So Valentine’s Day is only a few days away. Do you have plans? My in-laws are actually visiting us right now, so I am sure we will have a nice dinner at home with all of us. For years (even before we had a child), my husband and I gave up going out on Valentine’s Day. All the restaurants are too crowded, it just isn’t worth it. So we either make a dinner of fun appetizers, or something a little more special. This recipe is one that will surely impress your date this year.
I think we all know that homemade trumps store bought most of the time. There is no comparison between fresh pasta and the dried stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I have a pantry stocked with the dry stuff that I use often. But for a special night or on a weekend, making it fresh is so much better. It really isn’t that hard either. Usually we just make linguini, but this time I decided to go all out and try ravioli.
There is no going back now. There is a package of ravioli that we always buy from Costco. I made that the other night, and all 3 of us couldn’t believe the difference. I am thinking of making up big batches of this stuff, and freezing it for quick weeknight meals. I made a chicken and artichoke filling, but you could do whatever you wanted. Just cheese, sausage, spinach…the options are endless. I topped ours with a roasted garlic cream sauce. It was perfect with the light filling. I have made these twice already we loved them so much!
- 10 ounces flour
- 3 large eggs
- Water
- 14 oz artichoke hearts , drained and chopped
- 6 oz chicken breast , cooked and chopped
- 1 egg , beated
- 2 cloves garlic , grated
- 1 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2/3 cup Mozarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 cloves roasted garlic , minced
- 2 tsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the pasta; In a food processor pulse the flour a few times. Add the eggs, and pluse for about 30 seconds, until it starts to form a ball. Add water (1 tsp at a time) if needed to get the dough to come together. Knead on a clean dry counter top for 1-2 minutes, until the dough is very smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- If using a pasta roller, roll through the roller at the largest setting. Then fold the ends in to meet at the end. Place through the roller 2 more times. Then start to move the settings smaller, and roll until you can see the outline of your hand through the dough.
- For the filling; Mix all of the ingredients for the filling together. Place about 1 Tbls of filling 2 inches apart on a sheet of dough. Fold the dough over to cover the filling.
- Press the air out, and seal shut, use a fork if necessary. Place on a baking sheet until ready to cook. Pasta will cook in 4-6 minutes in a large pot of boiling water.
- To make the sauce; Melt the butter in a small pot. Saute garlic for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese. Let simmer over low heat for 3 minutes.
- Garnish pasta with crushed red pepper and more Parmesan cheese
Pasta recipe from Cook's Illustrated
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Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
Mmmmmmmmmm – this sounds awesome!
a farmer in the dell says
I’d rather stay in on Valentines and eat this than go out! yum
Tracey says
We’re staying in for Valentine’s Day too though I haven’t decided what I’m making yet. I actually have some homemade ravioli set to post this week – great minds 🙂 Your filling sounds amazing!!
Ramona says
These are the kind of ravioli I can enjoy and so can my kids. I love the chicken and artichokes!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Love you made everything from scratch, Erin! This looks like such a lovely, elegant meal for my Valentine.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
There’s nothing better than homemade pasta! I love your choice of filling!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I think I just found tonight’s dinner! Love that everything is made from scratch too!
Patty says
Love these flavors together in a pasta dish- I would be thrilled to have this for a special meal;-)
Anna @ Hidden Ponies says
I still need to brave homemade pasta – this looks wonderful!
The Café Sucré Farine says
This is a wonderful idea for Valentine’s. What better way to say “I love you” than with something delicious that you made from scratch. These definitely look like a worthwhile “labor of love”!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I visited my BF in PA this past weekend and we made ravioli together for our Vday celebration. I might have to make these for myself for the actual day!
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says
wow– never had artichoke ravioli, but i can’t wait to make it!
Jen Laceda @ Tartine and Apron Strings says
I got a pasta maker for Christmas, so it’s high time I make my own pasta. Especially after I saw Jean’s and your posts! For sure, home made always trumps packaged!
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
I need to make homemade pasta soon – perhaps over the weekend! These look rich and decadent! Perfect to celebrate with your loved one!
Jean says
This looks so good. I’ve had homemade ravioli on my list of things to make for weeks but it keeps getting pushed down by other things. One of these days…yours is beautiful and definitely worthy of a special day like Valentine’s Day.
Kate@Diethood says
Oh gurrrrl homemade ravioli are da best!! That looks so, so good! Hope you guys had a great dinner. We also stay in on V-Day and stuff our faces with steak. 🙂
Anna says
I don’t have a pasta roller, can I roll it be hand? If so, is there a special method to rolling the pasta with just a rolling pin?
Erin says
A rolling pin will work just fine. Just make sure you have enough flour on the counter so it won’t stick. Enjoy!