We’ve all craved that perfect blend of comfort and luxury, and our Million Dollar Ravioli Recipe delivers just that. Drawing from Italian traditions with a decadent twist, this dish turns simple pasta into a gourmet masterpiece packed with rich fillings and flavors that’ll wow your guests.
It’s our go-to for special occasions, proving you don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy something extraordinary. Join us as we share this easy yet elegant recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
As we dive into creating our luxurious Million Dollar Ravioli Recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that elevate this dish to gourmet status. We’ll list them in the order they’re used during preparation, with specific measurements and prep notes for precision and ease.
Fresh Pasta Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted to ensure a smooth texture for our base layer
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature to promote even mixing and elasticity
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra-virgin for added richness in the dough
Ravioli Filling
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained to remove excess moisture for a creamy, million-dollar filling
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, aged for at least 12 months to deliver bold, nutty flavors
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach, blanched and squeezed dry to add vibrant color and nutrients
- 2 ounces prosciutto, finely diced for a salty, luxurious meaty element
- 1 garlic clove, minced to infuse subtle aromatic depth
Sauce and Finishing Touches
- 1 cup heavy cream, for a velvety sauce base that ties everything together
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled to create a rich, emulsified finish
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to enhance flavors without overpowering
- Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn for a fragrant, gourmet garnish
These ingredients combine Italian tradition with premium elements, ensuring our ravioli becomes an elegant masterpiece ready for your special occasions.
Tools and Equipment
Having selected our high-quality ingredients for the Million Dollar Ravioli, we now focus on the essential tools and equipment that make preparation seamless and efficient. These items help us achieve that perfect pasta texture and presentation, ensuring every step from dough-making to plating is a breeze.
Must-Have Kitchen Essentials
To craft this gourmet dish, we’ll need a curated set of tools. Below is a list of the key items, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Mixing Bowl: A large, sturdy mixing bowl for combining flour, eggs, and olive oil to form our fresh pasta dough. We recommend one with a non-slip base for stability during vigorous mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring cups and spoons to precisely measure ingredients like flour and cheese, preventing any imbalances that could affect the dough’s consistency.
- Rolling Pin or Pasta Roller: For rolling out the dough thinly—opt for a pasta roller if available, as it ensures uniform thickness and saves time compared to a traditional rolling pin.
- Ravioli Mold or Cutter: A ravioli mold is indispensable for creating uniform pockets of filling; it helps us seal the ravioli edges perfectly, reducing the risk of them bursting during cooking.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife paired with a stable cutting board for chopping spinach, garlic, and prosciutto with precision and safety.
- Large Pot: Essential for boiling the ravioli—choose a large pot with a lid to accommodate ample water and prevent overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
- Skillet or Saucepan: A medium-sized skillet for preparing the creamy sauce with butter and cream, allowing us to achieve that velvety texture through even heating.
- Colander or Strainer: To drain the cooked ravioli without losing any precious pieces, keeping our dish intact and ready for saucing.
- Spoon and Fork Set: Basic utensils like a wooden spoon for stirring fillings and a fork for testing dough readiness, making the process intuitive and hands-on.
With these tools in hand, we’re fully equipped to transform our ingredients into an elegant masterpiece, maintaining the flow from ingredient prep to flawless execution.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our premium ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the precise steps to craft our Million Dollar Ravioli, turning simple elements into a luxurious, flavorful masterpiece.
Prep the Dough
To start, we begin with the foundation of our dish: fresh pasta dough that provides a tender, silky texture. On a clean surface, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a mixing bowl. We use our hands to knead the mixture vigorously for 8-10 minutes until it forms a smooth, elastic ball that springs back when pressed—feel the dough’s supple consistency under your fingers, promising a delicate bite. Once ready, we wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, allowing the gluten to relax for easier rolling.
Make the Filling
Next, we prepare the rich, savory filling that elevates our ravioli to gourmet status. In a skillet over medium heat, we sauté 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, releasing an aromatic scent that fills the kitchen. We then add 2 cups of fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts and reduces in volume, about 3 minutes. Off the heat, we mix in 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 4 ounces of finely chopped prosciutto in a bowl, blending until creamy and well-incorporated—imagine the creamy tang of cheese balanced with the salty crunch of prosciutto, creating a filling that’s irresistibly decadent.
Assemble the Ravioli
With the dough rested and filling ready, we now assemble our ravioli, focusing on precision for perfect pockets of flavor. We divide the dough into 4 equal portions and use a rolling pin or pasta roller to roll each portion into thin sheets, about 1/16-inch thick, ensuring they are even and translucent for that signature pasta delicacy. On one sheet, we spoon teaspoon-sized dollops of the filling at 2-inch intervals, then cover with another sheet and press around the edges to seal. Using a ravioli mold or cutter, we cut out the shapes, making sure to crimp the edges firmly to prevent any leakage during cooking—envision the satisfying snap as you seal each ravioli, locking in the luxurious flavors.
Cook the Ravioli
Finally, we bring our Million Dollar Ravioli to life by cooking and saucing it for a velvety finish. In a large pot of salted boiling water, we gently add the ravioli in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the top and achieve a tender al dente texture—notice the water bubbling as the pasta transforms, releasing a subtle aroma of garlic and herbs. Meanwhile, in a skillet, we melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, then season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. We drain the ravioli using a colander, toss them in the sauce, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, creamy dish that delights the palate with its rich, buttery essence.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Million Dollar Ravioli recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare key components in advance, ensuring that this gourmet pasta dish remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to impress without last-minute rushes. Below, we break down the steps for making ahead each element, allowing the rich aromas of fresh pasta dough, creamy fillings, and velvety sauce to develop even further.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
To save time, we recommend making the fresh pasta dough up to 24 hours in advance. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil as outlined in our earlier instructions.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, elastic dough, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. This resting period enhances its texture, making it easier to roll out into thin, silky sheets that perfectly encase the filling.
For longer storage, freeze the dough in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for a seamless transition.
Making the Filling in Advance
Our ravioli filling—a luxurious blend of ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, prosciutto, and garlic—benefits from being prepared ahead, as the flavors intensify during storage.
Here’s how we do it:
- Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 cups of fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted and aromatic.
- In a bowl, mix in 1 cup of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and 4 ounces of finely chopped prosciutto until well combined.
- Transfer the filling to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The creamy texture will become even more decadent, with the savory notes of garlic and prosciutto melding into a harmonious blend.
| Component | Storage Method | Maximum Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravioli Filling | Refrigerated | 2 days | Stir before using to refresh the creamy consistency and prevent separation. |
| Fresh Pasta Dough | Refrigerated | 24 hours | Let it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling. |
| Frozen | 1 month | Thaw slowly in the fridge to maintain elasticity. |
Assembling the Ravioli Ahead
For ultimate convenience, we can assemble the Million Dollar Ravioli completely and store them uncooked, preserving their delicate, pillow-like shape and burst of flavors.
Follow these assembly steps first, then:
- After filling and sealing the ravioli as per our detailed instructions, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the ravioli until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Store for up to 1 month. When cooking, add 1-2 extra minutes to the boiling time to ensure they cook through, resulting in tender pockets that release a savory, creamy filling with every bite.
Sauce Preparation Tips
Don’t forget the velvety sauce that elevates our dish—prepare it ahead to lock in its rich, buttery essence.
- Cook the sauce using 1 cup of heavy cream, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and a dash of black pepper as described earlier.
- Cool it completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy, to coat the ravioli in a warm, indulgent layer that highlights the gourmet elements of this recipe.
By planning ahead with these methods, we ensure our Million Dollar Ravioli delivers maximum flavor and minimal effort, making it a go-to for elegant gatherings.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Million Dollar Ravioli as a timeless favorite that’ll elevate your kitchen adventures. It’s not just a meal—it’s a way to create memorable moments with loved ones.
We’re confident you’ll master it easily and make it your go-to for special occasions. Dive in and enjoy the rich flavors that turn simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Million Dollar Ravioli Recipe?
The Million Dollar Ravioli Recipe is a luxurious Italian-inspired dish that elevates simple pasta into a gourmet masterpiece. It features homemade ravioli filled with ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, and prosciutto, served in a creamy sauce. Perfect for special occasions, this easy recipe combines tradition with elegance to create a family favorite.
What ingredients are needed for Million Dollar Ravioli?
Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, eggs, and olive oil for the fresh pasta dough; ricotta, Parmesan cheese, spinach, prosciutto, and garlic for the filling; and heavy cream, unsalted butter, black pepper, and fresh basil for the sauce. These high-quality components ensure a flavorful, elegant dish.
What tools are required to make Million Dollar Ravioli?
Essential tools include a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin or pasta roller, ravioli mold or cutter, knife and cutting board, large pot, skillet or saucepan, colander or strainer, and a spoon and fork set. These items help achieve perfect texture and efficient preparation.
How do I prepare the Million Dollar Ravioli?
Start by kneading flour, eggs, and olive oil into dough, then rest it. Sauté garlic and spinach, mix with ricotta, Parmesan, and prosciutto for the filling. Roll dough, add filling, seal ravioli, boil until tender, and toss in a sauce of butter and heavy cream. Garnish with basil for a finishing touch.
Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli ahead of time?
Yes, prepare dough up to 24 hours in advance or freeze for a month. The filling can be refrigerated for two days, and assembled ravioli can be frozen uncooked for up to a month. Make the sauce ahead and reheat; this saves time while keeping flavors fresh for busy schedules.
How long does it take to cook Million Dollar Ravioli?
Cooking the ravioli takes about 3-5 minutes in boiling water once assembled. Total preparation time, including dough-making and filling, is around 1-2 hours, depending on experience. Plan for resting time to ensure the best results.
Is Million Dollar Ravioli suitable for beginners?
Yes, with detailed instructions, it’s beginner-friendly. Start with simple steps like mixing dough and follow the guide closely. While it involves some kneading and assembly, the results are rewarding and build confidence for future cooking adventures.