Indulging in fresh ravioli pasta at home requires a bit of time and patience, making it all the more satisfying to choose from an array of mouth-watering filling recipes! For those who crave the best, here are 19 ravioli filling recipes to try. Fresh ravioli is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved types of fresh pasta, with its versatility in shape and size – from bite-sized squares to larger, more elaborate variants.
This Italian favorite belongs to a broader category of filled pasta, which also includes tortellini, tortelloni, mezellune, cappelletti, agnolotti, fagottini, and pansotti. Ravioli gigante, in particular, is a notable exception, with its massive size rivaling that of an empanada. Typically served with a rich sauce or broth, ravioli often garnished with grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
However, some exceptional fillings shine even brighter when paired with a simple drizzle of good olive oil or brown butter. For instance, the Triple Mushroom With Cheese and Crabmeat Ravioli fillings take center stage without sauce. Others, like Spinach & Cheese Ravioli, demand a hearty marinara sauce to bring out their best flavors.
And then there are the added textures that elevate ravioli to new heights, such as pine nuts, crushed walnuts, and crispy garlic bits on the Feta & Pine Nuts filling recipe. If your taste buds are already tantalized, let’s dive into these 19 ravioli filling recipes and start cooking!
Lobster Ravioli
Lobster ravioli is a coveted delight, and the addition of shrimp takes it to the next level. This indulgent filling combines succulent lobster with savory shrimp, creamy ricotta cheese, bright parsley, and a squeeze of citrusy lemon. The result is a rich and subtly tangy flavor profile that elevates the humble pasta dish into a culinary experience worthy of celebration.
For those looking for inspiration on what to serve alongside this decadent delight, a list of suggested sides is provided below.
Spinach & 4-Cheese
Indulge in a medley of four delectable cheeses in your ravioli, elevating the dish to new heights. This particular filling showcases a harmonious blend of frequently used Italian cheeses, expertly balanced by a rich and tangy marinara sauce poured on top. The result is a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Triple Mushroom With Cheese
The versatility of mushrooms is showcased perfectly in this ravioli filling recipe. A trifecta of flavors is achieved by combining cremini, portobello, and shiitake varieties, which are then blended harmoniously with parmesan and ricotta cheese. This earthy delight can be paired with a drizzle of olive oil or your preferred pasta sauce for added depth.
Pumpkin With Parmesan
When seeking a straightforward ravioli filling recipe, look no further. This particular recipe boasts an impressive simplicity, requiring only two ingredients for the filling. It’s a game-changer! To ensure the best results, be certain to procure pumpkin puree and avoid confusing it with pumpkin pie filling. For added peace of mind, you can also opt to prepare your own pureed pumpkin, guaranteeing a seamless experience from start to finish.
Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon can be enjoyed in many ways beyond just eating it straight. One option is to create a delectable ravioli filling using the fish. This recipe combines smoked salmon with spices and creamy Gruyère cheese. For added depth of flavor, opt for aged Gruyère over its younger, milder counterpart. Alternatively, if high-quality Gruyère isn’t readily available in your area, Raclette or Jarlsberg can be suitable substitutes.
Crabmeat
While seafood might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of ravioli fillings, it’s definitely a delicious option. In fact, this third recipe showcases just how well canned crab can elevate the dish. If fresh crab meat is available, all the better! This particular filling takes a unique approach by forgoing cheese altogether, allowing the rich flavor of the crab to take center stage. The result is a truly savory and satisfying ravioli experience.
Egg Yolk & Ricotta
For those who adore poached eggs, this ravioli filling offers a delightful combination. While it’s simplicity is appealing, as it only requires a few ingredients, attention to detail is crucial during the assembly process. To achieve the perfect, creamy and runny egg yolk with each bite, it’s essential to exercise restraint when cooking. The key to success lies in avoiding overcooking, which allows the egg yolks to retain their richness and velvety texture.
Sausage & Spinach
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this decadent pasta recipe. The star of the show is its indulgent filling, crafted with juicy Italian sausage, nutrient-rich spinach, and nutty parmesan cheese. But that’s not all – the crowning glory is a spicy tomato sauce that adds an extra layer of depth to this satisfying dish. To take it to the next level, garnish with some fresh herbs and a sprinkle of grated cheese.
The result is a mouthwatering pasta creation that will leave you craving more.
Chicken Marsala
Indulge your love for Marsala wine by trying out this ravioli dish that’s elevated to new heights with the combination of prosciutto, fresh parsley, and rich heavy cream. The addition of these ingredients takes the filling to a whole new level of flavor and texture. Pair it with either a nutty brown butter sauce or the accompanying Marsala mushroom sauce in this recipe for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Feta & Ricotta With Pine Nuts
In this recipe, we’ve taken the classic ravioli to new heights by incorporating an irresistible crunch in every bite. The game-changing combination starts with a rich filling composed of three distinct cheeses – two hailing from Italy and one from Greece. This harmonious blend is then elevated by generous sprinkles of pine nuts, masterfully marrying the bold flavors of Greece and Italy.
Bacon & Ricotta
The notion that everything tastes better with bacon is one that’s hard to argue against, especially when it comes to this ravioli recipe. By incorporating crispy bacon into a rich ricotta and cheddar filling, you’ll be treated to a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. What sets these ravioli apart from the usual, however, is the unique cooking process they undergo – twice-cooked for a delightful texture contrast.
That being said, you can choose to skip the baking step and serve the pasta in its soft, tender form with your preferred sauce.
Ham & Cheese
The timeless pairing of ham and cheese is a staple in many ravioli recipes. This classic combination is elevated by the harmonious balance of two mild cheeses, which effectively counterbalance the savory saltiness of the prosciutto or cured ham.
Taco
Imagine a culinary mashup where the bold flavors of Mexico meet the comforting familiarity of Italy. The result is a ravioli that defies convention by packing a punchy taco filling into its tender pasta pockets. A drizzle of rich enchilada sauce adds an extra layer of depth, while the promise of spicy salsa and creamy guacamole on the side only heightens the anticipation. It’s a dish that will leave you scratching your head in wonder, but eager to take another bite.
Roasted Bell Pepper & Sun-Dried Tomato
Indulge in the delight of vegan ravioli with this exceptional recipe. By combining roasted bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes within delicate pasta pillows, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of flavors. The crowning touch comes from the addition of pesto and avocado in sauce form, elevating the dish to an otherworldly level that will leave you craving more.
Asparagus & Cheese
Indulge in this unique ravioli dish that will delight your taste buds! The harmonious blend of earthy pureed asparagus, rich cheese, and crunchy pine nuts creates an unexpected yet delightful flavor profile. While the combination might not be the first to come to mind when considering ravioli filling recipes, it’s a game-changer. To elevate this dish further, serve with a lightly browned butter sauce and pair each serving with fresh asparagus spears for a pop of color and added freshness.
Meat & Cheese
When the craving for a hearty meat dish and pasta converges, there’s a solution that satisfies both desires. This recipe combines the richness of ground chuck and pork sausage with the creaminess of ricotta cheese to create a filling that’s hard to resist. The best part? You don’t need a sauce to elevate this dish – its bold flavor profile holds up well on its own. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a touch of elegance, making for a satisfying meal.
Carrot, Mascarpone, & Ricotta
Combining rich flavors and textures, this dish offers a delightful culinary experience. The harmonious union of mascarpone’s subtle sweetness and buttery notes perfectly complements the natural sweetness of roasted carrots in the filling. Meanwhile, ricotta’s luscious creaminess adds depth and indulgence to the mixture, resulting in an incredibly creamy and satisfying ravioli filling.
Beet & Goat Cheese
Elevate your snack game with this delightful recipe that adds a burst of color to each bite. By combining the natural sweetness of mashed beets with the tanginess of goat cheese, you’ll create a filling that’s both sweet and savory. To take it to the next level, drizzle with brown butter sauce and add some satisfying crunch by sprinkling with toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts.
Artichoke & Parmesan
When exploring innovative vegetable options to include inside ravioli, artichokes are definitely worth considering. To streamline the cooking process, consider using cooked and frozen artichoke hearts as the filling component. This clever substitution allows you to skip the extra step of preparing fresh artichoke hearts.
The combination of these flavorful fillings with a tangy creamy sauce, enhanced by the burst of freshness from added tomatoes, creates a harmonious balance of flavors that elevates this dish to new heights.
The bottom line
Indulge in the joy of making fresh ravioli from scratch without resorting to store-bought options. The process may require some time and patience, but the reward is well worth the effort. You can experiment with unique fillings by combining your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Take inspiration from a variety of recipes and don’t be afraid to share your own creations with others. When you stumble upon a combination that you simply can’t wait to share, hit me up and let’s exchange ideas.
For some mouthwatering accompaniments to pair with your homemade ravioli, check out this list.
