Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs

🍅 Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic & Fresh Herbs

This Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs is a celebration of simple Mediterranean flavors. Tender ravioli are tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp-tender asparagus, and fragrant garlic, all finished with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon. It’s bright, seasonal, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner—or a relaxed weekend meal.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 1 (20 oz) package cheese or spinach ravioli

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, parsley, or thyme, chopped

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the ravioli
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ravioli according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Sauté the vegetables
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).

3. Add asparagus
   Stir in asparagus and cook 3–4 minutes until just tender.

4. Add tomatoes
   Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.

5. Combine
   Add cooked ravioli to the skillet. Toss gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.

6. Finish
   Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and Parmesan.

7. Serve
   Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with extra cheese if desired.

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🌿 Serving Ideas

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein

• Finish with toasted pine nuts for crunch

• Serve with a simple arugula salad on the side

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen ravioli?
A: Yes—cook straight from frozen according to package directions.

Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, as long as the ravioli filling is vegetarian.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Use vegan ravioli and skip the cheese or replace with nutritional yeast.

Q: How do I keep the garlic from burning?
A: Cook it briefly over medium heat and add vegetables right after it becomes fragrant.

Q: What makes this Mediterranean-style?
A: Olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, lemon, and a light, simple preparation are key Mediterranean principles.