A Bright, Fresh, and Elegant 20-Minute Dinner
This vibrant pasta dish combines tender cheese ravioli with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp asparagus, and fragrant garlic — all tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean comfort food in just minutes.
🍽️ Recipe Card
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
✅ Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 package (9–12 oz) cheese or spinach ravioli
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½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or mixed herbs (optional)
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2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
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(Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or red pepper flakes for a bright, zesty finish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add ravioli and cook according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes).
Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and just tender.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the Tomatoes
Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring gently, until tomatoes soften and release some of their juices.
4️⃣ Combine with Ravioli
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet, tossing gently to combine.
If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
5️⃣ Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Add lemon juice or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
💡 Tips & Variations
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🌿 Make It Creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
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🧄 Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic and finish with extra-virgin olive oil for a bold flavor.
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🍤 Add Protein: Top with sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy prosciutto.
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🌱 Vegan Option: Use vegan ravioli and skip the Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast.
🌟 Why You’ll Love It
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✅ Fresh, healthy, and full of flavor
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✅ Quick 25-minute meal
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✅ Uses seasonal produce
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✅ Perfect balance of light and satisfying
🧊 Storage
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: 365 | Protein: 14g | Carbs: 48g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 5g
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s colorful, wholesome, and elegant enough for dinner guests — yet easy enough for a weeknight.