# Ravioli with Fresh Tomatoes, Asparagus, and Herb Garlic Sauce: A Perfect Springtime Meal

Fresh, vibrant, and packed with seasonal ingredients, this **ravioli with fresh tomatoes, asparagus, and herb garlic sauce** is a delightful way to enjoy pasta night with a nutritious and flavorful twist. Tender cheese-stuffed ravioli pairs beautifully with juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp asparagus, all coated in a light, aromatic garlic sauce.

This dish highlights the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the delicate earthiness of asparagus, making it a true springtime celebration. Whether you’re whipping up a quick meal for yourself or serving guests, this recipe offers a perfect balance of gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—a great choice for busy weeknights!

## Quick Recipe Highlights

– **Flavor Profile:** A harmonious blend of garlicky richness, bright tomato acidity, and subtle sweetness from asparagus.
– **Texture:** Creamy ravioli, tender asparagus, and bursting tomatoes create a perfect contrast.
– **Aroma:** The irresistible scent of sautéed garlic mingles with fresh basil and Parmesan.
– **Visual Appeal:** Red tomatoes, green asparagus, and golden ravioli make this dish restaurant-worthy.
– **Skill Level Needed:** Beginner-friendly with simple cooking techniques.
– **Special Equipment:** A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta.

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## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

### 1. Fresh and Seasonal Flavors
Using fresh cherry tomatoes and asparagus ensures every bite bursts with natural sweetness, enhanced by herbs and garlic.

### 2. Quick and Easy to Make
With only **25 minutes total time**, this ravioli dish is an ideal **weeknight dinner** or **lazy weekend meal** that still feels gourmet.

### 3. Light Yet Satisfying
This pasta dish provides a deliciously creamy and savory experience without being overly heavy. A perfect balance of **indulgent yet wholesome**.

### 4. Highly Customizable
Swap out the cheese ravioli for spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled ravioli to add variety. You can also make it vegetarian or gluten-free with the right ravioli choice.

### 5. Pairs Well with Many Dishes
Serve it with a crisp side salad, a slice of crusty bread, or even a chilled white wine for the ultimate dining experience.

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## Ingredient Deep Dive

### 1. **Ravioli**
Fresh cheese ravioli is the heart of this dish—its soft texture and mild cheese interior create a rich base to absorb the herb garlic sauce. You can substitute with **spinach, ricotta, or mushroom ravioli** if preferred.

### 2. **Cherry Tomatoes**
These little flavor bombs burst with sweetness, acidity, and slight tanginess. Use **heirloom cherry tomatoes** for deeper flavors and color variety.

### 3. **Asparagus**
A spring vegetable classic, asparagus provides a crisp contrast to the ravioli. Choose **thin, bright-green stalks** for the best taste and texture.

### 4. **Garlic**
The foundation of the sauce, garlic infuses the dish with warmth and depth. Use **fresh garlic cloves** for the best flavor, avoiding pre-minced garlic.

### 5. **Fresh Basil & Parmesan**
These toppings elevate the dish to restaurant-quality levels, adding **aromatic, peppery notes** and a salty umami boost.

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## The Recipe

### **Ravioli with Fresh Tomatoes, Asparagus, and Herb Garlic Sauce**
Serves: 2-3
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins

### **Kitchen Equipment Needed**
– Large pot
– Strainer
– Large skillet
– Wooden spoon

### **Ingredients**
– 1 package (9 oz) fresh cheese ravioli
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, julienned

### **Directions**

1. **Cook the Ravioli:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Cook the ravioli according to package instructions (about 4-5 minutes).
– Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

2. **Prepare the Garlic Sauce:**
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– Add the halved cherry tomatoes and asparagus to the skillet.
– Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and asparagus remains crisp-tender.

4. **Create the Sauce:**
– Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and scrape up any flavorful brown bits.
– Stir in red pepper flakes and season with salt and black pepper.

5. **Combine Everything:**
– Add the drained ravioli to the skillet.
– Toss everything gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
– Serve warm and enjoy!

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## Pro Tips for the Best Ravioli with Fresh Tomatoes and Asparagus

– **Use fresh, high-quality ravioli** for the best texture and flavor.
– **Avoid overcooking the ravioli**—it should be tender yet firm.
– **Sauté the garlic just until fragrant** to prevent bitterness.
– **Don’t skimp on fresh basil and Parmesan**; they make a big difference!
– **If you like spice**, add extra red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper.

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## Wine Pairing

Pair this dish with a **crisp white wine** such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. These wines complement the fresh vegetables and creamy ravioli without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Enjoy this simple and delicious **ravioli with fresh tomatoes, asparagus, and herb garlic sauce** as a light yet satisfying meal. Let us know how you liked it in the comments or share your version on social media using #PastaNight! 🍝💛