5-Ingredient Pesto Ravioli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only five simple ingredients

• Ready in under 20 minutes

• Minimal prep and cleanup

• Perfect for busy weeknights

• Easy to customize with vegetables or protein

• Fresh, vibrant flavors with very little effort

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

20 ounces refrigerated cheese ravioli
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions until tender.

3. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the ravioli gently.

4. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil.

5. Add the cooked ravioli and spoon in the pesto. Toss gently to coat evenly.

6. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.

8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 15–17 minutes

Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables.

• Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

• Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor profile.

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.

• Top with toasted pine nuts for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the ravioli may become too soft after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli?

Yes, frozen ravioli works well. Cook according to package directions before tossing with pesto.

What type of ravioli works best?

Cheese ravioli is classic, but spinach and ricotta or mushroom ravioli are excellent choices too.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free ravioli and omit or substitute the Parmesan with a plant-based alternative.

Do I need to heat the pesto?

Gently warming it with the ravioli is enough. Avoid high heat, as it can dull the fresh basil flavor.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers pair beautifully.

How do I prevent the ravioli from breaking?

Stir gently and avoid overcrowding the pot while cooking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the ravioli ahead and toss with pesto just before serving.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, as long as the ravioli and Parmesan are made without animal rennet if strict vegetarian guidelines apply.

What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta work well with pesto flavors.

Can I use homemade pesto?

Yes, homemade pesto will elevate the flavor even more.

Conclusion

5-Ingredient Pesto Ravioli is proof that simple ingredients can create a flavorful, satisfying meal in minutes. With minimal prep and bold, fresh flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting yet effortless.

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