Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas is a dish that feels like a cozy, comforting hug in a bowl. Imagine biting into tender ravioli filled with the fresh, bright flavors of asparagus, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. Add in juicy sausage and sweet peas, and you’ve got a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special, or for when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your new go-to for a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas

This dish isn’t just about pasta it’s about layering flavors and textures in the most delightful way. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty, creamy, or a little bit indulgent, this dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s guaranteed to become a favorite:

Versatile: You can swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option, and the peas can easily be replaced with spinach or other veggies.

Budget-Friendly: Store-bought ravioli makes this dish incredibly affordable while still tasting like it came from a five-star restaurant.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, this meal comes together effortlessly but tastes like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen.

Customizable: Want extra veggies? Add some mushrooms or spinach. Prefer a bit of spice? Add red pepper flakes. The choice is yours!

Crowd-Pleasing: With its creamy, savory sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful sausage, this dish is a guaranteed hit for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas

This recipe is full of comforting flavors and textures, but the ingredients list is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, delicious pasta dish:

Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a vibrant, earthy flavor and a nice crunch to balance the creamy sauce.

Ravioli: Cheese or spinach ravioli works perfectly, but feel free to choose your favorite kind. The ravioli will absorb all the creamy goodness of the sauce.

Italian Sausage: The rich, flavorful sausage provides the perfect savory kick to complement the creamy sauce.

Frozen Peas: Sweet, tender peas are the perfect pop of color and texture. You can use fresh peas if you prefer, but frozen works great for convenience.

Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and rich. It coats the ravioli and sausage in all its velvety goodness.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, savory depth of flavor to the sauce, making it extra delicious.

Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic add that aromatic base flavor, bringing all the ingredients together.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and sausage, olive oil helps add richness and helps prevent sticking.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings, but essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this creamy, savory masterpiece:

Cook the Ravioli: Begin by cooking the ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little bit of the pasta cooking water to help thicken the sauce later.

Sauté the Sausage: While the ravioli cooks, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Cook the Asparagus: Add the chopped asparagus to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp. You want the asparagus to still have a little bite to it, but feel free to cook it longer if you prefer it softer.

Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Add the Sausage and Peas: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the peas. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.

Combine with Ravioli: Gently toss the cooked ravioli into the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta with all the creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your creamy asparagus ravioli hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper if desired. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings

Calories per serving: 450

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas

This creamy pasta dish is rich enough to be a meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides that’ll complement it beautifully:

Pair with a light, refreshing salad, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.

Serve alongside some crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.

A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would make a great pairing to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini would make a nice, colorful addition to your meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your dish even better:

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce as it simmers.

You can make this dish lighter by using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Feel free to swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

To make the sauce even more luxurious, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter right at the end for extra creaminess.

For an added crunch, top the dish with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh asparagus instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh asparagus works great! Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and sauté it as you would the frozen asparagus.

2. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a different twist.

3. Can I use frozen ravioli?

Yes, frozen ravioli works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to make the sauce dairy-free.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can cook the sausage and asparagus in advance, then combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze the sauce and pasta separately for up to a month. Just reheat and assemble when ready.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted bell peppers would work wonderfully in this dish.

8. Can I make this spicy?

Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different cheese flavor.

10. How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer, or add a tablespoon of butter to help thicken it.

Conclusion

Creamy Asparagus Ravioli with Sausage and Peas is the perfect dish when you want something indulgent, comforting, and easy to make. The combination of creamy sauce, tender ravioli, and flavorful sausage is a meal that feels like a treat, yet it comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish will surely impress. Give it a try you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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