What Goes Well with Ravioli? Sides, Sauces, and Wines

Ravioli, a classic Italian pasta dish, is beloved for its versatility and delicious fillings. Whether stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, ravioli can be the star of any meal. However, pairing ravioli with the right sides, sauces, and wines can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded dining experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what goes well with ravioli, offering a variety of suggestions to make your meal more enjoyable and satisfying.

What Goes Well with Ravioli?

Ideal Sauces for Ravioli

Classic Sauces

Classic sauces provide familiar flavors that complement the taste of ravioli.

Sauce	Description	Flavor Profile
Marinara Sauce	Tomato-based sauce with garlic and herbs	Tangy and savory
Alfredo Sauce	Creamy sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan	Rich and creamy
Pesto Sauce	Basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan	Fresh and nutty
Brown Butter Sage	Butter sauce with fresh sage leaves	Nutty and aromatic
Bolognese Sauce	Meat-based sauce with tomatoes and red wine	Rich and savory

Gourmet Sauces

For a more refined touch, consider these gourmet sauces.

Sauce	Description	Flavor Profile
Truffle Cream Sauce	Creamy sauce infused with truffle oil	Earthy and luxurious
Porcini Mushroom Sauce	Sauce made with porcini mushrooms and cream	Earthy and rich
Lemon Butter Sauce	Butter sauce with lemon juice and zest	Fresh and tangy
Gorgonzola Sauce	Creamy sauce with Gorgonzola cheese	Bold and creamy
Red Pepper Coulis	Roasted red peppers blended into a smooth sauce	Sweet and smoky

Perfect Side Dishes for Ravioli

Vegetables

Vegetables provide a nutritious and flavorful complement to ravioli.

Vegetable	Preparation Method	Flavor Profile
Grilled Asparagus	Lightly charred asparagus spears	Tender and slightly smoky
Steamed Broccoli	Broccoli steamed to retain its crunch	Fresh and slightly bitter
Roasted Brussels Sprouts	Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic	Savory and slightly sweet
Sautéed Spinach	Spinach cooked with garlic and olive oil	Earthy and slightly sweet
Ratatouille	Stewed eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes	Savory and herby

Salads

Salads add a refreshing and light contrast to the richness of ravioli.

Salad	Ingredients	Flavor Profile
Caesar Salad	Romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing	Savory and tangy
Caprese Salad	Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with balsamic	Fresh and tangy
Arugula Salad	Arugula, Parmesan, and lemon vinaigrette	Peppery and tangy
Greek Salad	Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta	Savory and tangy
Spinach Salad	Spinach, strawberries, and poppy seed dressing	Sweet and tangy

Ideal Breads for Ravioli

Classic Breads

Classic breads provide a satisfying complement to ravioli.

Bread	Preparation Method	Flavor Profile
Garlic Bread	Bread with garlic butter and herbs	Savory and aromatic
Focaccia	Flatbread with olive oil and herbs	Savory and slightly chewy
Ciabatta	Italian bread with a crispy crust	Crispy and airy
Breadsticks	Thin, crispy breadsticks with Parmesan	Crunchy and savory
Sourdough Bread	Bread with a tangy flavor and chewy texture	Tangy and chewy

Gourmet Breads

For a more sophisticated touch, consider these gourmet breads.

Bread	Preparation Method	Flavor Profile
Olive Bread	Bread with whole olives baked in	Savory and slightly salty
Herb and Cheese Bread	Bread with mixed herbs and cheese	Savory and aromatic
Sun-Dried Tomato Bread	Bread with sun-dried tomatoes	Sweet and tangy
Walnut Bread	Bread with chopped walnuts	Nutty and slightly sweet
Rosemary Focaccia	Focaccia with fresh rosemary	Herbaceous and savory

Refreshing Beverages for Ravioli

Alcoholic Beverages

Pairing ravioli with the right alcoholic beverage can enhance the flavors of the dish.

Beverage	Description	Flavor Profile
Pinot Grigio	Light white wine with citrus notes	Crisp and refreshing
Chianti	Italian red wine with fruity notes	Fruity and slightly spicy
Prosecco	Italian sparkling wine with fruity notes	Light and bubbly
Chardonnay	Full-bodied white wine with oaky notes	Rich and buttery
Sangiovese	Italian red wine with cherry notes	Fruity and slightly tannic

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Non-alcoholic beverages can also provide excellent pairings for ravioli.

Beverage	Description	Flavor Profile
Sparkling Water	Crisp and refreshing	All pairings
Lemonade	Sweet and tangy	All pairings
Iced Tea	Light and refreshing	All pairings
Herbal Tea	Mild and aromatic	All pairings
Fresh Juice	Sweet and tangy	All pairings

Special Ravioli Recipes

Classic Cheese Ravioli

Classic cheese ravioli are a simple yet delicious option.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh Ravioli	1 lb
Marinara Sauce	2 cups
Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup, grated
Fresh Basil	1/4 cup, chopped

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

For a more filling option, try these spinach and ricotta ravioli.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh Ravioli	1 lb
Alfredo Sauce	2 cups
Spinach	2 cups, fresh
Ricotta Cheese	1 cup
Nutmeg	1/4 tsp

Mushroom and Truffle Ravioli

For a gourmet touch, try these mushroom and truffle ravioli.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh Ravioli	1 lb
Truffle Cream Sauce	2 cups
Porcini Mushrooms	1 cup, sliced
Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup, grated
Fresh Thyme	1/4 cup, chopped

Tips for Making Perfect Ravioli

Preparation

Proper preparation is key to making delicious ravioli.

Step	Description
Preheat Skillet	Preheat a skillet over medium heat
Prepare Fillings	Gather and prepare all your fillings

Assembling Ravioli

Assembling ravioli correctly ensures they hold together during cooking.

Step	Description
Place Ravioli in Boiling Water	Cook fresh ravioli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes
Drain and Serve	Drain ravioli and serve with your favorite sauce

Cooking Techniques

The cooking process is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Step	Description
Cook Ravioli	Cook fresh ravioli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface
Check for Doneness	Ravioli are done when they float to the surface

Conclusion

Ravioli are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer them with classic sauces, gourmet toppings, or paired with a variety of sides and beverages, there are endless possibilities to explore. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that highlights the delicious flavors of ravioli.

FAQs

What are the best sauces for ravioli?

The best sauces for ravioli include marinara, Alfredo, pesto, brown butter sage, and Bolognese. These classic sauces provide familiar flavors that complement the taste of the dish.

Can I enjoy ravioli with gourmet sauces?

Yes, gourmet sauces like truffle cream, porcini mushroom, lemon butter, Gorgonzola, and red pepper coulis can provide a delightful contrast. The unique flavors of these sauces complement the savory taste of the fillings.

What side dishes pair well with ravioli?

Side dishes that pair well with ravioli include grilled asparagus, steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, and ratatouille. Salads like Caesar, Caprese, arugula, Greek, and spinach also make excellent accompaniments.

What beverages go well with ravioli?

Beverages that pair well with ravioli include Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Prosecco, Chardonnay, and Sangiovese. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water, lemonade, iced tea, herbal tea, and fresh juice. These beverages enhance the overall dining experience.

How can I make perfect ravioli at home?

To make perfect ravioli at home, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place fresh ravioli in boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and serve with your favorite sauce. Proper preparation, assembly, and cooking techniques ensure delicious ravioli.