Pasta night just got a serious upgrade. Imagine soft, pillowy ravioli stuffed with a trio of cheeses, coated in a vibrant green pesto that smells like an herb garden in July. That’s the magic of three cheese ravioli with basil pesto — a dish that’s as elegant as it is easy.
Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner for two, feeding a hungry family, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), this dish delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity. Let’s break down everything you need to make it unforgettable.
Why This Dish Is a Weeknight Favorite
We all have that one go-to meal we pull out when we want to impress — but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen. This is that dish.
Here’s why this ravioli with pesto combo works:
- Cheesy, pillowy ravioli that’s rich and satisfying
- Bright, fresh pesto that cuts through the richness
- Ready in under 30 minutes — even less with store-bought components
- Vegetarian-friendly, but meaty in satisfaction
- Perfect for entertaining or weeknight indulgence
It’s the kind of meal that feels special but doesn’t ask much of you. That’s a win in our book.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down. You can go the homemade route or use high-quality store-bought ravioli and pesto for a shortcut that still tastes amazing.
🧀 For the Ravioli Filling (if making from scratch):
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ricotta cheese | Light, fluffy base |
| Mozzarella cheese | Melty goodness |
| Parmesan cheese | Salty, nutty sharpness |
| Egg yolk | Helps bind the filling |
| Salt & pepper | Essential seasoning |
🌿 For the Basil Pesto:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fresh basil leaves | Herbaceous, bright flavor |
| Garlic cloves | A savory punch |
| Pine nuts | Adds nuttiness and depth |
| Parmesan cheese | Adds richness |
| Olive oil | Makes it silky and blendable |
| Lemon juice (optional) | Adds a hint of acidity |
| Salt | Balances all the flavors |
🥟 For Assembling the Dish:
- Fresh or frozen three cheese ravioli
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Shaved Parmesan or pecorino
- Optional: toasted pine nuts, chili flakes, cherry tomatoes
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: What’s Best?
Here’s the deal: if you have time to make ravioli from scratch, go for it. There’s nothing quite like it. But store-bought versions can be delicious too — just look for fresh pasta in the refrigerated section.
Homemade:
- Fully customizable
- Extra tender pasta
– Requires time and a bit of skill
Store-bought:
- Fast and convenient
- Great for weeknights
– Choose quality brands with few preservatives
Either way, once you cover it in pesto, magic happens.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Three Cheese Ravioli with Basil Pesto
Let’s go through each part — whether you’re making everything from scratch or just tossing things together midweek.
🥣 Step 1: Make the Three Cheese Filling (Skip if using store-bought)
In a bowl, mix:
- 1 cup ricotta
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg yolk
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Mix until creamy and well blended. Set aside.
🍝 Step 2: Prepare the Pasta (Skip if using pre-filled ravioli)
Roll out pasta dough thinly and cut into squares or circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling on each piece
- Top with another piece of dough
- Seal edges with water and press gently
- Boil in salted water until they float (about 3–4 minutes)
Set aside.
🧄 Step 3: Make the Basil Pesto
In a food processor, combine:
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt to taste
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust olive oil for texture. Store in a sealed jar for up to a week in the fridge.
Want it nut-free? Swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds or skip them entirely.
🍲 Step 4: Cook the Ravioli
If using store-bought ravioli, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until they float.
Drain gently and set aside.
🌿 Step 5: Toss with Pesto
In a large pan, warm 2–3 tablespoons of the pesto over low heat. Add a splash of pasta water for creaminess.
Gently toss the cooked ravioli into the pan until coated. Don’t over-stir — you want to keep them whole and pillowy.
🧂 Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Serve hot with:
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Extra shaved Parmesan
- Chopped basil
- Optional: roasted cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, or chili flakes
Dinner = done.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pesto Ravioli
✅ Use reserved pasta water. It helps the sauce cling better.
✅ Don’t overcook the ravioli. They only need a few minutes!
✅ Add butter. A little melted butter in the pesto takes it over the top.
✅ Serve immediately. This dish shines when fresh and hot.
✅ Double the pesto. Freeze the extra for future pasta nights, sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted veggies.
How to Pair This Dish
Wondering what to serve with your pesto ravioli? It’s pretty filling, but these pairings round out the meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette | Brightens up the richness |
| Garlic bread or focaccia | Classic Italian comfort |
| Roasted vegetables | Adds texture and color |
| Glass of white wine | Try Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc |
And don’t forget dessert. Tiramisu, panna cotta, or even a scoop of gelato pairs perfectly.
Storing & Reheating
Ravioli is best fresh, but leftovers happen.
🧊 To Store:
- Keep in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
🔥 To Reheat:
- Gently reheat on the stovetop with a little water and more pesto
- Avoid the microwave if possible (they can explode!)
❄️ To Freeze:
- Freeze uncooked homemade ravioli in a single layer
- Store in freezer bag for up to 2 months
- Cook from frozen (add an extra minute or two)
Nutritional Highlights
Here’s why this dish is more than just tasty:
| Nutrient | Found in… | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Cheese, pasta | Keeps you full and satisfied |
| Calcium | Cheese | Essential for bone health |
| Healthy fats | Olive oil, pine nuts | Supports heart and brain function |
| Antioxidants | Basil, garlic | Fights inflammation and supports immunity |
And the best part? It’s indulgent without being overly heavy — especially when balanced with a fresh salad.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to remix your ravioli? Here are some ideas:
🌶️ Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the pesto or serve with Calabrian chili oil.
🍋 Lemon Zest Twist
Add lemon zest and juice to the pesto for brightness.
🍅 Tomato Basil Ravioli
Use sun-dried tomatoes in the pesto or toss with roasted cherry tomatoes.
🥬 Green Power
Add baby spinach or arugula to the pesto for a nutrient boost.
🧄 Roasted Garlic Pesto
Swap raw garlic for roasted garlic for a mellow, sweet flavor.
Final Thoughts: A Dish That Feels Like a Hug
Three cheese ravioli with basil pesto is more than just dinner — it’s cozy, satisfying, and easy to love. Whether you’re whipping it up for a dinner party or curling up on the couch with a glass of wine and a bowl of cheesy pasta goodness, this dish always delivers.
With minimal effort, you get maximum flavor. And that’s what great cooking is all about.
📌 Looking for more fresh and cozy pasta ideas? Visit bebup.org/food