Description
This delightful Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas recipe combines fresh pasta filled with tender asparagus, savory Italian sausage, and sweet peas in a buttery garlic sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights, featuring a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ravioli
- 1 package fresh asparagus ravioli (or homemade)
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the asparagus ravioli according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the ravioli, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set the ravioli aside.
- Brown sausage: While the ravioli cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove excess fat from the pan if necessary.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the browned sausage. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft.
- Add peas: Stir in the peas and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, allowing them to warm through and blend with the sausage and garlic flavors.
- Toss ravioli with sauce: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet along with the unsalted butter and reserved pasta water. Gently toss everything together to coat the ravioli evenly in the buttery sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir lightly to incorporate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately: Plate the ravioli while warm and enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal right away.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Use fresh peas if available for a sweeter, fresher taste.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps to loosen and create a silky sauce.
- Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat if desired.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor and texture.
