Easy Ravioli with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts: Your Go-To 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Discover the ultimate weeknight hero! This incredibly easy Ravioli with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts recipe is packed with flavor, requires less than 10 ingredients, and comes together in well under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, this delicious and satisfying meal will quickly become a family favorite.
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Growing up, my dad always had a sprawling garden. To my childhood eyes, it felt enormous, mostly because each of us kids was assigned a specific row to weed. I remember waking up early on summer mornings, the air still cool and crisp, to tackle our designated section before the sun truly began its ascent and turned the task into a sweltering chore. Looking back now, with an adult’s perspective, I’m sure the garden wasn’t quite as vast as it seemed then, but the memories of those early mornings and the sheer volume of produce remain vivid.
As a child, I don’t think I fully grasped the effort or the immense value of the fresh food that came from our backyard oasis. It was simply a part of life. Dad cultivated the earth, sowing seeds and nurturing plants, while Mom transformed the bounty into delicious meals and preserved much of it through canning for the colder months. It was a cycle of nature and family effort that I took for granted.
It wasn’t until I left home and began cooking for myself that I truly started to appreciate the immense amount of work, dedication, and knowledge that goes into maintaining a thriving garden. Even more profound was the realization of the stark difference in flavor and texture between a freshly picked, homegrown vegetable and its store-bought counterpart. There’s an undeniable vibrancy and sweetness in produce harvested directly from the soil that simply can’t be replicated.
So, when my husband and I purchased our first house, a garden was high on my list of priorities. Instead of sticking solely to the familiar basics like tomatoes, zucchini, and corn – vegetables I knew well from my childhood – we decided to venture into growing a few more adventurous options. Among these new additions, one vegetable stands out vividly in my memory: Brussels sprouts.
I recall watching them sprout from the ground, tiny buds gradually growing bigger and bigger along their tall, sturdy stalks. The process was fascinating. However, when harvest time arrived, we faced a comical dilemma: we had absolutely no idea how to actually pick them! We stood there, perplexed, staring at these large, impressive stalks laden with miniature cabbage-like heads. At that point, I hadn’t even realized Brussels sprouts grew on a stalk, and despite having eaten them as an adult, I felt completely lost on how to properly separate them from their source. Thankfully, after a bit of research and a good laugh, we figured it out. That experience deepened my appreciation for this unique little green vegetable. Today, Brussels sprouts are unequivocally one of my favorites, though I must admit, we haven’t attempted to grow them again since that memorable first year.
The Perfect Weeknight Meal: Easy Ravioli with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts
What could be better than combining this now-favorite vegetable with comforting pasta in a dinner that is both incredibly easy and remarkably fast? This recipe is genuinely straightforward. Excluding staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper, you only need five core ingredients. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes! Did I mention that one of those star ingredients is fresh, tender Brussels sprouts?
I simply couldn’t get enough of this Easy Ravioli with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts. The blend of savory Italian sausage, perfectly cooked ravioli, and slightly caramelized Brussels sprouts creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly addictive. While I’m still working on convincing my kids to embrace the Brussels sprouts wholeheartedly, they happily picked around them, devouring the ravioli and sausage with enthusiasm. One of these days, I’m sure they’ll appreciate all the ingredients, right? The good news is that the leftovers are just as delightful the next day, making this an ideal dish for meal prepping or enjoying again for lunch. This truly is the perfect solution for any busy weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Ravioli Dinner
- Lightning Fast: From pantry to plate in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of primary ingredients, this recipe keeps grocery shopping simple and cooking even simpler.
- Incredible Flavor: The savory Italian sausage, tender ravioli, and slightly sweet Brussels sprouts create a balanced and deeply satisfying dish.
- One-Pan Potential: While ravioli cooks separately, the rest of the magic happens in one skillet, minimizing cleanup.
- Kid-Friendly (Mostly!): While some kids might need convincing on the Brussels sprouts, the pasta and sausage are usually a hit!
- Great Leftovers: This dish tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.
Ingredient Spotlight: Making the Most of Simple Components
Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The Ultimate Shortcut
Frozen ravioli is a game-changer for quick meals. It cooks in minutes, and its cheesy filling provides a wonderful creaminess and substance to the dish. While we’re using cheese ravioli here, feel free to experiment with other fillings like spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even meat-filled varieties to change up the flavor profile. Just ensure you follow the package directions for cooking time to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
Savory Italian Sausage: Flavor Foundation
Italian sausage brings a robust, savory, and slightly spicy kick to this dish. Whether you choose mild or hot, it adds incredible depth. Removing the casings allows the sausage to crumble and brown beautifully, releasing its flavorful fats to coat the Brussels sprouts and infuse the entire dish. Don’t skip the browning step; it’s crucial for developing that rich, caramelized flavor.
Nutrient-Packed Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious Addition
Brussels sprouts, once a much-maligned vegetable, have rightfully earned their place in the culinary spotlight. When cooked properly, they are tender, slightly sweet, and have a wonderfully earthy flavor. For this recipe, thinly slicing them ensures they cook quickly and evenly, becoming tender-crisp rather than mushy. They add essential nutrients, fiber, and a delightful texture contrast to the soft ravioli and hearty sausage.
Broth and Parmesan: The Finishing Touches
A splash of chicken or vegetable broth deglazes the pan, capturing all those delicious browned bits from the sausage and creating a light, flavorful sauce. It helps the Brussels sprouts soften and melds all the flavors together. Finally, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami finish that truly elevates the dish.
Tips for Success and Variations
- Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: Frozen ravioli cooks very quickly. Pay close attention to the package instructions to avoid a mushy texture.
- Sauté Brussels Sprouts Until Tender-Crisp: You want them to retain a slight bite. Cooking them too long will make them soft.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking the Brussels sprouts for an extra boost of greens. Cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced mushrooms would also be excellent additions.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free option.
- Garlic Lover? Add a clove or two of minced garlic to the skillet after the sausage is browned and before the Brussels sprouts.
Serving Suggestions
This ravioli dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A crusty piece of garlic bread or a warm focaccia would also be perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. For a more elegant touch, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the flavors beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Ravioli with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through.
Looking for more delicious and quick meal ideas? Here are some other ravioli recipes you’ll love:
- Ravioli with Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce (perfect for cozy fall weather!)
- Baked Ravioli (a comforting pasta favorite that’s great for feeding a crowd)
- Mushroom Ravioli with Parmesan Chive Sauce (a semi-homemade delight that’s absolutely worth the minimal extra effort!)
And discover these other fantastic ravioli recipes from around the web:
- Quick and Easy Ravioli and Spinach Lasagna from Melanie Makes
- Almond Crusted Baked Ravioli from Lemons for Lulu
- Light Creamy Pesto Ravioli from Barbara Bakes
Easy Ravioli with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts trimmed and thinly sliced
- salt and pepper
- 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ravioli and cook precisely according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns, until it is fully cooked through and golden, about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- To the skillet with the cooked sausage, add the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and develop a tender-crisp texture. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for an additional minute or two until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the broth has slightly reduced.
- Add the reserved cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring the ravioli is well coated with the sausage and Brussels sprouts mixture. Serve immediately, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh crack of black pepper.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts.
Nutrition Information
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