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An easy, restaurant-quality creamy tomato basil sauce made from tomato paste, heavy cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh basil to coat 20 ounces of refrigerated ravioli with a smooth, slightly spicy, and indulgent flavor.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the minced garlic in the melted butter until just golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for about 1 minute to bloom the flavors.
  4. Whisk in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy base.
  6. Keep the heat low and maintain a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from curdling.
  7. Stir in the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until melted and well incorporated.
  8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  9. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the torn fresh basil leaves.
  10. Toss cooked ravioli (about 20 ounces) in the skillet to coat evenly with the sauce.
  11. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of broth or reserved pasta water; if too thin, simmer briefly longer or stir in extra cheese.

Notes

To bloom tomato paste, cook it briefly to enhance its deep flavor., Maintain low heat to prevent cream sauce from curdling., Season gradually throughout cooking for balanced flavor., Toss ravioli in sauce rather than spooning for even coating., Adjust sauce consistency as needed by thinning or reducing., Lighter version: substitute heavy cream with half-and-half; keep heat low., Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth., Use crushed San Marzano tomatoes for chunkier sauce variation., Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for warmth., The sauce keeps for up to five days refrigerated; gently reheat and thin with broth or pasta water if necessary., Avoid freezing to prevent sauce separation and graininess., The sauce pairs well with cheese, spinach, mushroom, chicken, lobster, or butternut squash ravioli., Can substitute herbs like oregano, parsley, or thyme for basil., Vegan alternative: use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan substitutes, though flavor and texture differ.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/5 of sauce with 5 ounces ravioli per serving
  • Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving (sauce only)
  • Fat: 18 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g per serving
  • Protein: 7 g per serving