Valentine’s Day Ravioletti

Introduction

These Valentine’s Day Ravioletti delicate, bite-sized pasta pillows are filled with a luscious, creamy ricotta and Parmesan mixture, making them a perfect way to celebrate love. Shaped into adorable hearts, they bring charm and romance to any meal, whether you’re preparing a special dinner for a loved one or hosting a festive gathering.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how something so small could hold so much flavor. The soft, pillowy pasta wrapped around the rich, cheesy filling is simply irresistible. What makes them even more special is their versatility—you can serve them with a light butter sauce for a delicate touch, a rich marinara for a classic feel, or a fragrant sage brown butter for a deeply comforting dish.

Homemade pasta always has a way of bringing warmth to the table, and these heart-shaped ravioletti make every bite feel like a little love letter. Whether shared over candlelight or enjoyed with friends and family, they’re a delicious way to say “I love you” through food.

Perfect for:

• Romantic Valentine’s Day dinners
• Special date nights
• Celebrating love with friends and family
• A homemade pasta-making adventure
• Impressing someone with a heartfelt dish

Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Ravioletti

Here’s why Valentine’s Day Ravioletti will be your new favorite homemade pasta dish:

• Romantic and Fun: These heart-shaped pasta pillows are adorable and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
• Creamy and Flavorful Filling: A blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon zest makes for a deliciously rich and balanced filling.
• Handmade with Love: Making fresh pasta from scratch is a rewarding and meaningful experience, especially when shared with someone special.
• Versatile Sauce Pairings: These ravioletti go well with butter and sage, marinara, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Mini and Bite-Sized: Their small size makes them easy to eat and perfect for elegant plating.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Valentine’s Day Ravioletti:

For the Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 00 flour for a silkier texture)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (as needed)

Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for best texture)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Cooking and Serving:

• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5-6 fresh sage leaves or ½ cup marinara sauce
• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese forms the heart of the filling, creating a rich and smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth to balance the ricotta’s mildness.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of zest brightens the filling and enhances the flavor.
• Nutmeg: A subtle addition that brings warmth and complexity to the filling.
• Egg in Dough and Filling: The eggs provide structure to both the pasta dough and the filling, ensuring the perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Valentine’s Day Ravioletti:

Make the Pasta Dough:

1. Form the Dough: On a clean surface or in a mixing bowl, make a mound with the flour. Create a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Add salt and olive oil.
2. Incorporate the Ingredients: Gradually mix the flour into the eggs using a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
4. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

5. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
6. Transfer to a Piping Bag: Spoon the filling into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small hole cut in one corner. This makes filling the pasta easier.

Roll Out the Pasta and Shape the Ravioletti:

7. Roll the Dough: Divide the pasta dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin sheet (about 1/16 inch thick) using a pasta machine or rolling pin.
8. Cut Out Hearts: Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pairs of pasta hearts.
9. Fill the Ravioletti: Pipe a small dot of filling onto the center of half the hearts. Place another heart on top and gently press around the filling to seal, ensuring no air is trapped.
10. Seal the Edges: Use a fork or your fingers to press the edges together firmly.

Cook and Serve the Ravioletti:

11. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the ravioletti and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the top.
12. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until fragrant. Alternatively, warm marinara sauce for a classic red sauce pairing.
13. Toss and Serve: Drain the pasta and toss it gently in the butter sauce or spoon marinara over the top. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and serve immediately.

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Ravioletti

Valentine’s Day Ravioletti can be served in various delicious ways:

• With a Butter and Sage Sauce: The richness of butter and the earthy aroma of sage complement the delicate pasta.
• With Marinara Sauce: A vibrant, tangy tomato sauce adds a classic Italian touch.
• With Creamy Alfredo: For an indulgent variation, coat the ravioletti in a luscious Alfredo sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Serve small portions as a romantic starter before the main course.
• Paired with Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti enhances the flavors beautifully.

Additional Tips for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti

• Use Fresh Ricotta: High-quality, whole-milk ricotta gives the best texture and flavor.
• Roll the Dough Evenly: Thin, uniform sheets ensure even cooking and a delicate bite.
• Don’t Overfill: A small amount of filling goes a long way—too much may cause the ravioletti to burst while boiling.
• Seal Well: Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze uncooked ravioletti in a single layer before storing in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Recipe Variations for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti

Here are 10 variations to try:

• Spinach Ricotta Ravioletti: Add finely chopped sautéed spinach to the filling.
• Mushroom Truffle Ravioletti: Mix truffle oil and finely chopped mushrooms into the filling.
• Chocolate Dessert Ravioletti: Fill with sweet ricotta and cocoa powder, then drizzle with melted chocolate.
• Goat Cheese and Honey Ravioletti: Swap ricotta for goat cheese and add a drizzle of honey.
• Lobster or Crab Ravioletti: Mix in finely chopped seafood for a luxurious touch.
• Basil Pesto Ravioletti: Add fresh basil pesto to the filling for extra herbaceous flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Ravioletti: Blend sun-dried tomatoes into the filling.
• Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce Ravioletti: Serve with a spicy tomato sauce.
• Lemon Ricotta Ravioletti: Increase the lemon zest and add a splash of lemon juice.
• Herb-Infused Dough: Knead finely chopped herbs into the pasta dough for added flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked ravioletti in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Storage: Store cooked ravioletti in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a pan with butter or sauce.

Special Equipment for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti

• Heart-shaped ravioli cutter – For creating festive, uniform heart-shaped ravioletti.
• Pasta machine – Helps roll out the dough to the perfect thinness.
• Pastry brush – For applying water or egg wash to seal the edges.
• Piping bag or small spoon – For neatly placing the filling onto the pasta dough.
• Fluted pastry wheel – Adds a decorative edge to the pasta.
• Bench scraper – Helps handle and transfer delicate dough.
• Mixing bowls – For preparing and mixing the dough and filling.

Frequently Asked Questions for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti

• How do you make homemade heart-shaped ravioletti?
  • To make homemade heart-shaped ravioletti, roll out fresh pasta dough, cut it into small heart shapes, add a filling, then seal and crimp the edges before boiling or cooking.
• What fillings work best for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti?
  • Popular savory fillings include ricotta and spinach, lobster and mascarpone, or roasted red pepper and feta. For a dessert version, chocolate, sweetened ricotta, or strawberry mascarpone are great options.
• How long does it take to cook ravioletti?
  • Fresh ravioletti usually cook in boiling water for 2-4 minutes, or until they float to the top. Frozen ravioletti may take a minute or two longer.
• What sauces pair well with Valentine’s Day Ravioletti?
  • For savory ravioletti, try a light brown butter and sage sauce, a creamy pink vodka sauce, or a classic marinara. For dessert ravioletti, a berry coulis, melted chocolate drizzle, or vanilla mascarpone sauce works beautifully.
• Can I make Valentine’s Day Ravioletti ahead of time?
  • Yes! You can make and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. Cook directly from frozen when ready to serve.

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Conclusion

Valentine’s Day Ravioletti are a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate love through homemade pasta. With their charming heart shape, creamy filling, and the option to pair them with your favorite sauces, they make for a truly special meal. Whether you’re preparing them for a romantic dinner or as a fun cooking project, these delightful little pasta pockets are sure to impress and bring joy to the table.

The best part? They’re as enjoyable to make as they are to eat! Customize them with your favorite fillings and sauces to create a dish that perfectly suits the occasion.

I’d love to see how your Valentine’s Day Ravioletti turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking!