Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs

🍝 Mediterranean Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic & Herbs

A light but satisfying pasta dish bursting with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs.


🥗 Ingredients (4 servings)

For the pasta:

  • 1 (9–12 oz / 250–350g) package cheese ravioli (or spinach/ricotta ravioli)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for boiling water)

For the sauce & veggies:

  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ¼ cup vegetable or chicken broth (or pasta water)

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but Mediterranean!)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Fresh herbs & finish:

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or oregano (or 1 tsp dried)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • Optional toppings: grated parmesan, crumbled feta, pine nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil


👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Ravioli

  • Bring salted water to a boil.

  • Add ravioli and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes).

  • Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.


2. Sauté the Vegetables

  • In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

  • Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Add asparagus and cook 3–4 minutes until bright green but still crisp.

  • Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  • Cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.


3. Make it Saucy

  • Add the broth (or reserved pasta water) to the skillet.

  • Simmer 1 minute to bring everything together.

  • Add cooked ravioli gently to the pan and toss to coat.


4. Add Fresh Herbs & Lemon

  • Turn off the heat and add:

    • Fresh basil

    • Parsley

    • Thyme/oregano

    • Lemon zest

    • Lemon juice

  • Toss carefully so ravioli doesn’t break.


5. Serve

Top with:

  • Fresh parmesan or feta

  • A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

  • Toasted pine nuts (optional for crunch)


🍽️ Tips

  • For more protein: add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

  • For a creamier version: stir in 2–3 tbsp of Greek yogurt or light cream at the end.

  • For deeper flavor: add sun-dried tomatoes or olives.

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