoy it as a main course. This means side dishes are not only welcome but can truly enhance the meal, adding nutritional balance and textural contrast. Vegetable sides are especially excellent for lightening up a rich ravioli dish and adding valuable vitamins and minerals.
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with maple and bacon on a baking sheet, a flavorful and textural vegetable side dish for ravioli.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bacon
For a side dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet, crispy Brussels sprouts with maple bacon are a fantastic option. This recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts + bacon is crunchy, sweet ‘n salty, and pairs perfectly with a simple ravioli and tomato sauce. It’s an easy way to bulk up the meal with hearty flavor and satisfying texture. This combination is especially delicious with butternut squash or pumpkin ravioli.
Steamed or Pan-Fried Asparagus
For a light and elegant vegetable side, asparagus is an excellent choice. This easy guide to perfect pan-fried asparagus provides simple instructions for achieving tender-crisp asparagus. Asparagus offers a mild and fresh flavor that complements rich ravioli without overpowering it. Whether steamed or pan-fried, asparagus adds a touch of sophistication to your ravioli dinner.
Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash
To complement butternut squash or pumpkin ravioli, consider serving spiced roasted butternut squash as a side. These maple- five spiced roasted butternut squash are packed with warm, autumnal flavors that enhance the ravioli beautifully. Roasted butternut squash adds an extra layer of flavor and effort to the dish, making it perfect for fall meals. Top it with goat cheese or Parmesan and toasted walnuts for added richness and texture. While sweet potatoes could be substituted, butternut squash is often a lighter and more complementary choice alongside rich pasta.
Slices of roasted butternut squash on a baking sheet, highlighting a warm and flavorful vegetable side dish for ravioli.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
For a quick and easy vegetable side or topping, crispy air fryer eggplant is a winner. This eggplant recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare thanks to the air fryer. Crispy eggplant adds a delightful texture and savory flavor that complements any vegetable pasta dish, including ravioli.
Quick-Grilled Cherry Tomatoes
For a burst of fresh, summery flavor, quick-grilled cherry tomatoes are an excellent option. Toss bright red cherry tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings, then grill them briefly until they blister and pop. The slight char and sweetness of grilled tomatoes provide a lovely contrast to rich ravioli. If your tomatoes are a bit tart, a sprinkle of sugar can help balance the flavors.
Roasted Vegetables
When in doubt, roasted vegetables are always a reliable and versatile side dish. If you have assorted vegetables in your refrigerator, simply roast them until golden brown and serve them alongside your ravioli. A simple toss with salt and pepper is often all they need to bring out their natural flavors. Roasted vegetables add color, nutrients, and satisfying textures to your ravioli meal.
Charred Broccoli or Broccoli Rabe
For a slightly bitter and flavorful green vegetable side, charred broccoli or broccoli rabe is a great choice. Toss broccoli florets or broccoli rabe with olive oil and char them in a skillet until slightly crisp and tender. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add brightness and a touch of heat, creating a delicious and simple side dish for ravioli.
Roasted broccoli florets, showcasing a slightly bitter and flavorful green vegetable side dish for ravioli.
Pan-Fried Mushrooms
For a quick and savory side that complements earthy ravioli fillings, pan-fried mushrooms are an excellent choice. In just 5 minutes, you can pan-fry sliced or whole mushrooms (like portobello or oyster mushrooms) with garlic until tender and browned. Season them well and consider serving them with crumbled feta cheese and brown butter sauce over pumpkin ravioli for a truly decadent combination.
Mushrooms cooking in a pan, highlighting a quick and savory vegetable side dish for ravioli.
Charred Zucchini
For a light and summery vegetable side, charred zucchini is a simple and flavorful option. Cut zucchini lengthwise, toss it with oil, and char it on a hot skillet until tender and slightly smoky. A drizzle of lemon or lime juice and olive oil after cooking adds brightness and freshness. Charred zucchini is a quick and healthy side that pairs well with a variety of ravioli dishes.
Steamed Spinach
For a super quick and healthy side, steamed spinach is a no-fuss option. Simply wash and drain spinach leaves, then steam them over boiling water for about 2 minutes until wilted. Be sure to remove them from the heat immediately to preserve their vibrant color and texture. Steamed spinach is a simple and nutritious way to add a green vegetable to your ravioli meal.
Parmesan Green Beans
For a flavorful and slightly more substantial green vegetable side, Parmesan green beans are a delicious choice. Toss green beans with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then roast them until tender and slightly charred. A final sprinkle of Parmesan while hot adds extra cheesy goodness. Consider roasting mushrooms on the same pan and topping the green beans with crispy onions for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients for green bean casserole, inspiring a parmesan green bean side dish for ravioli.
Salads to Serve with Ravioli
A fresh salad is an excellent way to balance the richness of ravioli and add a refreshing element to your meal. The best salads to serve with ravioli are often light, bright, and slightly acidic, helping to cleanse the palate and provide a counterpoint to the pasta.
Fresh green salad, representing a light and refreshing side dish to pair with ravioli.
Mixed Greens Salad
A simple mixed greens salad is always a welcome addition to a ravioli dinner. Try peppery arugula leaves with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing, like this lemon dressing for couscous salad. This light and zesty dressing works equally well on a tossed salad. Add cucumber and tomatoes, or even pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Panzanella
For a more substantial and flavorful salad, Panzanella is a classic Italian bread and tomato salad that is perfect alongside ravioli. This Italian bread and tomato salad is ideal if you have leftover focaccia or any stale bread to turn into croutons. Panzanella adds bulk, brightness, and delicious Italian flavors to your ravioli meal.
Strawberry Caprese Salad
For a unique and delightful spring salad, strawberry Caprese salad is a wonderful choice. While a classic tomato Caprese is always delicious, this strawberry caprese offers a sweet and savory twist that lightens up a heartier ravioli dish. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil is both refreshing and flavorful. Alternatively, consider a peach caprese for a similar sweet and savory flavor profile. Of course, you can always swap the fruit for tomatoes in either recipe for a more traditional Caprese.
Strawberry caprese salad with fresh basil and balsamic glaze, showcasing a sweet and savory salad option for ravioli.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a timeless classic that pairs beautifully with ravioli. This kale caesar salad recipe uses shredded kale in place of romaine lettuce, but you can easily use romaine if you prefer. The creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons create a satisfying and flavorful salad that complements the ravioli perfectly.
Kale caesar salad in a bowl with parmesan cheese, representing a classic and satisfying salad pairing for ravioli.
Best Breads to Serve with Ravioli
Serving warm, crusty bread alongside ravioli is a classic Italian tradition. Bread is perfect for soaking up delicious sauces and adding a comforting element to the meal. Focaccia, ciabatta, and garlic bread are all excellent choices. Serve them with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can also transform them into bruschetta topped with simple Italian combinations like tomato and basil or Italian sausage and cheese.
Homemade garlic bread fingers, showcasing a warm and comforting bread option to serve with ravioli.
No-Knead Cheesy Garlic Bread Fingers
For a truly impressive bread option, no-knead cheesy garlic bread fingers are a showstopper. This cheesy garlic bread recipe is surprisingly easy to make (no kneading required!) and is guaranteed to be a hit. The cheesy, garlicky flavor is irresistible and pairs perfectly with ravioli.
No-Knead Bread in a Dutch Oven
For a rustic and bakery-style loaf, no-knead bread baked in a Dutch oven is a fantastic choice. This easy, no-knead bread recipe is incredibly simple to make and delivers a hot, steaming loaf that feels straight from a bakery. Serving a loaf of crusty no-knead bread alongside ravioli elevates the meal and makes you feel like a culinary pro.
No-knead bread baked in a dutch oven, highlighting a rustic and bakery-style bread option for ravioli.
Meat, Fish, and Protein Options to Serve with Ravioli
If you want to add extra protein to your ravioli meal and make it even more substantial, consider serving it with meat, fish, or other protein options. These additions can transform ravioli from a lighter pasta course into a hearty and satisfying main dish.
Creamy tuscan chicken, showcasing a protein-rich option to serve alongside ravioli.
Tuscan Chicken
For a creamy and flavorful protein addition, Tuscan chicken is an excellent choice. This ultimate creamy, tomatoey chicken recipe pairs beautifully with store-bought or homemade ravioli. It elevates the entire meal and acts as both a sauce and a protein in one. Tuscan chicken adds richness and depth of flavor that complements ravioli wonderfully.
Seafood with Creamy Sauce
If you’re in the mood for seafood, consider serving seafood with a creamy sauce alongside your ravioli. Use the sauce from this easy seafood pasta recipe as inspiration and simply swap the angel hair pasta for ravioli. Seafood in a creamy sauce adds a touch of elegance and luxury to your ravioli meal.
Seafood pasta with creamy sauce, inspiring a seafood protein option to serve with ravioli.
Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan
For a classic and comforting protein option, crispy baked chicken parmesan is always a winner. Baked parmesan chicken is easy to make and features a delicious garlicky tomato sauce. Popping a piece of chicken parmesan on top of ravioli creates a hearty and satisfying Italian-American meal.
Baked chicken parmesan on spaghetti, demonstrating a classic protein pairing for ravioli.
Crispy Air Fryer Salmon
For a lighter and healthier protein addition, crispy air fryer salmon is an excellent choice. This guide on how to cook light and healthy salmon (also incredibly crispy and delicious) in the air fryer makes it easy to add a portion of flaky salmon to your ravioli meal. Air fryer salmon is quick to prepare and adds a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Air fryer salmon with lemon, showcasing a light and healthy protein option to pair with ravioli.
Try These Yummy Italian Recipes Next:
- Slow Cooker Lasagna
- Seafood Pizza
- Pizza with Biscuit Dough Crust
- Lazy Lasagna with Just 3 Ingredients
