Are you craving a comforting, yet elegant meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delightful 4 Cheese Ravioli recipe! This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delicious balance of creamy cheese and rich pasta. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe will guide you to create a homemade masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home!
Ingredients:
For the Ravioli Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- ½ cup grated Asiago cheese
- ¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Pasta Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Sauce (choose your favorite!):
- Simple Brown Butter Sage Sauce: 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, salt and pepper to taste.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup heavy cream, garlic, onion, herbs (basil, oregano).
- Simple Pesto Sauce: 2 cups fresh basil, 1/2 cup pine nuts, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
Making the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine all cheese types. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Add the egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step also helps the filling firm up, making it easier to work with.
Making the Pasta Dough:
- On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well and add the olive oil and salt.
- Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, starting from the inside of the well.
- Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling the Ravioli:
- Roll out the pasta dough using a pasta machine or rolling pin to your desired thickness. Aim for a thickness that’s slightly thinner than a dime.
- Using a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter or a knife, cut out circles from the pasta dough.
- Place a teaspoon of the cheese filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing firmly around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal.
- Repeat until all the filling and dough are used.
Cooking the Ravioli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Gently drop the ravioli into the boiling water.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Remove the ravioli with a slotted spoon and drain well.
Serving the 4 Cheese Ravioli:
Toss the cooked ravioli in your chosen sauce and serve immediately. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Goat cheese, Fontina, or Gorgonzola would all make delicious additions.
- If you don't have a pasta machine, you can roll out the dough by hand using a rolling pin. Just be patient and ensure even thickness.
- To prevent sticking, dust the ravioli with flour before cooking.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the brown butter sage sauce and use a simple pesto or marinara sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the sauce and serving size, but a general estimate is around 350-450 calories, with varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities.
Enjoy your delicious homemade 4 Cheese Ravioli! This recipe is a perfect example of how simple, healthy meals can also be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It’s a quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!