Ingredients

For the Ravioli:

• 400g of creamy ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• Parsley to taste (about 1 tablespoon, finely chopped)
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• 400g of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 150g of parmesan cheese, grated

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 150g of tomato sauce (or fresh tomatoes, pureed)
• Basil to taste (fresh, about 1 tablespoon chopped)

For Assembling:

• 900g of ravioli (store-bought or homemade, preferably cheese-filled)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Estimated Kcal per Serving:

Approximately 600 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ricotta Filling:

1. Combine the Ricotta and Egg: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese with 1 egg. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Parsley and Season: Add freshly chopped parsley to taste. Season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
3. Incorporate Mozzarella and Parmesan: Add 200g of the shredded mozzarella and 100g of the grated parmesan cheese into the ricotta mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. This mixture should be creamy but firm enough to hold its shape.

2. Assembling the Ravioli:

1. Fill the Ravioli: If you’re using fresh pasta dough, roll it out into thin sheets. Place small spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture onto the pasta, about 1 teaspoon per ravioli. Ensure there’s enough space between each filling.
2. Seal the Ravioli: Lay another sheet of pasta dough over the filling. Gently press down around each mound of filling to seal the ravioli. Cut the ravioli using a pasta cutter or knife. Press the edges with a fork to ensure they are tightly sealed.
3. Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli to the boiling water in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

1. Heat the Sauce: While the ravioli is cooking, heat the tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Season the Sauce: Stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

4. Assembling the Dish:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Layer the Ravioli: In a baking dish, add a small amount of tomato sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Place the cooked ravioli in the dish, arranging them in a single layer.
3. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the ravioli, ensuring they are generously coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake the Ravioli: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

5. Serving:

1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless

This Cheesy Ravioli with Ricotta and Mozzarella recipe stands the test of time because it combines simple ingredients with classic flavors that everyone loves. The concept of stuffed pasta goes back centuries, and in this dish, the ravioli is filled with a rich and creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. These cheeses offer different textures and flavors—ricotta brings creaminess, mozzarella offers stretchiness, and parmesan adds a sharp and nutty contrast.

What makes this recipe so timeless is its universal appeal. Pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce are staples in many cultures, particularly Italian cuisine. The layers of flavor, from the cheese to the fresh tomato sauce to the herbs, create a harmony that is satisfying yet comforting. The ability to customize this dish by adding fresh basil, choosing different cheese combinations, or switching up the ravioli filling makes it adaptable, ensuring it can be enjoyed by people with various tastes.

In addition to its deliciousness, this dish has a nostalgic quality that makes it perfect for family gatherings or celebratory meals. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, the process of baking ravioli in a savory, cheesy sauce makes it feel like an event every time.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approximation)

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Calcium: 400mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought ravioli for this recipe?
A: Yes, store-bought ravioli works perfectly fine for this recipe. Choose high-quality ravioli, preferably with a cheese filling to complement the rich cheese sauce. If you prefer homemade ravioli, feel free to use fresh dough.

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ravioli and sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply assemble the dish and bake it right before serving.

Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
A: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. However, if you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the ricotta filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, this dish can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before covering and freezing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Ricotta: For the best results, use fresh ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
• Avoid Overcooking Ravioli: Be careful not to overcook the ravioli. Once they float to the surface, they are done.
• Add Fresh Herbs: For even more flavor, use fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano in the sauce.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Grating your own mozzarella and parmesan will give you a fresher and creamier result than pre-shredded cheese.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ravioli with Ricotta and Mozzarella recipe is a classic example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. With its creamy, cheesy filling, fresh tomato sauce, and aromatic basil, this dish is as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a more formal gathering, this dish will never fail to impress. The balance of flavors and textures is sure to please all palates, and the hearty serving size ensures that everyone leaves the table satisfied.

By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can easily create a dish that’s both indulgent and homemade, elevating your cooking skills and delighting your guests with every bite. It’s a dish that is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, making it both timeless