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Heart-Shaped Ravioli Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Pink Vodka Sauce

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This recipe features tender homemade heart-shaped ravioli filled with a smooth ricotta and spinach mixture, paired with a luscious creamy pink vodka sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese, whole milk preferred
  • 1 cup (about 30g) fresh spinach, finely chopped and wilted
  • ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup (60ml) vodka
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Handful of fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough (about 20 minutes): On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges. When it becomes too stiff to mix, start kneading with your hands for about 8-10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour. Wrap it in plastic and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling (about 10 minutes): Wilt the spinach quickly in a dry skillet over medium heat, then squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, chopped spinach, parmesan, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Roll Out the Dough (15-20 minutes): Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Using a pasta machine or rolling pin, roll one piece into a thin sheet about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) thick. Keep the other half covered to prevent drying out. Dust the surface lightly with flour to avoid sticking.
  4. Assemble the Ravioli (about 30 minutes): Place small dollops (about 1 teaspoon or 5g) of filling evenly spaced on the dough sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each. Lay the second sheet of dough over the top, gently pressing around each filling mound to seal out air. Using the heart-shaped cutter, press down firmly to cut out each ravioli. Press the edges with your fingers or a fork to ensure a tight seal. Transfer the ravioli to a lightly floured tray to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook the Ravioli (5-7 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in the ravioli in batches, stirring gently to prevent sticking. They’re done when they float to the surface and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes (around 4-5 minutes total). Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.
  6. Make the Creamy Pink Vodka Sauce (about 15 minutes): In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor. Carefully add vodka and simmer until reduced by half (about 3-4 minutes). Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Combine & Serve: Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the pink vodka sauce, coating each piece evenly. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on the side.

Notes

If dough tears while rolling, patch with water and extra dough. Don’t rush rolling; thin pasta yields tender ravioli. Add vodka slowly to avoid flare-ups. Keep dough moist but not sticky. Use fresh ricotta and spinach for best flavor. Seal edges firmly to prevent bursting during cooking. Sauce should be simmered gently to avoid curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: heart-shaped ravioli, homemade pasta, creamy pink vodka sauce, ricotta spinach filling, Italian dinner, Valentine's Day recipe, easy ravioli, pasta recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/heart-shaped-ravioli-recipe-easy-homemade-with-creamy-pink-vodka-sauce/