There’s something about a plate of ravioli that just feels like a warm hug, especially when it’s drenched in the vibrant hues of tomatoes and the crunch of asparagus. I swear, the garlic and herbs—oh, the herbs!—make my kitchen smell like a cozy Italian countryside, and maybe I’m over-romanticizing a bit, but who doesn’t love a little culinary daydreaming? It’s a dish that somehow makes a Tuesday night feel like a special occasion, even if you’re just in your pajamas binge-watching the latest Netflix craze.
Steps
- Begin by cooking the ravioli according to the directions on the package, which typically takes about 7 minutes.
- As the ravioli cooks, heat olive oil and melt butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté until it softens, which should take around 4 minutes.
- Introduce the grape tomatoes and garlic to the skillet, continuing to sauté for about another minute until the tomatoes are warmed through.
- Stir in a dash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor, then remove from heat.
- Once the ravioli is cooked, drain it and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Combine the asparagus mixture with the ravioli in the bowl, then add walnuts, fresh basil, and parsley.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference, and toss everything together thoroughly.
- Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of shredded parmesan cheese over the top and serve while warm.
Ingredients
- Store-bought four cheese ravioli
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Asparagus
- Grape tomatoes
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Walnuts
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories 3150 | Calories from Fat 1566 | Fat 174g | Saturated Fat 48g | Cholesterol 384mg | Sodium 4272mg | Potassium 2010mg | Carbohydrates 276g | Fiber 30g | Sugar 30g | Protein 72g | Vitamin A 8340IU | Vitamin C 88.8mg | Calcium 768mg | Iron 73.2mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute asparagus with another vegetable?
- Yes, if asparagus is not available, you can use green beans as an alternative. Just keep in mind that green beans may require a longer sauté time to become tender.
- What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
- If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with either red wine vinegar or lemon juice to add a similar tangy flavor to the dish.
- Are the walnuts necessary in this recipe?
- Walnuts are highly recommended as they add a delightful crunch and texture to the dish. However, if you have allergies or dietary preferences, you can omit them.
- Can I use only one type of herb in the recipe?
- Yes, if you prefer or only have one type of herb, you can use all basil or all parsley instead of a mix of both herbs.
- Is it possible to use roasted garlic instead of fresh?
- Absolutely! If you have extra time, you can swap the fresh garlic cloves for 1–2 heads of roasted garlic. Just add the roasted garlic to the serving bowl at the end when tossing the ingredients.
Tips
- Don’t skip the walnuts! They add a delightful crunch and balance to the dish, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
- If asparagus isn’t available, consider substituting with green beans, but remember they will take a bit longer to cook.
- For a more robust garlic flavor, roast 1–2 heads of garlic and add them to the dish at the end for an extra depth of flavor.
- If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute to add a tangy touch to the meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet – A high-quality skillet for sautéing vegetables and cooking sauces.
- Large serving bowl – A big bowl to mix and serve the ravioli dish.
- Resealable packaging for nuts – If you purchase nuts like the Fisher Walnuts, you might want additional resealable bags for storage if they don’t come with them.
