Ravioli with Marinara Sauce from Old Spaghetti Factory features tender, cheese-stuffed pasta pockets drenched in a vibrant, tangy marinara sauce made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, delivering a comforting blend of savory flavors and smooth textures.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Grater (for cheese, optional)
Ingredients
- For the cheese ravioli:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 package fresh or frozen ravioli sheets (or wonton wrappers)
- Flour (for dusting)
- Water (for sealing pasta edges)
- For the marinara sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Fresh or frozen ravioli sheets can impact cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure perfect tenderness. Using a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese creates a rich and creamy filling that balances well with the tangy marinara sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil enhance the sauce's flavor more vibrantly than dried versions, but dried herbs can be used for convenience. You can control the heat level by adding or omitting crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. This copycat menu for Ravioli with Marinara Sauce from Old Spaghetti Factory closely replicates the original's savory flavors and smooth textures, providing an authentic dining experience at home.
Instructions
- Prepare cheese filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Assemble ravioli:
- Lay ravioli sheets (or wonton wrappers) on a floured surface.
- Spoon filling (about 1 tablespoon) onto half the sheets, leaving space around edges.
- Brush edges with water.
- Top each with another sheet/wrapper.
- Press around filling to seal and remove air; trim edges if necessary.
- Make marinara sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion; sauté until softened.
- Add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chopped parsley and fresh basil.
- Cook ravioli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
- Add ravioli in batches; cook 2–4 minutes (until they float).
- Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
- Serve:
- Ladle marinara sauce over ravioli.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Substitution
Ravioli with Marinara Sauce from Old Spaghetti Factory is a hearty dish featuring cheese-stuffed ravioli bathed in a rich tomato-based marinara sauce, perfectly balancing creamy and tangy flavors. If fresh ravioli sheets are unavailable, wonton wrappers make an excellent substitute, offering a similar thinness and pliability for easy sealing. When sealing the ravioli edges, use a water-flour mixture to ensure they stay closed during boiling and prevent filling leakage. If fresh herbs are not on hand, dried basil and parsley can be used, but remember to reduce quantities since they have a more concentrated flavor. You can adjust the sauce's spiciness by omitting or adding crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Tips
When assembling ravioli, dust the pasta sheets with flour to prevent sticking and ensure a tight seal by pressing firmly around the filling while removing any trapped air to avoid bursting during cooking. Simmer the marinara sauce gently and stir occasionally to develop rich flavor without burning the garlic and onions. Cook ravioli in batches in well-salted water; they are done when they float to the surface, usually within 2 to 4 minutes, which prevents overcooking and keeps them tender. Your final dish will be enhanced by fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, adding depth and an authentic Italian touch.
Nutritions
Ravioli with Marinara Sauce provides a balanced combination of protein, calcium, and vitamins from the cheese-filled pasta and herb-rich tomato sauce. Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses deliver essential calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. The marinara sauce, made primarily of tomatoes, offers a rich source of antioxidants like lycopene, along with vitamins A and C, which support immune and skin health. You can enjoy a hearty meal that blends nutrient density with flavorful, fresh ingredients.
Storage
Store leftover ravioli and marinara sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months to extend shelf life. When reheating, gently warm the sauce and boil the ravioli briefly in water or reheat in the sauce to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation in the cheese filling, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese blended smooth for a lighter texture, or add finely chopped spinach for extra nutrients. Consider using basil or sun-dried tomatoes in the filling to enhance the flavor profile of Your ravioli. If fresh ravioli sheets or wonton wrappers are unavailable, try using pre-made pasta sheets or even large lasagna noodles cut into squares. To deepen the marinara flavor, roasting the tomatoes before simmering or adding a splash of red wine can add a richer taste to the sauce.
Allergies
Ravioli with Marinara Sauce contains common allergens such as dairy from ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, as well as eggs used in the pasta filling. The marinara sauce includes garlic and onion, which may trigger sensitivities in some individuals. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies, as Your health should always come first.
Why this recipe?
Ravioli with Marinara Sauce from Old Spaghetti Factory features tender pasta pockets filled with ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, paired with a rich, tangy tomato-based marinara made from fresh herbs and vine-ripened tomatoes. This dish offers a perfect balance of creamy filling and vibrant sauce, creating a comforting yet flavorful Italian classic that appeals to many. You can recreate this meal at home to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience with customizable ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Making a copycat version also allows you to control freshness and portion sizes while saving on dining costs.