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Ravioli di Ricotta Recipe Guide

Ravioli di Ricotta

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin or pasta machine
  • Pastry cutter or sharp knife
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Pasta Dough:
  • 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs + 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
  • A pinch of salt
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 pound fresh ricotta drained
  • 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Assembly:
  • 1 large egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water for sealing
  • Desired sauce for serving butter sage, tomato sauce, or olive oil with Parmigiano

Instructions
 

  • Method: Step-by-Step
  • Making the Dough
  • Forming the Dough: Create a well in the center of the flour. Add eggs, yolks, olive oil, and salt to the well. Use a fork to incorporate the flour gradually.
  • Kneading: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 5 minutes.
  • Resting: Wrap in plastic wrap or place in a covered bowl. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Preparing the Filling
  • Combine the ricotta, Parmigiano, lemon zest, nutmeg, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Mix until smooth and set aside.
  • Rolling the Dough
  • Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll out each piece using a rolling pin or pasta machine, working to the thinnest setting (about 1/8 inch thick).
  • Assembling the Ravioli
  • Lay one sheet of dough on a floured surface. Spoon small mounds of filling (~1-2 teaspoons each) evenly spaced on one half.
  • Brush around the filling with beaten egg. Fold the dough over, pressing gently to seal and remove air pockets.
  • Cut into ravioli shapes using a pastry cutter. Place on a floured tray to prevent sticking.
  • Cooking the Ravioli
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
  • Add the ravioli and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Remove using a slotted spoon.
  • Serving
  • Serve immediately with your favorite sauce. Popular options include brown butter and sage, light tomato sauce, or olive oil with a sprinkle of Parmigiano.
  • Variations and Tips
  • Spinach-Ricotta Filling: Add finely chopped cooked spinach to the filling for a classic twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
  • Lactose-Free Substitution: Swap ricotta for a lactose-free soft cheese and omit Parmigiano if necessary.
  • Freeze for Later: Assemble ravioli and freeze on a baking sheet before storing in a bag. Cook directly from frozen.
Keyword Ravioli di Ricotta