Four-Cheese Ravioli from Maggiano's Little Italy features tender pasta pockets filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses, served in a savory tomato sauce and topped with fresh basil for a creamy and flavorful Italian classic.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Pasta machine or pasta roller
- Knife or pasta cutter
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Serving plates
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Using a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses is essential for achieving the authentic creamy texture and rich flavor in Four-Cheese Ravioli from Maggiano's Little Italy. Fresh basil enhances the dish's aroma and adds a subtle herbal touch that complements the savory tomato sauce. When preparing the pasta dough, 2 cups of all-purpose flour combined with eggs and olive oil will provide the perfect elasticity and tenderness. Be sure to grate the cheeses finely to ensure they mix well and create a smooth filling. Your careful attention to these ingredients will help you recreate the signature taste of Four-Cheese Ravioli from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses; mix well.
- Season cheese mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In another bowl, mound flour and make a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well, add olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Whisk eggs and oil, gradually incorporating flour from the sides.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Wrap dough in plastic and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide rested dough into portions; roll out thin sheets using pasta machine or rolling pin.
- Place small mounds of cheese filling onto one sheet of pasta, spacing evenly.
- Brush edges with water, lay another pasta sheet on top, and press to seal around filling.
- Cut into individual ravioli shapes using a knife or pasta cutter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
- Cook ravioli in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Remove ravioli with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander.
- Heat tomato sauce in a saucepan until simmering.
- Spoon sauce onto serving plates.
- Arrange ravioli on top of the sauce.
- Top with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Four-Cheese Ravioli from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu combines ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses into tender pasta pockets for a rich and creamy experience. If fresh pasta dough proves challenging, you can substitute store-bought ravioli or wonton wrappers for convenience while maintaining flavor integrity. When grating hard cheeses like parmesan and romano, use a fine grater to enhance melting and texture in the filling. Your tomato sauce can be adjusted with a splash of olive oil or fresh garlic to elevate the savory depth if desired. Ensure proper sealing of the ravioli edges to prevent filling leakage during boiling, using water or egg wash as an effective adhesive.
Tips
For the dough, make sure to knead it well until smooth and elastic to avoid tough ravioli. When sealing the ravioli, brush the edges with water and press firmly to prevent the cheese filling from leaking during cooking. Cooking the ravioli only until they float to the surface ensures they remain tender and not overcooked. Your fresh basil garnish adds a vibrant aroma and flavor, so add it just before serving for the best taste.
Nutritions
Four-Cheese Ravioli provides a substantial source of protein and calcium from its blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses, supporting muscle function and bone health. The pasta dough, made from all-purpose flour and eggs, offers carbohydrates essential for energy, while olive oil contributes healthy fats for cardiovascular benefits. Tomato sauce adds lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart-protective properties, and fresh basil offers vitamins A and K. When you enjoy this dish, be mindful of portion sizes to balance calorie intake with your nutritional needs.
Storage
Store uncooked ravioli in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying. For longer storage, freeze the ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, where it can be kept for up to 2 months. When you're ready to cook, avoid thawing and boil frozen ravioli directly to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the cheese filling by substituting goat cheese or fontina for a tangier or creamier flavor profile. Fresh spinach or sauteed mushrooms can be added to the ricotta mixture for an earthy twist. Instead of traditional tomato sauce, try a browned butter and sage sauce to complement the four-cheese filling with nutty richness. For a quicker cooking method, freeze assembled ravioli and cook directly from frozen, extending your meal prep flexibility.
Allergies
Four-Cheese Ravioli from Maggiano's Little Italy contains multiple dairy ingredients, including ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The pasta dough made with eggs and wheat flour may also cause issues for those allergic to egg or gluten. If you have any food allergies, carefully review the ingredient list to avoid potential allergens in this Italian dish.
Why this recipe?
Four-Cheese Ravioli at Maggiano's Little Italy combines ricotta, mozzarella, romano, and parmesan cheeses stuffed in tender pasta, delivering a rich and creamy texture that delights every bite. The dish is topped with a savory tomato cream sauce that enhances the cheese blend's flavors, creating a perfect balance of tanginess and richness. You'll appreciate making this copycat recipe at home to recreate the authentic restaurant experience while customizing ingredients to your taste and dietary preferences. The combination of high-quality cheeses and handcrafted pasta makes it a popular and satisfying choice on Maggiano's menu.