If you’re craving something that feels indulgent yet simple, the Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan and Balsamic Recipe is exactly what you need on your plate tonight. Imagine tender cheese-filled ravioli swimming in a luscious, silky sauce brimming with earthy baby Bella mushrooms, the rich nuttiness of Parmesan, and a bright splash of balsamic vinegar to balance every bite perfectly. This dish turns everyday ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds, effortlessly combining warmth, flavor, and just the right touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each brings something essential to the table. From the savory mushrooms to the creamy Parmesan, every component harmonizes beautifully to create a sauce that clings perfectly to the ravioli, ensuring every forkful is bursting with flavor and texture.
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese ravioli: The star base of the dish, offering a delicate, cheesy bite that soaks up sauce wonderfully.
- Olive oil: Used to lightly toss the cooked ravioli to keep them from sticking together and add a subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious, silky start to the sauce and enhances the mushroom flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant depth and a hint of pungency that builds the sauce’s aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to complement the mushrooms and infuse a subtle Mediterranean flair.
- 8 ounces baby Bella mushrooms, sliced: The earthy, meaty heart of the sauce, giving it substance and a satisfying bite.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the pan.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: The luxurious base that makes the sauce creamy and indulgent.
- 4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish: Melts into the sauce to bring nutty flavor and a perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Provides a subtle tang and sweetness to balance the creaminess.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Season perfectly to your taste and enhance all the dish’s layers.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a touch of brightness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan and Balsamic Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Start by cooking your refrigerated cheese ravioli according to the package instructions until just al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Once drained, toss them lightly with olive oil. This simple step prevents sticking and gives the ravioli a light sheen, setting the stage perfectly for the creamy sauce to cling to each piece.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sliced baby Bella mushrooms, and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stirring every minute, cook for 2 to 3 minutes until mushrooms soften and begin to release their delicious juices. This step is where the sauce base takes shape, letting the mushrooms impart their deep, earthy flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom – this adds incredible depth and complexity. Then, stir in heavy cream along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce gently simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it gradually thickens while the mushrooms become tender, creating the creamy soul of the dish.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Take the pan off the heat and stir in shredded Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. This quick mingle makes the sauce luxuriously creamy with a bright, tangy lift from the balsamic vinegar — an irresistible flavor combo that makes this Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan and Balsamic Recipe truly memorable.
Step 5: Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Return the cooked ravioli to the pan and gently toss them in the sauce over medium heat for about a minute until warmed through and perfectly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This final step ensures the ravioli soak up the sauce’s full flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate your creamy mushroom ravioli generously drizzled with sauce, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm and watch this dish disappear, bite by bite.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan and Balsamic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic choice here, adding a pop of green color and a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. A little extra shredded Parmesan on top also elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and complementary. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus offers a crisp counterpoint. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also delightful to mop up every last creamy drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy twist, plate each ravioli in a shallow bowl with sauce spooned artistically around. Garnish with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good quality aged balsamic reduction for an extra layer of sophistication. A delicate sprinkle of microgreens can add an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy mushroom ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so it’s best eaten the next day for optimum flavor and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can toughen the ravioli and cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just remember frozen ravioli may take slightly longer to cook. Follow the package instructions and adjust cook time if needed, but the sauce and method remain the same for an amazing result.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan and Balsamic Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian without compromising on the depth of flavor in the sauce.
What type of mushrooms work best?
Baby Bella mushrooms are ideal for their rich, earthy taste and meaty texture, but you can also use cremini or button mushrooms depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and gently reheat it before adding freshly cooked ravioli. This can save you some prep time when you’re ready to serve.
What can I do if the sauce turns out too thick?
Simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be luscious enough to coat the ravioli perfectly but not overly runny.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan and Balsamic Recipe is a comforting yet elegant dish that feels like a special occasion anytime you make it. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Once you try it, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites to whip up whenever you want to indulge in delicious comfort food. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
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Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan and Balsamic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan and Balsamic is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese ravioli smothered in a luscious mushroom and garlic cream sauce, accented with tangy balsamic vinegar and freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it combines the earthiness of baby Bella mushrooms with the creamy indulgence of heavy cream and butter for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese ravioli
- Olive oil, to toss the pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ravioli: Cook the refrigerated cheese ravioli according to the package directions until just al dente. Once cooked, toss the ravioli lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sliced baby Bella mushrooms, and a couple pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cook while stirring every minute for about 2-3 minutes, until the mushrooms soften and start to release their juices.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Then add 3/4 cup heavy cream along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer the sauce for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the mushrooms are tender.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 4 ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Combine Ravioli and Sauce: Add the cooked ravioli back into the pan with the sauce. Cook together over medium heat for about 1 minute until the ravioli are heated through and coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the mushroom ravioli and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a few minutes longer.
- Fresh mushrooms can be substituted with cremini or button mushrooms.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
