Description
A delightful and hearty dish that brings a bit of spice to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ½ large red onion, diced
- 6–7 garlic cloves, minced
- 25 oz bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 tbsp garlic seasoning blend
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown and render its flavorful fat. Add in the diced red and green bell peppers, along with the red onion and minced garlic. As the vegetables soften, they will absorb the savory flavors from the sausage, creating a robust base for your sauce. Stir frequently to cook the vegetables evenly until they become tender.
- Once the sausage is cooked through, it’s time to elevate the flavor by adding your spices. Stir in the garlic seasoning blend, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking them for about a minute until their fragrances fill the air. This brief cooking time activates the spices, enhancing their flavors. Next, pour in the broth, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors of the herbs, cream, and cheese meld together.
- While your sauce is bubbling gently, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the frozen cheese ravioli according to the package instructions. Ravioli typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes to become tender and chewy. Once cooked, reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the ravioli. This pasta water is a fantastic way to adjust the consistency of your sauce later.
- Add the drained ravioli into the skillet with the sauce, along with the reserved pasta water, and gently toss everything together until the ravioli are thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. Allow the dish to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the ravioli absorb some of the sauce’s flavors while thickening the sauce to your desired consistency. Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Notes
If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the heavy cream to ½ cup and balance with a bit more broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 25 g