Sausage Ravioli Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Sausage Ravioli Skillet: Craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This one-pan wonder is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender, cheese-filled ravioli nestled in a rich, savory sausage and tomato sauce, all bubbling together in a single skillet. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

While the exact origins of skillet cooking are hard to pinpoint, the concept of cooking everything together in one pan has been around for centuries, especially in cultures where efficiency and resourcefulness were key. This Sausage Ravioli Skillet recipe takes that time-honored tradition and gives it a modern, Italian-American twist. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. First, the taste is incredible – the combination of savory sausage, sweet tomatoes, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible. Second, the texture is divine, with the soft ravioli contrasting beautifully with the slightly crisp sausage. But perhaps the biggest draw is the convenience. Who doesn’t love a meal that requires minimal cleanup? This Sausage Ravioli Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying and flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a culinary delight that’s both easy and impressive!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 (20 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese ravioli
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Preparing the Sausage and Sauce:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we’re going to do is brown our sausage. This is crucial for building flavor, so don’t skip this step!

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect!) over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left! Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy skillet.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is a flavor killer.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the sausage, onion, and garlic. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:

While the sauce is simmering, let’s get the ricotta mixture ready. This adds a creamy, cheesy layer that complements the ravioli and sausage perfectly.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, lightly beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. The egg helps bind the mixture together, so don’t leave it out!
2. Taste and Adjust: Give the ricotta mixture a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preferences. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Assembling the Ravioli Skillet:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll start to see your delicious Sausage Ravioli Skillet come to life.

1. Add the Ravioli: Gently stir the refrigerated cheese ravioli into the simmering sauce. Make sure the ravioli are evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful not to break the ravioli!
2. Dollop the Ricotta Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli and sauce. Don’t worry about spreading it out perfectly; the heat will melt it and distribute it nicely.
3. Top with Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire skillet. This will create a beautiful, bubbly, cheesy topping that everyone will love.

Baking the Ravioli Skillet:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the skillet in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli are cooked through.

1. Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The ravioli should be tender and cooked through. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
2. Check for Doneness: To make sure the ravioli are cooked through, you can insert a fork into one of the ravioli. It should be tender and easy to pierce. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
3. Broil for Extra Browning (Optional): If you want the cheese to be extra browned and bubbly, you can broil the skillet for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch it closely, as it can burn quickly!

Serving and Enjoying:

Congratulations! You’ve just created a delicious Sausage Ravioli Skillet. Now it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

1. Let it Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch of heat.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Sausage Ravioli Skillet directly from the skillet, or portion it out onto plates. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Use Different Sausage: Feel free to use different types of sausage, such as sweet Italian sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage.
• Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or asiago.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables to make this dish vegetarian. You can also use vegetarian sausage crumbles.
• Add Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze for Later: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

This Sausage Ravioli Skillet is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich skillet.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, pairs well with this dish.

Storage Instructions:

Here’s how to store any leftovers you might have (if there are any!):

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Sausage Ravioli Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
• Freeze: Freeze leftover Sausage Ravioli Skillet in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Fat: 30-40 grams
• Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams
• Cholesterol: 150-200 mg
• Sodium: 1000-1200 mg
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
• Fiber: 5-7 grams
• Sugar: 10-15 grams
• Protein: 30-40 grams

Conclusion:

This Sausage Ravioli Skillet is truly a weeknight game-changer, and I genuinely believe it’s a recipe you absolutely must try. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – what more could you ask for? The combination of savory sausage, tender ravioli, and that rich, creamy tomato sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone come running to the table, and it’s so satisfying that even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.

But beyond just being delicious, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage – Italian sausage (sweet or hot!), chorizo, or even chicken sausage would all work beautifully. You can also swap out the cheese ravioli for spinach ravioli, mushroom ravioli, or even a three-cheese blend. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to your own preferences!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For a complete meal, I love serving this Sausage Ravioli Skillet with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and a few chopped basil leaves add a touch of elegance, but honestly, it’s fantastic all on its own.

Looking for variations? Consider adding some vegetables to the skillet. Sliced bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be great additions. You could also stir in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a boost of nutrients. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of red wine to the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Another fun variation is to bake the skillet in the oven. Simply transfer the cooked ravioli and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This creates a cheesy, comforting casserole that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Why This Recipe Stands Out:

What truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and very little prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes to wash – always a win in my book! The flavors are bold and satisfying, and the creamy sauce perfectly complements the savory sausage and tender ravioli. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I truly believe that this Sausage Ravioli Skillet will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

And most importantly, please share your experience! Let me know in the comments below how your Sausage Ravioli Skillet turned out, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I love hearing from you and learning from your experiences. Happy cooking!

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