Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs:
Ingredients:
For the ravioli:
1 lb fresh ravioli (store-bought or homemade, filled with cheese or any filling of your choice)
For the sauce:
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for garnish)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional for a fresh, zesty touch)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli). Once cooked, drain the ravioli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
2. Prepare the sauce:
While the ravioli cooks, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
Add the cherry tomatoes, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices.
3. Combine the ravioli with the sauce:
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the asparagus and tomatoes.
Gently toss everything together, adding a little bit of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to create a silky sauce.
Season with additional salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
4. Serve:
Divide the ravioli mixture onto plates.
Garnish with fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a bit of lemon zest for extra flavor and freshness.
Tips:
You can use any fresh ravioli of your choice, whether it's cheese, spinach, or mushroom-filled.
For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet when mixing the ravioli with the sauce.
If you prefer more veggies, you can also add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish.
This Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs is a light and fresh dish, full of vibrant flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!