Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs

Ingredients for Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese ravioli

Instructions for Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs

1. Cook the Ravioli

Start by cooking the ravioli according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the ravioli, and cook until they float to the top, usually around 3-5 minutes. Drain the ravioli and set them aside.

2. Sauté the Asparagus

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. The asparagus should still have a little bite to it, providing a nice texture to the dish.

3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic

Once the asparagus is ready, add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, but not browned.

4. Add the Chicken Broth and Lemon Juice

Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth, if preferred) and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes. The broth and lemon juice will deglaze the pan, picking up all the lovely flavours from the garlic and vegetables, creating a light sauce to coat the ravioli.

5. Combine the Ravioli and Vegetables

Gently add the cooked ravioli into the skillet, tossing carefully to ensure that the ravioli is evenly coated with the vegetable mixture and the light sauce. Be gentle with the ravioli to avoid breaking them.

6. Add Fresh Herbs and Parmesan

Stir in the freshly chopped basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese has melted into the sauce, enhancing the flavours with its rich, savoury touch.

7. Serve and Garnish

Serve the ravioli hot, with additional grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired. The fresh herbs and the light lemon sauce create a beautifully balanced dish that’s both elegant and comforting.

Tips for a Perfect Ravioli Dish

• Customise your vegetables: If asparagus isn’t in season, you can substitute it with green beans, courgettes, or spinach.
• For extra flavour, add a pinch of chilli flakes when sautéing the garlic for a little heat.
• Vegetarian option: Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep this meal vegetarian.
• Add some crunch: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts can add a delightful crunch if sprinkled on top before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This vibrant and easy-to-make Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs recipe is sure to become a favourite, offering a balanced mix of vegetables and tender ravioli, all brought together by a simple yet flavour-packed sauce. Enjoy the rich blend of fresh herbs, the slight tang from the lemon, and the cheesy indulgence of the ravioli, all in under 30 minutes!