There’s something that feels really special about spending a night out for dinner with a loved one or significant other. Getting out of the kitchen to have someone else prepare a meal for you is a treat!
But on the other hand, eating out can be more expensive than dining in. When it comes to your health goals, it’s tougher to stay on track when you don’t know what ingredients are going into each dish.
Fortunately, this ravioli recipe with cheese is made using just 2 ingredients and is so delicious you’ll feel like you dined out at a fancy restaurant. ;)
Facts
When you think of ravioli, your first thought may be “yum!” and you wouldn’t be alone. This meal is beloved and is commonly found at restaurants and in grocery stores. But if you don’t know the background behind this delicious dish, let’s find out more about it!
History of ravioli
The word “ravioli” originates from the Italian word riavvolgere, which means “to wrap.” Ravioli is believed to have originated in Italy, but it’s not 100 percent certain where the dish was first created. The earliest mention of ravioli was in a 14th century manuscript, and the first ravioli dish was served in broth versus sauce!
In the 16th century, ravioli started to evolve into the dish we know and love today, being cooked with tomatoes in tomato sauce. Canned ravioli was popularized by Chef Boyardee in the 1930’s. It’s also an Italian tradition to serve vegetable ravioli on Fridays with meat served on the side … who knew?!
Nutrition information
In terms of nutritional value, 4 pieces of ravioli contain 216 calories and 24 percent of the daily value of saturated fats. It also contains about 12 percent of the daily needed intake of calcium! While some variations of ravioli contain less healthy ingredients like butter, the dish can easily be made healthy using swaps. For instance, by adding spinach inside.
Common ravioli ingredients
A great thing about ravioli is its simplicity. This is often not a complicated dish and consists of a few key ingredients.
Pasta
Comforting and filling, pasta is the base of all great ravioli recipes. Pasta is an affordable and versatile dish, and because of this, is a staple in many kitchens. Pasta provides your body with energy and essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Carbohydrates serve as a primary source of fuel for your body, and pasta contains beneficial carbs! It also includes dietary fiber, which helps fight chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Cheese
Contrary to some beliefs, there are many ways cheese can benefit health. It’s a good source of nutrients including calcium, fat, and protein. Cheese also contains vitamins A and B12, plus zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
For those with lactose intolerance, cheese is not the best choice because it contains lactose. People with lactose sensitivities can experience digestive problems. But fortunately, there are many variations of cheese that are low in lactose, including parmesan, swiss, and cheddar.
Sauce
The beautiful thing about ravioli is that it can taste completely different depending on which sauce you use! In the recipe below, we use Proper Good broccoli cheddar to add creaminess that only feels decadent, but is actually quite healthy.
Other popular ravioli sauces are marinara or pesto, and those who love simplicity can lightly coat their ravioli with olive oil!
Ravioli toppings and sides
While ravioli is certainly flavorful enough to be enjoyed solo, you may be craving a ravioli topping or side dish! We share a few favorite ideas below:
Spices
One popular way to diversify the flavor of ravioli is through adding just a hint of spice. Many home chefs enjoy garlic powder with their ravioli. Just a little dash goes a long way in adding mouthwatering garlic-y flavor to ravioli!
Garlic powder is the ground form of dehydrated garlic and is a subtle way to add garlic flavor to a dish without having to chop or mince garlic. The most important health benefits of garlic powder include its ability to regulate high blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and improve the immune system.
Something crunchy
Ravioli by itself is creamy and irresistible. But add in something crunchy and “wow!” A burst of new and exciting flavors to an old favorite dish.
If you’re looking to mix up your ravioli recipe, try topping it with toasted bread crumbs or chopped pistachios. Bread crumbs have a mild flavor perfect for picky eaters, while pistachios add nutty goodness to every bite.
Bread
There’s a reason why many restaurants serve bread as a first appetizer … it goes well with everything! If you’re hosting a dinner party, an easy way to impress your guests is by starting with a bread dish.
We suggest buying a freshly made loaf of bread at your local grocery store and getting a couple of simple toppings, like butter and parmigiano reggiano cheese. Mix the butter with chopped parsley for an herb-y taste and spread across the slices of bread. Top each slice with a sprinkle of cheese and toast lightly in the oven for a few minutes. Voila! A delicious side dish to pair well with your ravioli dish.
Ravioli Recipe with Cheese
And now for the main course! ;) This ravioli recipe with cheese is absolutely scrumptious and only takes 5 minutes to prepare. For nights when unexpected guests pop over or you’re in a rush to serve the kids a nutritious dinner, this meal does the trick.
Cooking Info:
Serves 2-4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pouch Proper Good Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1 20oz package of your favorite ravioli
Method:
- Boil water in a large pot and cook ravioli according to directions on the package
- Drain water and return ravioli to the warm pot. Stir in 1 pouch of Proper Good Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
- Top with cheese if you fancy extra cheesiness! Serve with garden salad.
And there you have it! Ravioli recipe with cheese, made healthy and simple.
Enjoy this recipe for cozy nights in, and if you’re looking for an additional side dish, give one of these a try:
Southern Chicken Puff Pastry Hand Pies
Quick Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
5 Minute Lemon Fudge (for dessert!)
