My ravioli with tomato sauce is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or family dinners. This rich red sauce for ravioli comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it the ideal sauce for ravioli that everyone will love!
If you like this recipe, you might enjoy my Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce or my homemade ravioli recipe.
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Jump To
- 💖Why we love this ravioli sauce
- 🛒 Ingredients for ravioli tomato sauce:
- Equipment you need to make this recipe
- 🍽️ How to make ravioli sauce recipe?
- What to serve with ravioli with tomato sauce
- 🫙 Leftover and Storing recipe ravioli sauce:
- 📃 Substitutions & Variations for sauce for ravioli recipe:
- ☑️ Our Top Tips for red sauce for ravioli:
- ❓ FAQ'S
- Some other sauce recipes you'll love:
- 📖 Recipe
- Easy Ravioli with Tomato Sauce Recipe
CIAO, all you ravioli lovers! This recipe is part of my how to make ravioli guide. I recently shared nonna's ravioli dough recipe, homemade ravioli and our ricotta filling.
This homemade tomato sauce is naturally gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, dairy-free and paleo, Whole30, and keto friendly.
If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner, my Ravioli with Tomato Sauce recipe is perfect. This dish combines fresh or store-bought ravioli with a rich, tangy tomato sauce, enhanced by the kick of red pepper flakes and the creaminess of Parmesan cheese. Whether you're using fresh or store-bought ravioli, the beauty of this recipe lies in its ease and versatility.
The sauce is the star here—it's a classic blend of crushed tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil, finished with a touch of creamy tomato richness and could be balanced with just the right amount of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
I love pairing this tomato ravioli sauce with a side of warm garlic bread. The creamy tomato sauce clings to the ravioli, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. If you prefer a little more heat, feel free to add extra pepper flakes, or you can keep it mild for a more traditional flavor.
To finish, sprinkle Parmesan cheese (I like to use Parmigiano Reggiano) generously on top to give the dish that extra layer of indulgence. This is one of those meals that feels special, yet it’s simple enough to make on any busy weeknight.
This ravioli with tomato sauce recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Italian comfort food but doesn't have hours to spend in the kitchen!
💖Why we love this ravioli sauce
- Balanced flavor: Perfect balance of creamy, tangy tomato sauce with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
- Versatile: Works great with store-bought ravioli, making it quick and easy for busy nights.
- Delicious: The creamy tomato and Parmesan cheese combination adds a comforting, rich flavor.
- Make it hot: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer pepper flakes.
- Perfect meal: Pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
🛒 Ingredients for ravioli tomato sauce:
I shared nonna's ravioli recipe, it is a keeper! You could make this recipe with homemade ravioli or store-bought ravioli. This is the recipe to make the best homemade tomato sauce to go with the ravioli:
Homemade tomato sauce:
- Extra virgin olive oil- The better the quality olive oil, the better your sauce will taste.
- Garlic- Garlic or onion can be used. You could even use onion and garlic. I like to grind fresh garlic and store in a jar in my fridge with some olive oil.
- Onions- If you only have onion on hand, use 1 diced medium onion (yellow, sweet, or red is fine). You could even use a shallot.
- Canned Tomatoes- Use whole Pomodoro San Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese-Nocerino DOP. The most incredible flavor and is truly the best quality canned tomatoes. You could also use crushed tomatoes, just use a very good quality.
- Salt- I like to use sea salt. One teaspoon should be enough, but add more to your taste.
- Seasoning- If you like some heat, you could add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs- My garden is bursting with basil in the summer. I only like fresh basil for the sauce. You could even use Italian parsley if you don't have basil, but fresh basil has the best flavor.
Equipment you need to make this recipe
- Cutting board: I enjoy using my bamboo cutting boards, but whatever type of cutting board will work fine.
- Sharp knife: To cut onions and garlic (and fresh tomatoes if you're adding to the sauce), a nice sharp knife is needed.
- Large skillet: Any 10.25″ skillet will work fine. I do really like my Le Creuset Skillet in white.
- Large pot: To cook the ravioli. Has to be big enough for the ravioli to have room to cook and not stick together.
🍽️ How to make ravioli sauce recipe?
Here is how to make this very easy sauce for ravioli (the full recipe is below!):
- Step 1: Gather up all your ingredients. There aren't that many. I like to make my tomato sauce sometimes with a combination of fresh and canned tomatoes. The cheese is to sprinkle on the ravioli with the sauce. Heat the oil in the skillet.
- Step 2: Add the onion and cook until translucent. If you're using garlic, add it in once the onion is cooked (be sure to not let it brown).
- Step 3: If you're using fresh tomatoes too, add them in and stir. Let them cook a few minutes.
- Step 4: Add in the canned tomatoes and stir to combine. If you're using plum tomatoes, break them up with your wooden spoon. Bring to a boil then lower heat and let simmer.
- Step 5: Season with the salt, and let the sauce cook and thicken.
- Step 6: Add fresh basil, stir and let simmer about 20 minutes.
- Step 7: Cook the ravioli and serve with the sauce.
📃 NOTE: Recipe card with detailed instructions are below! Print it out for later!
What to serve with ravioli with tomato sauce
Ravioli with homemade tomato sauce is total comfort food and it goes really nicely with any roasted vegetable, side dish, pasta, or bread.
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio >>> One of my favorite salads! Really quick to make and so fresh!
- Insalata mista >>> If you need a quick and simple Italian salad, this is the one to make!
- Panzanella Toscana >>> This is a great Tuscan salad! It's so easy to make and also really flavorful.
- Caprese Salad >>> Ready in 10 minutes, this salad is delicious and fast to make@
- Crusty bread >>> You definitely need great bread to sop up all the sauce! Or a super easy psomi spitiko Greek bread.
- Rosemary breadsticks >>> If you love breadsticks, you must try these flavorful rosemary breadsticks!
- Low-carb >>> To stay low-carb, the tomato sauce goes nicely with zucchini or butternut squash noodles.
🫙 Leftover and Storing recipe ravioli sauce:
- Refrigerate: Once sauce has cooled down, stir it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You could make the sauce ahead of time and enjoy during the week.
- Freezes: You could double the recipe, since the sauce freezes nicely. Once the sauce cools completely, transfer to an airtight freezer safe container (or a large zipped lock freezer bag). Don’t forget to date the bag (or container)and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat in pan when ready to enjoy.
📃 Substitutions & Variations for sauce for ravioli recipe:
Here are some tasty variations and substitutions you can try with your Ravioli with Tomato Sauce recipe to switch things up:
1. Creamy Tomato Ravioli
- Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the tomato sauce for a richer, creamy tomato flavor. This creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the ravioli.
2. Spicy Marinara Ravioli
- Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version. You can also include spicy Italian sausage in the sauce for a heartier, spicy kick.
3. Vegetarian Ravioli with Roasted Vegetables
- Swap out the standard ravioli filling for vegetable-stuffed ravioli like spinach or mushroom. Add roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to the sauce for a delicious, veggie-packed meal.
4. Cheese-Filled Ravioli with Pesto Tomato Sauce
- Mix basil pesto into the tomato sauce for a fresh, herbaceous twist. The combination of the creamy Parmigiano in the ravioli and the bright pesto flavor adds a new layer of complexity.
5. Meat Sauce Variation
- For a hearty meat sauce with ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage. For a protein packed dinner, you could make the sauce stove-top or in a Crock Pot. My slow cooker turkey Bolognese is popular for a reason!
6. Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce
- For a lighter option, swap the tomato sauce for a simple garlic butter sauce. Sauté garlic in butter with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a splash of lemon juice, then toss with the ravioli and finish with Parmesan cheese.
7. Tomato Sauce with Fresh Herbs
- Instead of using dried herbs, substitute with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a more vibrant, aromatic sauce. Add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
8. Gluten-Free Ravioli
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ravioli available in many grocery stores. The sauce remains naturally gluten-free, so this is an easy switch.
9. Tomato Basil Ravioli with Ricotta
- Finish your dish by dolloping a spoonful of fresh ricotta on top of the plated ravioli. The creamy ricotta adds a luxurious texture and complements the bright tomato sauce perfectly.
10. Tomato Ravioli with Balsamic Drizzle
- For a gourmet twist, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the finished dish. The sweet acidity of balsamic pairs well with the richness of the tomato sauce and ravioli.
☑️ Our Top Tips for red sauce for ravioli:
1. Use Fresh or Store-Bought Ravioli
- Fresh ravioli will give you a more authentic flavor and texture, but high-quality store-bought ravioli works just as well for a quick meal.
2. Don't Overcook the Ravioli
- Boil the ravioli just until they float to the top, usually 2-4 minutes for fresh and 4-6 minutes for store-bought. Overcooking can cause the ravioli to become mushy or break apart.
3. Enhance Store-Bought Tomato Sauce
- If using store-bought tomato sauce, enhance it with fresh ingredients like sautéed garlic, onions, and herbs to bring out more flavor.
4. Add Red Pepper Flakes for a Kick
- For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and add more if you like it spicy.
5. Simmer the Tomato Sauce
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes to deepen the flavors and thicken it. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
7. Finish with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
- Grate fresh Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top of the ravioli for added richness. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a stronger flavor than pre-shredded.
8. Pair with Garlic Bread
- Serve the ravioli with homemade or store-bought garlic bread for a classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
9. Use a Wide Pan for the Sauce
- Cook your tomato sauce in a wide, shallow pan to ensure even cooking and faster evaporation, which thickens the sauce beautifully.
10. Garnish with Fresh Basil
- Top your ravioli with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the tomato sauce.
❓ FAQ'S
I love pairing ravioli with a rich tomato sauce, but creamy sauces like brown butter or Alfredo work great too. It really depends on the filling!
Absolutely! Ravioli with spaghetti sauce is a classic combo, especially with a good red sauce.
Yes, ravioli is even better with a sauce! Tomato, pesto, or a creamy butter sauce all elevate the dish.
I like to jazz up store-bought ravioli by tossing it with a flavorful homemade sauce, adding fresh herbs, or sprinkling some Parmesan on top!
Yes, you can cook ravioli directly in tomato sauce—just add some water to thin it out as the ravioli cooks.
Ravioli doesn't need sauce, but it sure tastes better with one! A light drizzle of olive oil can work in a pinch too.
Some other sauce recipes you'll love:
Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below:)
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📖 Recipe
Easy Ravioli with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion Sweet, vidalia, or red
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 1 can 28 ounces whole peeled San Marzano DOC tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- 1-2 teaspoons sea salt
- fresh basil chopped
- Italian parsley chopped optional
- ¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes optional
To serve:
- homemade or store-bought ravioli
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large saute' pan or medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high until it's shimmering.
- Add onion: Add the onion to the oil and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add some garlic: If using garlic, add garlic and cook until fragrant (no more than a minute, or it will brown).
- Tomatoes: Add in the fresh tomatoes and the canned tomatoes. If you're using crushed tomatoes, stir it and combine. If you're using plum tomatoes, I break up the tomatoes with my hands, removing the hard end before adding to the sauce. Break up the tomatoes more with your wooden spoon and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil: Bring the sauce to a boil and use a wooden spoon to stir, breaking up the tomatoes while they’re cooking.
- Lower heat: Once the sauce comes to a boil for a few minutes, lower heat to a simmer.
- Season sauce: Season with the salt, and let the sauce cook and thicken.
- Check the consistency of sauce: If it’s getting too thick, add a little bit of water (start with a ¼ cup).
- Add fresh basil: Finally, stir in the fresh basil and stir to combine.
- Simmer sauce: Let sauce simmer for 20 minutes total. Check the salt and add more if needed. Add hot pepper flakes, if you like it spicy.
- Cook the ravioli: Boil large pot of salted water. If you're using homemade ravioli, depending on how thin or thick you made your pasta dough, it could take 2-5 minutes to cook. If you're using store-bought ravioli, check the cooking time on the package.
- Strain: Scoop out the ravioli with a slotted spoon and add to a bowl or plates.
- Add sauce: Spoon the sauce onto the ravioli and stir to gently combine.
- Serve ravioli: Add in some more chopped fresh basil for serving. ENJOY!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Make ahead: The sauce could be made a few days ahead of time. The ravioli cook up very quickly and you should only cook them fresh when you're about to enjoy them (whether it's homemade ravioli or store-bought).
- Fresh or canned: You could make the sauce with only fresh or only canned tomatoes, or a combo of the two.
- Onions: I like to use a sweet onion and I sometimes make the sauce only with garlic. You could use onion and garlic to make the sauce.
- Spice: If you like a touch of heat, spice it up with some hot pepper.
- Double the recipe: If you would like to have extra sauce, double the recipe. Use it again throughout the week for a different pasta.
Karen says
Really good sauce! Cheated and used store-bought ravioli. Next cooking project is to try your homemade ravioli. They look very good!
Liz says
Katie is happy to eat pasta every single night. Your ravioli was a huge hit!!
Lora says
Hi Liz-Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the ravioli! I'm like Kate!!