What to Serve with Ravioli (Sides & Sauces)

By Elena DavisUpdated Jun 03, 2026
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Ravioli is one of those versatile pasta dishes that works for everything from quick family dinners to meals shared around the table with friends. This collection of What to Serve with Ravioli includes salads, vegetables, mains, and homemade sauces that pair beautifully with all kinds of ravioli. Whether you’re serving cheese, spinach, or meat-filled ravioli, these ideas help you build a balanced and flavorful meal with ease.

Lobster ravioli sauce and ravioli on a plate with a spoon to the side.
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A Simple Approach to Ravioli Dinners

I love how easy ravioli is to turn into a complete meal with just a few simple additions. Depending on the type of ravioli, I’ll usually add a salad, vegetables, warm bread to round everything out. This collection includes some of my favorite combinations that work for both quick dinners and meals you want to linger over a little longer.

Whether you take help from your grocery store freezer section, or make homemade ravioli out of Fresh Pasta From Scratch, you can’t go wrong with these scrumptious combinations!

Made With Amore,

Table of Contents

Tomato-Based & Hearty Sauces

These sauces are bold, savory, and deeply flavorful, making them ideal for meat-filled or cheese ravioli. From slow-simmered ragus to bright tomato-based blends, they bring a comforting richness that coats every bite.

Make sure to pair with my Italian Turkey Meatballs or Italian Polpette!

pink pasta in a white bowl ready to eat with a fork.
5 from 22 votes

Tomato-Cream Pink Sauce

Italian pink sauce pasta is a crave worthy, 20-minute recipe that's made with just a few simple ingredients. It's perfect for a busy weeknight or an elegant dinner, as it's an easy pasta dish that brings everyone to the table!
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Roasted red pepper pasta in a bowl topped with basil with a spoon resting in it.
5 from 8 votes

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy) delivers a nutrient-rich, flavor-packed dinner in just 20 minutes. Blended roasted red peppers create a silky, vibrant sauce that’s both comforting and wholesome. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta is a dish both kids and adults will love.
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pan with creamy sundried tomato pasta. the pasta is coated in the delicious sauce.
5 from 10 votes

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

This is the creamy, sun-kissed pasta is full of bright tomato flavor, silky sauce, and touches of fresh basil. The secret is using the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes. That deeply flavored oil seasons the sauce from the very first step, giving the pasta that “you ordered this in Italy” richness with almost no extra work. It’s a pantry-friendly, weeknight staple that still feels special.
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Arrabbiata sauce and noodles on a plate with a fork.
5 from 3 votes

Arrabbiata Sauce

Bold, simple, and full of flavor, this Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce) combines sweet San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes for the perfect balance of heat and richness. This classic Italian sauce delivers a fiery kick while staying fresh and vibrant with minimal ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, restaurant-quality sauce perfect for weeknight pasta dishes.
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bowl of the eggplant pasta with burrata on top and fork in it.
5 from 6 votes

Eggplant Pasta Sauce Recipe

This Eggplant Pasta Sauce combines tender eggplant, juicy tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fresh rosemary with your favorite pasta for a flavorful Italian-inspired meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, this is one of my favorite ways to turn fresh summer eggplant and tomatoes into a hearty vegetarian pasta dish.
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A platted bowl of Bucatini all’Amatriciana in a white and blue bowl with a fork in it.
5 from 5 votes

Bucatini all’Amatriciana Recipe

This is a recipe you don't want to miss. This classic sauce takes its spiciness from black pepper and dried chiles and its depth of flavor from guanciale, Italian salt-cured pork. Add this to your meal plan this week! 
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Bowl of pasta with ragu meat sauce.
5 from 33 votes

Ragu Meat Sauce Recipe

This Italian Ragu Meat Sauce is my family’s style of Italian ragù, inspired by the sauce my Nonna Laura made in her cucina in Sardegna. Made with ground beef, veal, tomatoes, and a classic soffritto, it simmers until the meat is tender and the flavors are rich and well developed. It’s a hearty sauce to enjoy with pasta and a comforting recipe for a family meal.
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Pot of Italian tomato sauce.
5 from 43 votes

Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe (Sugo Al Pomodoro)

Fresh, flavorful, and light taste, a simple, authentic recipe for classic Italian tomato sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro). Great for any pasta dish! Add chicken or fresh mozzarella, and make it a meal! 
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Creamy & Butter-Based Sauces

These sauces are rich, smooth, and full of flavor, making them a perfect match for ravioli fillings like cheese, mushroom, or spinach. From simple butter-based finishes to creamy herb blends, they add just the right amount of indulgence without overpowering the pasta.

Soak up any extra sauce with my Italian Ciabatta Bread.

mushroom ravioli with cream sauce cover photo
5 from 6 votes

Mushroom Cream Sauce

This Mushroom Ravioli Sauce combines golden-browned mushrooms, garlic, shallots, white wine, heavy cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano for a rich, silky sauce that coats every bite of ravioli. The mushrooms develop deep savory flavor in the skillet before the cream and cheese turn the pan juices into a smooth mushroom cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this is an easy sauce for mushroom ravioli that also works with cheese ravioli or other stuffed pasta.
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Spaghetti aglio e olio on a white plate with a golden fork.
5 from 9 votes

Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish made with only four simple ingredients that come together for bold, authentic flavor. Make it all in just 20 minutes for the perfect quick lunch or effortless weeknight dinner.
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cover photo. close up of twirled pasta on plate with creamy truffle sauce.
5 from 11 votes

Black Truffle Cream Sauce

This Pasta with Black Truffle Cream Sauce combines al dente pasta with a silky Parmesan cream sauce and black truffles for an earthy, savory flavor, and it comes together in about 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, making it an easy way to enjoy truffles at home. Unlike many truffle mushroom pasta recipes, this version skips the mushrooms so the black truffle remains the star.
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cover photo butternut squash ravioli recipe
5 from 5 votes

Sage Butter Sauce

Butternut squash ravioli with sage butter sauce is a perfectly elegant fall dinner! Learn how to make the ravioli, filling, and sauce from scratch the authentic Italian way. The ravioli will melt in your mouth, and the nutty brown butter sage sauce complements them perfectly.
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5 from 7 votes

Lemon Brown Butter Sauce

This lemon brown butter lobster ravioli sauce is fast, fancy, and full of flavor. It’s made with just 5 ingredients and comes together in 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or date nights at home.
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cacio e pepe in a white plate with a fork and extra cheese on top.
5 from 15 votes

Cacio e Pepe

A recipe every Italian keeps in their repertoire for a quick and delicious meal. Cacio e Pepe … Literally “cheese and pepper,” this minimalist cacio e pepe recipe is Italy's true "mac and cheese". Share with friends and family. From my cucina to your table, and always made with, Amore! 
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Carbonara pasta on a plate with bits of guanciale and shredded parmesan cheese on top.
5 from 45 votes

Authentic Carbonara Recipe

This Carbonara (Authentic Italian Recipe) is creamy, rich, and made without a drop of cream. Eggs, freshly grated cheese, rendered guanciale or pancetta, and starchy pasta water come together to create a silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, this Italian pasta classic relies on a few key techniques rather than heavy cream to create its signature creamy texture.
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Fresh Salads

Crisp, fresh salads are an easy way to add to a meal. They bring balance, texture, and brightness that pairs especially well with rich pasta dishes like ravioli.

If you’re looking to build your own salad, try dressing it with my Parmesan Vinaigrette, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Basil Vinaigrette, or Creamy Italian Dressing!

pear gorgonzola salad in a white serving bowl with salad servers near it.
5 from 8 votes

Pear Gorgonzola Salad Recipe

This Pear Gorgonzola Salad combines sweet, juicy pears, tangy Gorgonzola, crisp greens, and crunchy walnuts with a bright orange-honey vinaigrette. The fresh citrus dressing brings all the flavors together for a beautiful Italian-inspired salad that's especially lovely for fall, winter, and holiday meals.
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Italian orange and fennel salad with orange dressing on the side. Wooden salad servers on the side.
5 from 6 votes

Fennel and Orange Salad (Italian Style)

This fennel and orange salad is sure to brighten your table this season! This Italian inspired winter salad is a gorgeous display of simple, fresh ingredients and contrasting textures. You'll love making this refreshing salad for family dinners or holiday parties all winter long. 
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Bright fall harvest salad in a large bowl next to serving utensils.
5 from 13 votes

Fall Harvest Salad Recipe

This Fall Harvest Salad with Apple and Butternut Squash combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, warmly spiced roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas and candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese. Everything comes together with a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette for a colorful salad that balances crisp, creamy, sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a beautiful addition to Thanksgiving and other fall meals.
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Famous La Scala chopped salad in a small wooden serving bowl with a fork. Extra dressing on the side. Focaccia bread for serving.
5 from 8 votes

Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe

This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe (Italian) is crisp, hearty, and made with iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, mozzarella, and a tangy Parmesan dressing. This iconic Beverly Hills salad comes together in just 15 minutes and makes an easy lunch, side dish, or light meal.
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A spring salad on a platter topped with sliced eggs, herbs, and pistachios.
5 from 6 votes

Spring Salad Recipe

This vibrant spring salad recipe is packed with crisp asparagus, sweet peas, creamy avocado, goat cheese, and toasted pistachios, all tossed in a bright basil-lemon vinaigrette. Fresh, colorful, and full of texture, it’s the perfect light lunch or elegant side dish for spring gatherings.
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Christmas Salad Recipe in a beautiful wood serving bowl.
5 from 9 votes

Christmas Salad Recipe

This festive Christmas Salad is a burst of bright flavors, combining sweet, tangy, and savory elements. The combination of candied pecans, fresh oranges, and creamy gorgonzola makes it the perfect holiday dish.
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Flavor-Packed Vegetables

It’s all about variety! I love to have a few options on the table for a pasta night meal. Here are few vegetable dishes to serve with ravioli.

Roasted Green Beans Recipe with Garlic and Lemon on a plate with a serving plater in the background.
5 from 4 votes

Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

These Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon are tender with lightly browned edges and bright lemon-garlic flavor. Fresh green beans are tossed with olive oil, garlic, shallot, lemon juice, and zest, then roasted at high heat until tender. Ready in about 20 minutes with no blanching required, this easy vegetable side is perfect for everyday meals and holiday dinners.
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cover photo tuscan roasted broccoli.
5 from 2 votes

Tuscan Roasted Broccoli

This Parmesan Roasted Broccoli combines the earthy flavor of roasted broccoli with the brightness of lemon vinaigrette and the richness of Parmesan cheese. It's a quick recipe even picky eaters will eat!
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Steamed asparagus in a blue and white oblong bowl.
5 from 6 votes

Steamed Asparagus

This simple Steamed Asparagus (Quick and Easy) is the best! Bright green, tender, juicy, and full of fresh flavors, these steamed asparagus are a tasty and healthy side dish ready in less than 10 minutes with a few basic ingredients.
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Oven roasted fennel on a pan garnished with fresh basil.
5 from 2 votes

Roasted Fennel Recipe (Italian Style)

This Italian-style roasted fennel recipe brings out the sweet, delicate flavor of fennel with golden, caramelized edges. Tossed in olive oil and finished with a sprinkle of Parmigiano, it's a delicious and easy side dish for any meal, served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
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Roasted, halved butternut squash on a baking sheet.
5 from 2 votes

Roasted Butternut Squash Halves

This Oven Roasted Butternut Squash is made by cutting the squash in half, removing the seeds, and roasting it with butter or olive oil until the flesh is tender and easy to scoop. Choose a sweet cinnamon-sugar finish or savory fresh herbs to make this easy roasted squash a flavorful side dish. Ready in about 1 hour, it’s a delicious way to prepare butternut squash in the oven.
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A skillet of sauteed zucchini with onions garnished with basil and parsley.
5 from 5 votes

Italian Zucchini

My nonna made this simple zucchini and onion dish every week, and it was one of the first dishes I learned to make by her side. Simple, slow, and full of love – just how Italian cooking should be!
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peas and pancetta recipe in a large white serving bowl with a wooden spoon ready to serve. Serving bowl on a wooden board.
5 from 4 votes

Peas and Pancetta Recipe

This vibrant and savory dish combines sweet peas with crispy pancetta and aromatic shallots for an irresistible side dish or light main course. The touch of olive oil and optional red pepper flakes elevate the flavors, making this simple recipe a family favorite. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or fish.
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Protein Additions for a Heartier Meal

In Italy, ravioli is traditionally considered a primo piatto, a light, starchy course that follows antipasto but precedes the secondo piatto, which is usually a protein-based main course such as fish or beef.

Pan with creamy lemon chicken topped with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
5 from 15 votes

Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe

This Creamy Lemon Chicken is a quick, elegant skillet dinner made with tender pan-seared chicken and a silky garlic-lemon Parmesan cream sauce. Bright, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
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Italian ricotta meatballs with polenta.
5 from 2 votes

Ricotta Meatballs Recipe

Light, fluffy, and rich with flavor—these ricotta meatballs are simmered in a simple tomato sauce for the ultimate comforting dish. Made with nonna's trick to make them the BEST!
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Three lamb shoulder chops cooking in a skillet.
5 from 2 votes

Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe

Tender lamb shoulder chops marinated with garlic and rosemary, then seared to perfection in olive oil on a cast iron skillet. This easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!
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Oven baked cod topped with lemon slices.
5 from 2 votes

Oven Baked Cod

A simple and delicious Oven Baked Cod Recipe with lemon, butter, olive oil, and garlic herb seasoning. This cod recipe is moist, flavorful, and juicy in less than 20 minutes!
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crispy breaded chicken cutlets on a blue and white platter with lemons.
5 from 21 votes

Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets Recipe

This is the best recipe for Italian breaded chicken cutlets! These golden, crispy chicken cutlets are tender on the inside, perfectly seasoned, and pan-fried just like my Italian mamma taught me—simple, rustic, and full of flavor- ready in under 30 minutes!
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Famous La Scala chopped salad in a small wooden serving bowl with a fork. Extra dressing on the side. Focaccia bread on the side.

Serving Ideas

FAQs

Can I prepare these recipes ahead of time?

Yes, many of these recipes can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time. Check each individual recipe page for more information.

How do I cook ravioli?

See more in this guide: How to Cook Fresh or Frozen Ravioli Pasta.

Can you serve ravioli without sauce?

Yes, ravioli can be served with just olive oil, butter, or a light sprinkle of Parmesan and herbs for a simpler option.

With so many ways to serve ravioli, it’s easy to mix and match sauces and sides depending on what you’re craving or what you have on hand. Whether you keep things simple or build a more layered plate, these combinations help turn Homemade Ravioli or a basic package of ravioli into a well-rounded meal. Buon appetito!

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About Elena Davis

My dream is to share delicious wholesome recipes that you will share around the table with all your loved ones. The memories surrounded by food are the heart and soul of CucinaByElena.

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