Cheese Ravioli Recipe Vegetarian: Easy and Delicious Ideas

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of warm, homemade cheese ravioli. This vegetarian cheese ravioli recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a rich, creamy filling wrapped in delicate pasta.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, making ravioli from scratch can be a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the aroma of fresh herbs and melted cheese. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to impress family and friends with an elegant yet hearty dish that suits vegetarian diets perfectly.

In this recipe, we focus on a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with fresh herbs like basil and parsley. The pasta dough is simple to prepare, and once you’ve mastered the technique of sealing the ravioli, you can experiment with different fillings and sauces.

Ready to dive into this delightful homemade treat? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheese ravioli recipe is a fantastic combination of creamy, cheesy filling with the satisfying texture of fresh pasta. It’s completely vegetarian, making it a great choice for meat-free meals without sacrificing flavor or richness.

You’ll appreciate how customizable the filling is—add your favorite herbs or even a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the taste. The dough is tender yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking.

Plus, making ravioli from scratch gives you total control over the ingredients, ensuring fresh, wholesome, and preservative-free pasta.

Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe yields delicious results that look as good as they taste. You can pair it with a simple marinara or a browned butter sage sauce for an elegant finish.

Ingredients

• For the pasta dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the cheese filling:
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (see Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for making ricotta at home)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• For the sauce (optional):
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 fresh sage leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin or pasta machine
• Sharp knife or ravioli cutter
• Fork or ravioli stamp
• Large pot for boiling
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta dough: On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges until a dough begins to form.
2. Knead the dough: Use your hands to knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour; if too dry, sprinkle a tiny bit of water.
3. Rest the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
4. Make the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until the filling is creamy and evenly blended.
5. Roll out the dough: Cut the dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface or with a pasta machine, roll out one portion into a thin sheet (about 1/16 inch thick). Keep the other portion covered to prevent drying.
6. Form the ravioli: Place teaspoon-sized dollops of filling spaced about 2 inches apart on one sheet of dough. Lightly brush around the filling with water to help seal the ravioli.
7. Cover with second sheet: Carefully lay the second sheet of dough over the filling. Press down around each mound to seal, ensuring no air pockets remain.
8. Cut the ravioli: Use a sharp knife or ravioli cutter to cut around each pillow. Press edges with a fork to further seal.
9. Cook the ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the ravioli in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface and are tender.
10. Prepare the sauce (optional): While ravioli cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and cook until butter starts to brown and smells nutty, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Serve: Remove ravioli with a slotted spoon and toss gently with the sage butter sauce or your preferred sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

“To prevent the ravioli from sticking, dust them lightly with flour and place them on a parchment-lined tray until ready to cook.”

• Make ahead: You can freeze uncooked ravioli by placing them on a tray in a single layer, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag.
• Cheese alternatives: Try substituting or adding goat cheese or feta for a tangier flavor.
• Vegetable additions: Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted butternut squash can be mixed into the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Sauce options: Marinara, creamy Alfredo, or a simple garlic olive oil drizzle also pair beautifully with these ravioli.
• Use a ravioli mold: For perfectly shaped ravioli, use a ravioli mold or stamp if available.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cheese ravioli hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil or sage butter sauce. A side of steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh salad complements the richness beautifully.

For a heartier meal, pair the ravioli with garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf. If you love experimenting, try this recipe alongside other vegetarian dishes like our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a wholesome, seasonal dinner.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian cheese ravioli at home is a delightful culinary adventure that results in a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. The fresh pasta dough combined with a creamy, herbed cheese filling creates a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant.

This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the joy of handmade food and want to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in.

With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create ravioli that rival your favorite Italian restaurants. Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and sauces to find your perfect combination.

For more creative and delicious recipes, check out our Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or explore savory options like our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe.

Enjoy your culinary journey and buon appetito!

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