Lemon Asparagus Ravioli Delight
This vibrant dish, Lemon Asparagus Ravioli Delight, is a celebration of spring flavors that can brighten up any meal, any time of the year. The creamy lemon sauce brings a delightful zest, perfectly complemented by tender asparagus and savory ham. Quick to prepare yet luxurious in taste, it makes a wholesome weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added touch of freshness.
4
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen ravioli
1 lb (frozen)
Asparagus
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
Butter
1/4 cup (none)
Fresh lemon peel
1 tablespoon (zested)
Diced ham
1 cup (none)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (none)
White pepper
1 dash (none)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the frozen ravioli and asparagus, cooking for about 7 minutes or until the ravioli is tender and the asparagus is bright green and crisp. Drain well and set aside.
2
While the ravioli and asparagus are cooking, heat a separate saucepan over medium heat. In this pan, combine the milk, softened cream cheese, butter, and fresh lemon peel. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Add the diced ham, grated parmesan cheese, and a dash of white pepper to the cream mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined and the cheese melts into the sauce.
4
Gently toss the cooked ravioli and asparagus with the creamy lemon sauce until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Asparagus Ravioli Delight?
Lemon Asparagus Ravioli Delight is a vibrant spring-inspired pasta dish featuring frozen ravioli, tender asparagus, and savory ham tossed in a creamy lemon sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How long should I cook the ravioli and asparagus?
You should boil them together for approximately 7 minutes until the ravioli is tender and the asparagus is bright green.
What ingredients are in the creamy sauce?
The sauce consists of milk, softened cream cheese, butter, and fresh lemon peel.
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as fresh pasta typically cooks faster than frozen.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
No, this version contains diced ham, but you can omit the ham to make it a vegetarian dish.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 17.5g of protein per serving.
Can I substitute the diced ham?
Yes, you can substitute ham with cooked chicken, shrimp, or simply leave it out for a lighter meal.
How do I soften the cream cheese for the sauce?
You can leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for 15 seconds on low power.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of milk; whole milk or 2% milk will provide the best creaminess.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of zest?
While zest provides the best flavor, you can use a teaspoon of lemon juice if zest is unavailable, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I know when the asparagus is done?
The asparagus is done when it is bright green and crisp-tender.
What is a good substitute for white pepper?
If you do not have white pepper, a dash of ground black pepper is a suitable alternative.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, peas, spinach, or zucchini would complement the lemon and asparagus flavors nicely.
How should I store leftover ravioli?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended once the cream sauce is applied, as the sauce may separate when reheated.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of fat.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, each serving provides 2.5g of dietary fiber.
How much parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese for the sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ravioli with tortellini or a short pasta like penne or bow ties.
Why is this dish called a 'spring' recipe?
It is characterized as a spring recipe because it features fresh seasonal ingredients like asparagus and bright citrus notes from lemon.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Stir the milk, cream cheese, and butter frequently over medium heat until the mixture is completely smooth.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, boiling the ravioli and asparagus in salted water helps season the ingredients from the inside out.
What are the recommended garnishes?
You can garnish the dish with additional grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, the prep and cook time are minimal, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you would need to use plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and a nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan substitute.