Name: Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups flour, plus more for dusting; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 large eggs; 3 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons finely minced parsley; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon finely minced parsley (for garnish); Shaved parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm plate of ravioli filled with creamy cheese and bathed in a luscious, fragrant sauce. This Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe brings together fresh, simple ingredients to create an Italian classic that’s as rewarding to make as it is to devour. From tender pasta dough rolled thin to the rich filling of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, every bite bursts with flavor and love. If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting restaurant-quality pasta in your own kitchen, this is the perfect recipe to start — trust me, it will become an instant favorite you’ll want to share with everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board is arranged with a layer of raw square ravioli pasta, each having a light yellow color with soft, slightly wrinkled edges and a dusting of flour on top. On the right side of the board, there is a round wooden bowl filled with bright green chopped parsley, below it is a small white bowl with green and brown spots that contains white coarse salt. Nearby, two cloves of garlic rest on the board. Lower on the board, another spotted white bowl holds a medium square block of pale yellow butter. To the left, a dark green bowl is filled with a mound of finely shredded white cheese. Two small spoons with coarse black pepper and small dark red flakes are placed vertically near the bottom right. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build incredible flavor, perfect texture, and that beautiful golden color. Nothing complicated, just fresh, essential elements working together harmoniously.

4 cups flour: The foundation for your pasta, providing structure and chewiness.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor without overpowering it.
4 large eggs: Adds richness and elasticity to the pasta dough.
3 large egg yolks: For extra silkiness and color in the dough.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps your dough tender and easy to work with.
16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese: The creamy base of the filling which is mild and smooth.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the ravioli that irresistible stretch.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty depth and sharp finish to the filling.
1 large egg: Helps bind the filling together perfectly.
2 tablespoons finely minced parsley: Fresh and bright herbaceous notes for the filling.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with a gentle savory punch that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and amplifies the filling’s flavors.
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and complexity.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the garlic butter sauce, rich and velvety.
2 cloves garlic, finely minced: For that aromatic, mouthwatering sauce base.
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt: To season the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Balances the sauce with a subtle peppery heat.
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but adds a nice hint of warmth.
1 tablespoon finely minced parsley: For garnish, adding color and a fresh finish.
Shaved Parmesan cheese: The perfect final touch that melts slightly over the warm ravioli.

How to Make Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by combining all your cheeses — ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan — in a large bowl. Add the egg yolk, finely minced parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to achieve a creamy, well-seasoned filling that will be bursting with flavor inside every ravioli pocket.

Step 2: Make the Pasta Dough

Sift your flour and kosher salt onto a clean wooden surface, forming a mound with a well in the center. In a separate cup, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, and olive oil together until completely combined. Pour the egg mixture into the flour well and gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs with a fork, mixing carefully until it forms a shaggy dough. Knead this dough for about 5-6 minutes, adjusting with flour or water as needed — the result should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making rolling much easier.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Shape the Ravioli

Divide your rested dough into four portions, covering the extras to prevent drying. Take one portion and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s incredibly thin — about 1/16 inch so you can almost see your hand through it. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of filling onto half the dough, spacing them about three inches apart. Brush the surrounding dough with a little water, then carefully fold the other half over the filling. Press around each mound gently to seal, working out any air pockets, and use a pastry cutter to trim the ravioli into neat squares.

Step 4: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the ravioli and cook for just 1-2 minutes — or until they float to the surface and stay there for about 30 seconds. This brief cooking ensures a perfect texture, tender but still holding shape, ready to soak up that divine garlic butter sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce and Finish

While the ravioli cooks, melt the butter gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Toss the freshly cooked ravioli into the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. Stir everything together so the ravioli are lovingly coated in the buttery garlic sauce, then garnish with minced parsley and shaved Parmesan cheese for the perfect finish.

How to Serve Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

A close-up view of several ravioli pieces piled in a shallow white plate, each ravioli golden yellow with a soft, tender pasta texture. One ravioli is slightly lifted, showing the creamy white filling inside. The ravioli are garnished with small bright green parsley leaves, thin shreds of white cheese scattered on top, and a few black pepper flakes. The background features a blurred green cloth and a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a final flourish of fresh parsley and shaved Parmesan cheese not only makes this dish visually appealing but enhances every bite with fresh herbaceous notes and that unmistakable umami cheese burst. Feel free to sprinkle a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat to balance out the richness.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette or a plate of roasted seasonal vegetables complements the rich ravioli perfectly. Garlic bread also works beautifully here, letting you savor every last drop of the garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner party, arrange the ravioli in a shallow bowl with the sauce spooned generously over top, and use edible flowers or microgreens for garnish to add a pop of color. Alternatively, serve them stacked on rustic wooden boards alongside fresh herbs and Parmesan wedges for a charming family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pasta and sauce separate if possible to preserve the texture of the ravioli’s delicate dough.

Freezing

To freeze, place the uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month and cooked directly from frozen — just add an extra minute to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat cooked ravioli, gently warm in a skillet with a little butter or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep them moist. Avoid high heat or long microwaving times, which can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pasta dough instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought fresh pasta dough can save time and still deliver great results. Just ensure it’s rolled thin enough for tender ravioli and seal carefully to avoid leaks.

What cheeses are best for the filling?

The combination of whole milk ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of creaminess, meltiness, and flavor depth. You can tweak the ratios slightly or add a little fontina for a different twist.

How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking together?

Dust each ravioli lightly with flour before cooking or freezing, and be sure to cook them in plenty of boiling salted water with enough room to move freely. Stir gently during cooking to keep them separate.

Can I prepare the ravioli filling ahead of time?

Yes! The filling can be made a day in advance and stored refrigerated in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld, making the filling even more delicious.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners making pasta for the first time?

Definitely! While making fresh pasta might sound intimidating, this recipe breaks it down into manageable steps, and the results are truly rewarding. Take your time, enjoy the process, and your homemade cheese ravioli will impress every time.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is one of those special dishes that brings a sense of pride and joy to your kitchen. Making fresh pasta from scratch and filling it with luscious cheese is not only satisfying but also incredibly delicious. When you plate it with that fragrant garlic butter sauce, you’ve created a meal that’s simple, elegant, and completely comforting. I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and try this recipe — it will become a treasured classic in your family’s repertoire.