Why Make This Recipe

Heart-Shaped Ravioli are a fun and delightful twist on traditional pasta. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, these little pasta pieces not only look adorable but also taste delicious. Making them from scratch is a great way to impress your loved ones and enjoy a fun cooking activity together.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Ravioli

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Marinara sauce for serving

Directions:

In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs. Gradually combine everything to form a dough. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper. Set this mixture aside.
Roll out the rested dough thinly on a floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out shapes. Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture on half of the heart shapes. Top with another heart shape and seal the edges by pressing them together.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the ravioli in and cook for about 4 minutes or until they float to the top.
Drain the ravioli and serve warm with marinara sauce.

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Ravioli

Serve the Heart-Shaped Ravioli warm, topped with marinara sauce. You can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for decoration and added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Heart-Shaped Ravioli

If you have leftover ravioli, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, and they will last for up to three days. You can also freeze uncooked ravioli by laying them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Tips to Make Heart-Shaped Ravioli

Make sure your dough is thin enough when rolling it out. Thin dough cooks better and gives you that lovely texture.
Use a little bit of flour on your work surface to prevent the ravioli from sticking.
Don’t overfill the ravioli, as this can cause them to burst during cooking.
Seal the edges tightly to avoid any filling leaking out.

Variation

You can change the filling to suit your taste. Try spinach and feta, mushroom and ricotta, or even a meat filling for a different flavor profile. You can also change the shape to stars or circles for another fun look!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Just wrap it in plastic and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.

2. Can I cook the ravioli from frozen?
Yes, when you’re ready to cook the frozen ravioli, simply drop them directly into boiling water without thawing. They may take an extra minute or two to cook.

3. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! If you are short on time, you can use store-bought pasta dough. Just roll it out and cut it into heart shapes as directed in the recipe.