If you’ve ever wanted a dish that feels like a warm hug from your favorite Italian trattoria, then this Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of rich, creamy goat cheese with fresh, crisp vegetables and tender ravioli, all coming together with a bright touch of lemon that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, this recipe is effortless, fresh, and just the right balance of comforting and light. Trust me, once you try it, this ravioli dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple yet thoughtful is the secret to this Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and color. From the fresh veggies bringing vibrant crunch, to the creamy cheeses adding luscious depth, these ingredients combine beautifully.
- 20-25 oz. cheese ravioli (frozen or refrigerated): The star of the dish, providing a tender, cheesy base that’s quick to cook.
- 12 oz. bag frozen peas: A sweet burst of green that adds brightness and texture.
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces: Brings a fresh, slightly nutty flavor and fantastic crunch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil + more for tossing pasta: Adds richness and helps marry all the ingredients together.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A subtle earthy note that complements the veggies and cheese.
- 4 oz. garlic & herb goat cheese: Creamy, tangy, and flavored with garlic and herbs for a luscious sauce.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and a delicate fruity complexity to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Enhances the sauce’s richness and creaminess.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: A fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top, creating a bubbly, golden crust under the broiler.
- Kosher salt: For seasoning every element perfectly.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Provides a fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Vegetables
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the cheese ravioli according to package directions until just al dente. About one minute before the pasta is done, add the frozen peas and asparagus pieces to the boiling water to cook lightly alongside the ravioli. This quick method keeps the veggies perfectly tender yet crisp, blending those fresh green flavors seamlessly into the dish.
Step 2: Drain and Toss with Olive Oil
Drain the pasta and vegetables thoroughly to avoid any sogginess. Immediately drizzle a little olive oil over everything and season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Toss it all together gently but thoroughly, ensuring each ravioli and veggie piece is glistening with oil and seasoning to prep for the luscious sauce ahead.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Oregano
In a large sauté pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and dried oregano, stirring frequently for about one minute. This method helps release the garlic’s rich aroma without burning it, while the oregano adds a fragrant layer that’s key to this recipe’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Goat Cheese Sauce
Add the garlic & herb goat cheese to the pan, stirring as it melts into a velvety, creamy sauce. Pour in the white wine and heavy cream, letting it simmer gently for about a minute. This combination creates a luxurious coating that will cling beautifully to the ravioli and veggies, making every bite wonderfully indulgent yet balanced.
Step 5: Brighten with Lemon
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the zest and juice of one lemon. This simple step brings an uplifting brightness that cut through the richness of the goat cheese and cream, giving the dish a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the cooked ravioli, peas, and asparagus into the sauce, tossing everything delicately yet thoroughly to ensure every morsel is perfectly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, shaping the dish to your liking.
Step 7: Melt Mozzarella to Perfection
Transfer the saucy ravioli mixture to an oven-safe dish, and top it with generous handfuls of fresh mozzarella. Place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—watch closely as the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden-brown marvel that adds a gooey, irresistible finish to your Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant pop of green and a hint of fresh herbal flavor. This simple garnish adds just the right touch of color and aroma that makes this dish truly special.
How to Serve Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for extra depth. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add a touch more zing if desired. These small finishing touches elevate each plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with something light and simple like a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a rustic garlic bread to mop up every bit of that creamy sauce. A chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon completes the meal perfectly without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the ravioli individually in shallow bowls topped with a sprig of parsley and a small lemon twist. You could also serve it family-style in a large, warm ceramic baking dish right from the oven, encouraging everyone to help themselves to the irresistibly melty mozzarella topping. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the ravioli from any melted cheese toppings to maintain texture before reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe, it’s best to freeze the ravioli and veggies before adding the creamy sauce and mozzarella topping. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight and proceed with the sauce and broiling steps fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also warm portions in the oven, covered with foil to keep moisture, and add a little cream or olive oil if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen or refrigerated?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli can be used and might even bring an extra tender texture, but be mindful it usually cooks faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is there a substitute for goat cheese?
You can swap goat cheese for ricotta or cream cheese for a milder, creamier sauce. However, goat cheese adds a uniquely tangy warmth that is hard to replicate perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
With some adaptations, yes! You’d need vegan ravioli, substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based alternative, and swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift accordingly.
Why do we add the peas and asparagus during the last minute of pasta cooking?
This technique ensures the peas and asparagus remain tender but still crisp and bright in color, striking the perfect texture balance without overcooking.
What wine pairs well with this Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe?
A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements this dish beautifully, enhancing the lemony brightness and balancing the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors and textures, and this Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe is just that. It’s fresh, indulgent, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your favorite meal rotation—it’s a delicious way to celebrate seasonal veggies and creamy cheese all in one lovely plate.
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Ravioli with Peas, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This vibrant ravioli dish combines tender peas and crisp asparagus with a creamy garlic and herb goat cheese sauce, all topped with melted fresh mozzarella and a bright hint of lemon. Quick and easy to prepare in about 20 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful mix of textures.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- 20–25 oz. cheese ravioli (frozen or refrigerated)
- 12 oz. bag frozen peas
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for tossing pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 oz. garlic & herb goat cheese
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Topping & Garnish
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ravioli and Vegetables: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. When the pasta has 1 minute left to boil, add frozen peas and cut asparagus pieces to the boiling water. Boil everything together for that final minute to cook the vegetables perfectly alongside the pasta.
- Drain and Season: Drain the water from pasta and vegetables. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper, then toss to coat everything evenly. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat to start the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Oregano: Add thinly sliced garlic and dried oregano to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Melt Goat Cheese: Add the garlic & herb goat cheese to the pan. Stir and cook until it melts into a creamy, smooth sauce base.
- Add Wine and Cream: Pour in the dry white wine and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 1 minute, stirring frequently to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Add Lemon: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the sauce with fresh citrus notes.
- Toss Pasta and Vegetables in Sauce: Add the cooked ravioli, peas, and asparagus to the sauce in the pan. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with Mozzarella and Broil: Transfer the sauced pasta mixture to a broiler-safe dish or keep in the pan if oven-safe. Top evenly with fresh mozzarella. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a dark golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a fresh, creamy, and cheesy pasta experience.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen peas—both work well and save preparation time.
- Be sure not to overcook the peas and asparagus; adding them in the last minute of pasta boiling keeps them crisp-tender.
- When broiling mozzarella, keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- For vegan adaptation, substitute ravioli, cheeses, and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
