Hello, soup lovers! Today we’re diving into a comforting and hearty recipe that’s perfect for any time of year—Ravioli Soup. Combining the rich flavors of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, tender cheese ravioli, and a touch of melty cheese, this soup is a one-pot wonder that’s simple to make and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a show-stopping soup to impress guests, this recipe has you covered!
Introduction
Ravioli Soup is a hearty dish that takes all the best parts of a pasta dinner and combines them into one warm, comforting bowl. Originating from Italian-American cuisine, this soup blends the flavors of rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and tender cheese-filled ravioli with the added goodness of fresh spinach and melted cheese. What’s great about this dish is its versatility—you can customize the ingredients to suit your tastes while still delivering a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal. This recipe is simple enough for weeknights but special enough for family gatherings or dinner parties.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Ravioli Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb pork sausage or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 10 ounces frozen cheese ravioli (half of a 20-ounce box)
- 10 ounces baby spinach
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
These ingredients create a perfect balance of savory sausage, creamy ravioli, and a flavorful broth enhanced by aromatic vegetables and seasonings.
How to Make Ravioli Soup
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a hearty and satisfying Ravioli Soup:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium heat. Break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. When the sausage is about halfway browned, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned and the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to allow the garlic to become fragrant and the seasonings to bloom.
Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add the frozen cheese ravioli directly into the soup. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ravioli are cooked through and tender.
Add the baby spinach to the pot and stir gently. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated.
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the soup into broiler-safe bowls and place the bowls on a baking sheet. Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and sprinkle each with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty soup.
Helpful Tips
Use a good-quality sausage for the best flavor. Hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick, while mild sausage is perfect for those who prefer a less spicy dish.
For a richer broth, add a splash of heavy cream during the simmering stage to give the soup a creamy texture.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Cooking Tips
To avoid overcooking the ravioli, be sure to simmer gently and stir carefully to prevent them from breaking apart.
If you don’t have broiler-safe bowls, you can ladle the soup into regular bowls and top each with shredded cheese before serving without broiling.
Add freshly chopped basil or parsley as a garnish for an extra layer of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Serving Suggestions
Ravioli Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a side of cheesy breadsticks. This soup is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even as a hearty starter for a dinner party. Serve it hot and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for a truly comforting dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving of Ravioli Soup:
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Potassium: 750mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 40%
- Vitamin C: 50%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 20%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.
Avoid freezing the soup if it contains cooked ravioli, as the pasta may become mushy when thawed. However, you can prepare the soup base without the ravioli and freeze it for up to 2 months. Add fresh ravioli when reheating for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh ravioli, reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes for spinach. Just chop the greens into smaller pieces and simmer until tender.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the ravioli and spinach. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat and add the ravioli and spinach just before serving.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love these other hearty soup and pasta dishes:
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Classic Italian Meatball Soup
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Cheesy Tortellini Skillet
Conclusion
Ravioli Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in one comforting bowl. With tender cheese ravioli, savory sausage, and a rich tomato broth, it’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this soup is guaranteed to impress. Try it out and let us know how much you love it. Happy cooking!