Making homemade cheese ravioli from scratch is a rewarding culinary project that might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of patience and the right guidance, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. This recipe is designed to be accessible even if you don’t have specialized pasta-making equipment. By using simple tools and ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, tender ravioli filled with a rich and creamy cheese mixture. Impress your family and friends with this delightful homemade pasta, perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Cheese Ravioli
For the Pasta Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make Easy Homemade Cheese Ravioli
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Dough
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs and olive oil. Using a fork, gradually mix the flour into the eggs and oil until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a little water, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Rest the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- Combine the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses together until well combined.
- Add the Egg and Seasonings: Stir in the egg yolk, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until the filling is smooth and homogeneous.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pasta Dough
- Divide the Dough: Cut the rested dough into four equal pieces. Keep the pieces you’re not working with covered to prevent them from drying out.
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each piece of dough into a thin sheet, about 1/16 inch thick. If the dough springs back, let it rest for a few more minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Ravioli
- Fill the Ravioli: Place one sheet of rolled-out dough on a lightly floured surface. Spoon small mounds of the cheese filling (about 1 teaspoon each) onto the dough, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Top with Another Sheet: Brush a little water around the edges of the filling mounds. Carefully lay a second sheet of dough over the first, pressing gently around each mound to seal.
- Cut the Ravioli: Use a knife, pastry cutter, or a glass to cut out individual ravioli. Press the edges with a fork to ensure they are well sealed and to create a decorative edge.
Step 5: Cook the Ravioli
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Ravioli: Gently drop the ravioli into the boiling water in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the ravioli float to the top and are tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve the Ravioli
- Combine Ravioli and Sauce: Gently add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat them evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the ravioli to plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade cheese ravioli!
About the Main Ingredients
Pasta Dough:
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used for its versatility and ease of handling. It provides a good balance of protein and starch, making it ideal for pasta dough.
- Eggs: Eggs add richness and color to the pasta dough. They also help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a subtle flavor and helps make the dough easier to roll out.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the pasta dough.
Cheese Filling:
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is a soft, creamy cheese that provides a smooth and mild base for the filling.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a bit of saltiness to the filling.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella contributes a gooey, stretchy texture and a mild, milky flavor.
- Egg Yolk: The egg yolk helps bind the filling together and adds richness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and nutmeg enhance the flavor of the filling, while parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Sauce:
- Butter: Butter provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce and enhances the garlic flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a fragrant, savory note to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety texture for the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce and adds a savory, umami flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper balance the flavors and bring the sauce to life.
By following these steps and using these simple, high-quality ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade cheese ravioli that rivals anything you’d find in a restaurant. Enjoy the process of making your own pasta and savor the delightful results!
