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 21 votes

Tomato-Cream Pink Sauce

Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)- a crave worthy 20 minute pasta sauce with a few simple ingredients for a busy weeknight. 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 7 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 6 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 easy summery pasta is just as much about the vegetables as it is about the pasta. The stars of the dish are the delicious, in season, eggplant and tomatoes. They are browned in pan with olive oil, onion, and garlic. Once the eggplant and tomatoes are soft and caramelized in texture and flavor simply season with rosemary and toss with hot pasta. This is a marriage made in summer veggie pasta heaven!
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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

A cozy meal the entire family will enjoy! This classic meat ragu is your new GO TO RECIPE. A certain magic happens as the beef and aromatic vegetables slowly cook down tomato sauce in this classic ragu recipe. Simple and nutritious ingredients yield to the most delicious meal. 
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Pot of Italian tomato sauce.
5 from 42 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 3 votes

Mushroom Cream Sauce

Mushroom ravioli with cream sauce is a creamy and savory comfort meal that comes together in under 20 minutes! The sauce includes cream, Parmigiano cheese, garlic, shallots, a touch of fresh herbs, and mushrooms to create a perfectly cozy pasta dish.
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Spaghetti aglio e olio on a white plate with a golden fork.
5 from 8 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 is sensational. The savory flavor of truffles nestled in a velvety parmigiano cream sauce wrapped in perfectly al dente pasta is a luxurious meal you can make at home in 20 minutes! The perfect pasta dish for special occasions or date nights at home. Buon appetito!
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cover photo butternut squash ravioli recipe
5 from 5 votes

Sage Butter Sauce

This Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce is delectable! The ravioli melt in your mouth and the nutty brown butter sage sauce complements the ravioli in the most comforting way!
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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—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 42 votes

Authentic Carbonara Recipe

This traditional Carbonara Recipe (without cream) is an easy 20 minute restaurant worthy meal you can make on a weeknight! This recipe is perfectly smooth and creamy without using cream. In Italy, a traditional carbonara means no cream. Learn to make it the authentic way.
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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 and Gorgonzola Salad encompasses the perfect flavors with the sweetness of pear and the tangy, sharpness of gorgonzola, and tangy delightful flavor of the orange honey dressing – a classic Italian pairing. Everyone loves this salad. It’s super easy to make. You can toss it up in just a few minutes, so it’s fresh right when you’re ready to serve it.
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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

Italian Orange Fennel Salad Recipe

This Italian Winter Salad with fresh Fennel, Citrus, and Hazelnuts is sure to brighten your table this season! It is a gorgeous display of simple and fresh ingredients. The pop of color from the citrus add a bright touch with an extra punch of vitamin C. You will love the crunch from the hazelnuts and sweet fresh fennel. It's an all around delicious salad!  
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Bright fall harvest salad in a large bowl next to serving utensils.
5 from 11 votes

Fall Harvest Salad Recipe

A colorful fall harvest salad that combines the best seasonal fall flavors! A beautiful salad for any occasion. 
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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 iconic chopped salad is famous for its irresistible combination of crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, tangy marinated artichokes, savory salami, and melty mozzarella—all tossed in a zesty, parmesan-infused dressing. A simple yet elegant Italian-inspired salad perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining!
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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.

Fork in a bowl with roasted green beans with garlic and lemon.
5 from 4 votes

Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Roasted Green Beans Recipe with Garlic and Lemon is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy fresh green beans. These easy Roasted Green Beans are seasoned with garlic and lemon and roasted to perfection in olive oil. So simple! 
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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 recipe for roasted butternut squash is the easiest and tastiest method! This butternut squash is tender and melts in your mouth. It's the perfect fall and winter side dish for any meal!
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A skillet of sauteed zucchini with onions garnished with basil and parsley.
5 from 3 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 3 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 14 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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