Ravioli Filling Recipe Sausage: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Ravioli is a timeless Italian favorite, and one of the most indulgent fillings you can prepare is a savory sausage filling. This filling balances the rich, hearty flavors of Italian sausage with creamy cheese and fresh herbs, creating a taste sensation that’s perfect for homemade ravioli.

Whether you’re a seasoned pasta maker or a curious beginner, crafting your own sausage ravioli filling is a rewarding process that adds a gourmet touch to your meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize the seasoning and cheese to suit your palate or dietary preferences.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a detailed recipe for delicious sausage ravioli filling that will elevate your pasta nights. From selecting the best ingredients to tips for perfect texture and flavor, you’ll be equipped to impress family and friends with your homemade ravioli.

And if you love exploring more recipes, don’t miss the links to other delicious dishes to complement your meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sausage ravioli filling recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory and creamy. The use of quality Italian sausage provides depth and spice, while the addition of ricotta and Parmesan cheeses adds a luscious creaminess.

Fresh herbs like parsley and a hint of garlic elevate the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience.

Moreover, this filling is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making your ravioli assembly a breeze. It’s also adaptable — you can swap out cheeses or add vegetables to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Whether you’re making ravioli for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg (for binding)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, for extra tang)

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Garlic press or fine mincer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor or fork (optional, for smoother filling)
• Plastic wrap (for chilling filling if needed)
• Ravioli maker or rolling pin and pasta cutter (for assembling ravioli)

Instructions

1. Prepare the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Let it cool slightly.
2. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, remove excess fat leaving just about 1 teaspoon. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the garlic to cool.
3. Combine filling ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the cooked sausage, sautéed garlic, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano (if using), chopped fresh parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or fork until all ingredients are well incorporated. For a smoother texture, pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor—but avoid over-processing.
4. Chill the filling: Cover the filling with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the filling firm up, making it easier to handle when assembling the ravioli.
5. Assemble ravioli: Roll out your pasta dough thinly and place small spoonfuls of the filling evenly spaced on one sheet of pasta. Cover with a second sheet, press down around the filling to seal, and cut into individual ravioli shapes with a ravioli cutter or knife. Make sure the edges are sealed well to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
6. Cook ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop ravioli into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface and the pasta is tender. Remove with a slotted spoon.
7. Serve: Toss cooked ravioli with your favorite sauce—classic marinara, browned butter and sage, or a creamy Alfredo sauce work beautifully.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or finely chopped spinach to the filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses like fontina or mozzarella for a creamier texture.”

• Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Vegetable boost: Mix in finely chopped kale, spinach, or mushrooms to add nutrition and texture.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute ricotta with a vegan ricotta alternative and omit the egg or use a flax egg as a binder.
• Advance prep: The filling can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated or frozen for up to 1 month.
• Texture tricks: If the filling feels too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This sausage ravioli filling pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces and sides. For a classic Italian experience, serve your ravioli with a rich marinara sauce topped with freshly grated Parmesan and basil leaves.

If you prefer something lighter, a simple drizzle of browned butter with fresh sage leaves complements the filling beautifully.

Additionally, consider serving your ravioli alongside a crisp green salad like a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can also be a delicious accompaniment.

Looking for more hearty, comforting meals? Check out the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for inspiration on your next meal.

Conclusion

Making your own sausage ravioli filling is a rewarding process that brings authentic Italian flavors right to your kitchen. This recipe combines the savory depth of Italian sausage with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, ensuring a filling that’s both rich and balanced.

With easy-to-follow steps and flexible options for customization, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

Whether you’re crafting a special meal for loved ones or simply indulging in a delicious homemade dinner, this filling recipe guarantees delightful results. Don’t forget to explore other recipes on our site for more culinary inspiration, including vegan and vegetarian options that cater to every taste and occasion.

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