Ravioli Tomato Sauce has always been a go-to comfort food for me, bringing back warm memories of my nonna’s kitchen. I can still smell the sweet tomatoes simmering on the stovetop, a scent that promised a delicious, hearty meal. This simple dish became a staple in my home, and I’ve perfected my own homemade ravioli tomato sauce recipe over the years to capture that same, authentic taste. It’s a truly easy and satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week. Making this ravioli tomato sauce from scratch is surprisingly simple, and you’ll love how fresh and vibrant it tastes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ravioli Tomato Sauce

I know you’ll fall in love with this ravioli tomato sauce for so many reasons. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will in yours too!

This sauce delivers an incredibly fresh and vibrant flavor that perfectly complements any ravioli.
It’s an easy tomato sauce for ravioli, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
With fresh tomatoes and basil, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Making this ravioli tomato sauce from scratch is surprisingly budget-friendly, often costing less than jarred alternatives.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a fantastic family-friendly meal that even picky eaters enjoy.
You’ll appreciate how quick and simple this easy tomato sauce for ravioli is to whip up, even after a long day.

Ingredients for Ravioli Tomato Sauce

Gathering the right ingredients is key to a truly delicious ravioli tomato sauce. I always opt for the freshest produce possible; it makes all the difference in flavor and texture for this delightful tomato basil sauce for ravioli.

1 batch Ricotta Ravioli – whether homemade or a quality store-bought brand, this is your base.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil – a good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor.
2 cloves Garlic, minced – feel free to add more if you love a garlicky kick in your tomato sauce for ravioli.
1 bunch Fresh Basil – we’ll reserve some for garnish, giving that beautiful aroma to our ravioli tomato sauce.
250 grams Cherry Tomatoes, halved – these burst with natural sweetness when cooked down.
2 medium Large Tomatoes, diced – they add a rich, deep tomato flavor to the sauce.
250 ml Reserved Pasta Cooking Water – this starchy liquid is my secret for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.

How to Make Ravioli Tomato Sauce

Making this incredible ravioli tomato sauce is surprisingly simple, and I promise you’ll love the fresh flavors. Follow these steps for a perfect meal that brings joy to your table.

Step 1: First, cook your ricotta ravioli according to the package directions or your homemade recipe. You want them perfectly al dente, tender but with a slight bite. I always keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Step 2: Before you drain the ravioli, make sure to reserve about 250 ml (around 1 cup) of that starchy pasta cooking water. This liquid is gold; it helps create a silky, luscious ravioli tomato sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Step 3: While the ravioli is cooking, grab a medium-sized pan and place it over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and fresh basil. Sauté this aromatic duo for just about 1 minute until you can smell that wonderful fragrance filling your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Now, add your halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice them start to soften and release their sweet juices, building the foundation for your delicious ravioli tomato sauce.
Step 5: Next, add your diced large tomatoes to the pan. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes, stirring every so often. This allows the tomatoes to break down and meld together, creating a rich and flavorful base. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This simple ravioli with tomato sauce is almost ready!
Step 6: Once the sauce has thickened nicely, add the drained ravioli directly into the pan with your tomato mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece of ravioli is coated in that vibrant sauce.
Step 7: Start adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time, just enough to achieve your desired sauce consistency. I like mine just saucy enough to coat without being watery. Cook together for just 1 more minute, allowing the flavors to truly marry. This easy, simple ravioli with tomato sauce will be your new favorite!
Step 8: Finally, plate your delicious ravioli tomato sauce. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!

Delicious Ravioli Tomato Sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, ready to serve

Pro Tips for the Best Ravioli Tomato Sauce

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate this simple dish. These pro tips will help you achieve the most flavorful and satisfying ravioli tomato sauce every time.

Always use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor; they are the heart of your sauce.
Don’t be shy with fresh basil; its aroma and taste are crucial for a vibrant sauce.
Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning, especially salt and pepper, to your preference.
Let the sauce simmer gently; this allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
Reserving pasta water is non-negotiable; it’s the secret to a perfectly emulsified sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Ravioli Tomato Sauce?

The real secret lies in the quality of your ingredients and letting the tomatoes truly break down. This creates a rich, sweet base that’s ideal for a classic tomato sauce for cheese ravioli. The starchy pasta water then binds it all into a luxurious texture.

Can I make Ravioli Tomato Sauce ahead of time?

You absolutely can! I often make the tomato sauce base a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently and then add your freshly cooked ravioli.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ravioli Tomato Sauce?

To avoid common pitfalls, don’t overcook your ravioli; they should be tender, not mushy. Also, resist the urge to add all the pasta water at once—add it gradually to achieve your desired consistency. Finally, always use fresh garlic and basil for maximum flavor.

Close-up of fresh Ravioli Tomato Sauce simmering in a pan with basil leaves

Best Ways to Serve Ravioli Tomato Sauce

Once you’ve perfected your ravioli tomato sauce, the serving possibilities are endless! I love how versatile this dish is, making it the best sauce for ravioli no matter the occasion.

For a complete meal, I often serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. A side of crusty garlic bread is also a fantastic addition, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious ravioli tomato sauce. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese right before serving. A glass of dry red wine, like a Sangiovese or Chianti, pairs wonderfully with the rich tomato flavors. This truly is the best sauce for ravioli when it comes to pairing with other dishes.

Nutrition Facts for Ravioli Tomato Sauce

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delightful ravioli tomato sauce recipe (this recipe makes 4 servings):

Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Nutritional values for this ravioli tomato sauce are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and cooking methods used.

How to Store and Reheat Ravioli Tomato Sauce

I always make a little extra of this delicious ravioli tomato sauce because it stores beautifully! After enjoying your meal, allow any leftover sauce to cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial before transferring it to storage containers to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.

For refrigeration, spoon the cooled sauce into an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping. If you’re looking for a longer storage solution, this quick tomato sauce for frozen ravioli also freezes exceptionally well.

Simply transfer the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen ravioli tomato sauce overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. I often make a big batch for a ready-to-go meal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ravioli Tomato Sauce

What is the best tomato sauce for ravioli?

For me, the best ravioli tomato sauce is one made with fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, just like this recipe! A simple, vibrant sauce allows the delicate flavor of the ravioli to shine through. While many enjoy rich, creamy sauces, a classic fresh tomato sauce truly highlights the pasta.

Can I make this ravioli tomato sauce spicy?

Absolutely! I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my ravioli tomato sauce for a subtle kick. You can stir them in with the garlic and basil at the beginning, or even add a bit of fresh chili for a bolder heat. It’s a fantastic way to customize your simple ravioli with tomato sauce.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for this ravioli tomato sauce?

Yes, you can! While I prefer fresh tomatoes for their vibrant flavor in this specific ravioli tomato sauce, high-quality canned diced or crushed tomatoes are a great alternative, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to use good San Marzano tomatoes for the best results.

What kind of ravioli pairs best with this tomato sauce?

This fresh ravioli tomato sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with almost any type of ravioli. I particularly love it with ricotta or cheese-filled ravioli, as their creamy texture is a perfect counterpoint to the bright tomato flavors. It’s truly the best sauce for ravioli, whether fresh or frozen.

Variations of Ravioli Tomato Sauce You Can Try

While my classic ravioli tomato sauce is always a hit, I love experimenting with variations to keep things exciting! These ideas allow you to tailor the sauce to your dietary needs or simply switch up the flavors.

Creamy Tomato Sauce for Ravioli: For a richer, more indulgent experience, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking. This transforms it into a luscious creamy tomato sauce for ravioli that’s absolutely divine.
Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in the initial sauté. This creates a vibrant, spicy ravioli tomato sauce that awakens the palate.
Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce while the tomatoes are simmering. This makes for a heartier and more wholesome meal.
Herbaceous Twist: Beyond basil, consider incorporating other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. A sprig of fresh rosemary can also add an unexpected depth to your homemade ravioli tomato sauce.

Ravioli Tomato Sauce: A Simply Delicious 30-Min Meal

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Author: Margaret
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe is for a delicious and easy ravioli with tomato sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It features fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and basil for a vibrant, flavorful sauce that complements soft, pillowy ravioli.

Ingredients

Scale

1 batch Ricotta Ravioli (homemade or quality store-bought)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with canola oil)
2 cloves Garlic (minced, increase for more garlic flavor)
1 bunch Basil (reserve some for garnish)
250 grams Cherry Tomatoes (halved, adds natural sweetness)
2 medium Large Tomatoes (diced, adds depth to the sauce)
250 ml Reserved Pasta Cooking Water (adjusts sauce consistency)

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Instructions

Cook the ricotta ravioli according to package or homemade recipe instructions for perfectly tender bites.
Reserve 250 ml of the pasta cooking water before draining; this liquid will help create a luscious sauce.
In a medium pan over medium heat, warm about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and fresh basil, sautéing for just 1 minute until fragrant.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
Dice the large tomatoes and add to the pan. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, and season with salt and pepper.
Add the drained ravioli to the tomato sauce. Toss gently, incorporating reserved pasta water a little at a time; cook together for 1 more minute.
Plate your ravioli, garnishing with fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Use the freshest ingredients for enhanced flavor in your ravioli tomato sauce.
Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta cooking water as needed for your homemade ravioli with tomato sauce.
Serve your ravioli with tomato sauce immediately for the best quality.
For an added layer of flavor, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes for a kick to your tomato sauce for ravioli.
You can prepare the homemade ricotta ravioli up to 24 hours in advance.
Chop your tomatoes, mince garlic, and roll up your basil leaves up to 3 days ahead for easy tomato sauce for ravioli.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: PASTA
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian