Ravioli w/ Smoked Sausage & Caprese Alfredo

I know I have said this time and time again, but my pantry is my greatest source of inspiration.

The other night I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner.  I hadn't really had a chance to make a menu and go to the store, so went to the pantry and fridge to see what I had on hand.  I saw the bag of ravioli in the freezer and thought "Hmm, ravioli sounds good", but I didn't want to simply boil it and pour some sauce over it.  I mean, that would be too easy, right?  *lol* So I continued looking and that's when I saw the jar of pesto.  Then it hit me!  Canned tomatoes, pesto, cheese, CAPRESE ALFREDO!!  I know I'm probably not the first person to come up with this concept, but can I just say that this sauce is honestly one of the most delicious concoctions to come out of my kitchen!  I know you are going to love it, and I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

Ravioli w/ Smoked Sausage & Caprese Alfredo Sauce:
*Prep Time: 5 min.  *Cook Time: 10 min.  *Difficulty: Easy  *Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Smoked Sausage
• 1 package of Frozen Ravioli
• 1 15 oz. Can of Diced Tomatoes
• 1 c. Half & Half
• 1 c. Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 4-6 cloves of Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. Pesto Sauce
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Chopped Fresh Parsley for topping

This meal is literally ready in minutes.  By the time your ravioli is finished cooking the sauce is ready, and dinner is finished!

To begin you will need to place a pot of salted water over medium/high heat.
Bring it to a boil and and add to ravioli.
Cook according to the directions on the package.

While you are waiting for the water to come to a boil, you can place a skillet over medium/high heat.

Next, add the olive oil.

Because my husband is the king of carnivores I have chosen to add smoked sausage to my recipe, but if you would like to keep it meat free, simply omit this part.

Add the sliced smoked sausage to pan and brown on both sides.

Once the smoked sausage is browned, remove it from the pan and add the tomatoes.

After you have added the tomatoes to the pan you can add the garlic.
Bring to a simmer and let reduce for 2-3 minutes.

Season with a little salt and

Pepper.

Now you can add the pesto.

I have a confession.  I RARELY make my own pesto sauce.  Why?  Because there are so many fantastic jarred options out there I don't really see the need, but if you are a purest, again, you can feel free to make your own.

Mix the pesto with the tomatoes and garlic, then bring to a low simmer.

Add the half and half.

Whisk until smooth.

Then, add the cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.

Return the sausage to the pan.

By now the ravioli should be finished.
Drain it and add to the sauce.
Toss everything until coated.

Next you can plate it and top with a little chopped parsley.

Doesn't that look delicious?!?

This really is the perfect weeknight meal whether you are cooking for your family or simply for yourself.  So simple, so quick, and SOOOO tasty!  So tonight, when you are trying to figure out what to make for dinner, give this Ravioli with Smoked Sausage and Caprese Alfredo a try!  You will be so glad you did!

And as always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~

Ravioli & Smoked Sausage w/Caprese Alfredo:

*Prep Time 5 min.  *Cook Time:  10 min.  *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings:  4-6

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Ingredient:

• 1 bag of Frozen Ravioli
• 1 Package of Smoked Sausage, sliced
• 1 15 oz. Can of Diced Tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. Jarred Pesto Sauce
• 4-6 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1 c. Half and Half
• 1 c. Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2-3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper 
• Parsley

Directions:

1. Place a pot of salted water over medium/high heat and bring to a boil.  Once at a boil add the ravioli and cook according to the instructions on the package.   
2. Place a skillet over medium/high heat and add oil.  Once hot, add the sliced sausage and brown.  When browned remove from the skillet and place to the side on a plate. 
3. To the skillet and oil add the garlic and cook until you smell it coming from the pan.  Then add the tomatoes and pesto.  Bring to a simmer.  
4. Once at a simmer add the half and half.  When the half and half comes to a simmer, whisk in the Parmesan cheese.  Let thicken.  
5. Taste for seasoning and make any adjustments.
6. Add the ravioli to the sauce and toss to coat.
7. Top with a little fresh parsley.
8. Serve and Enjoy!