15 Homemade Ravioli Filling Recipes

Ravioli is a popular Italian dish of small pasta parcels brimming with a delicious filling. Although traditionally, ravioli is filled with a combination of ricotta, meat, cheese and vegetables, it couldn’t be easier to tailor the flavours to your tastebuds. In this jam-packed article, we’ll guide you through some of our favourite ravioli filling recipes to inspire your next dinner party, date night or cosy meal for one.

Delicious Ravioli Filling Recipes You Need To Try

Simple to make yet a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ravioli is a wonderful dish for any occasion. Our mouthwatering filling ideas include meat-based, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free recipes; there really is something for everyone!

If you’re a lover of Italian food, from pizza to pasta and more, why not pay us a visit at one of our Italian restaurants in Milton Keynes or Northamptonshire? Our menu is full of delicious Italian dishes that can be tailored to accommodate all dietary requirements. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you’d like to book a table or have any questions!

Ravioli Filling Ideas:

• Meat Ravioli Filling Ideas
• Seafood Ravioli Filling Ideas
• Cheese Ravioli Filling Ideas
• Vegetarian Ravioli Filling Ideas
• Vegan Ravioli Filling Ideas

Ravioli Making Tips:

• How To Make Ravioli Pasta
• How To Thicken Ravioli Filling
• How To Fill Ravioli
• How To Cook Ravioli Pasta
• What To Serve With Ravioli

Meat Ravioli Filling Ideas

Get ready to tantalise your tastebuds with these mouthwatering meat ravioli fillings. These recipes are all about taking classic ravioli to a whole new level, infusing each bite with a burst of tastes and textures.

1. Chicken Ravioli Filling

This one is for the chicken lovers! Hearty, herby, and delicious, this chicken ravioli filling is an excellent way to put leftover chicken meat from Sunday’s roast to good use. You can make it by chopping up your cooked chicken and combining it with mashed potatoes, freshly chopped chives, parmesan cheese, and oyster sauce before dividing the filling between your ravioli parcels. This dish is delicious when served with homemade chive butter and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese – enjoy!

2. Sausage Ravioli Filling

Versatile and enjoyable, this tasty sausage ravioli filling is bound to leave you wanting more! Imagine the tender embrace of sausage meat complemented by the earthy notes of spinach leaves, the creamy richness of ricotta and mozzarella, and the sweet and tangy richness of the fresh tomato sauce.

You even have the power to tailor this experience according to your preferences. Opt for the sweet allure of sausage meat that adds a touch of indulgence, or embark on a fiery journey by choosing spicy, tangy chorizo that promises an extra kick of excitement. Whether you buy it store-bought or create it from scratch if you have more time, this recipe caters to your busy schedule and culinary ambitions!

3. Beef Ravioli Filling

Picture this: tender, succulent beef enriched with the aromatic flavours of mortadella, all infused with the nutty senses of parmesan, luxuriously melting away in your mouth. And the best part? Creating this culinary delight is as effortless as it is tasty.

Just sauté some chopped onion, garlic, and beef in a pan until the meat turns beautifully brown. Then, combine it with the staple parmesan and mortadella in a blender. Add this to your stretchy, soft dough and cook it as usual! Add the ravioli to a sauce of your choice – we love a traditional tomato sauce – and there you have it, a warm, delectable meal for all to enjoy!

Seafood Ravioli Filling Ideas

Get ready to treat your taste buds to some seriously delicious seafood ravioli filling ideas. These recipes are not only simple to make but also packed with flavours that will totally wow your guests and leave everyone craving more. So, if you’re on the hunt for some mouthwatering seafood ravioli inspiration, look no further!

4. Prawn Ravioli

If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ve got to try this prawn ravioli filling recipe! It’s simple to make and packed with flavour, thanks to the many fresh and fragrant ingredients it calls for. All you’ll need to do is combine prawns with tomato puree, olive oil, lemon juice, egg, chopped onion and garlic, and several delicious herbs and seasonings before thoroughly mixing your ingredients. Next, the filling is divided and wrapped in thin sheets of pasta dough shaped into parcels.

5. Crab Ravioli Filling Ideas

For this delicious crab ravioli recipe, all you will need is a whole crab and some black pepper – the meat will be naturally salty, so there is no need to add any extra salt. Simply boil the crab before removing both the white and dark meat. If you’re at all unsure of the best way to do this, head over to Great British Chefs for a guide to the best method and tools to use. Mix the meat together with a dash of ground black pepper, and your filling will be ready.

Cheese Ravioli Filling Ideas

Dive into a world of cheesy decadence with our enticing array of cheese ravioli fillings. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or simply someone who thrives on comfort food, get ready to embark on a journey of flavour and texture that’s bound to leave you craving more.

6. Ricotta Ravioli Filling

This deliciously creamy cheese ravioli filling uses fresh ricotta cheese, which you can either buy from a supermarket or have a go at making yourself! If you do want to try your hand at whipping up your very own fresh ricotta, check out this simple recipe on She Loves Biscotti. To make your ravioli filling, you will combine your ricotta with grated hard Italian cheese, seasoning, and plenty of freshly chopped parsley and basil. The result is creamy, fragrant, earthy, and truly delicious.

7. Goat’s Cheese Ravioli Filling

This one’s a real crowd-pleaser. The filling brings together the creamy tang of goat’s cheese with fresh basil, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and a little crunch from pine nuts. It’s rich but fresh at the same time, and when paired with a roasted tomato and pepper sauce, the flavours really come alive. Every bite gives you that perfect mix of creamy, herby, and slightly nutty notes — comfort food with a gourmet twist.

8. Burrata Filled Ravioli

There’s something special about burrata, and it shines in this ravioli filling. Think soft, creamy cheese wrapped in delicate pasta, then lifted with a tomato sauce that’s both savoury and a little sweet. The combination is smooth, indulgent, and full of flavour without being heavy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down, savour every mouthful, and maybe even go back for seconds.

9. 3 Cheese Ravioli Filling

Get ready for a cheese lover’s dream come true! Our recipe combines parmesan, cream cheese, and goat cheese to create a medley of distinct cheesy and creamy flavours. But wait, there’s more! We’ve taken things up a notch by pairing this blend with a mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic and onions that adds a pop of colour and an aromatic punch. The creamy cheeses, the earthiness of the spinach, and the warmth of the garlic come together to create a combination that’s hard to resist.

Vegetarian Ravioli Filling Ideas

Step into the world of vegetarian ravioli and you’ll find there’s no shortage of flavour or creativity. These recipes show just how versatile and exciting vegetarian cooking can be — proof that meat-free meals can be every bit as satisfying.

10. Spinach & Ricotta Cheese Ravioli

This vegetarian spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli is a classic, combining blanched spinach, ricotta, lemon zest, and a touch of parmesan. Simple yet delicious, it is most commonly served with a rich homemade tomato sauce and sprinkled with extra cheese, of course! This dish is ideal for serving at a dinner party with guests – it’s delicious and filling and will enable you to show off your culinary skills with minimal effort!

11. Egg Yolk Filled Ravioli

The beauty of this creation lies in its simplicity; although it looks challenging and intricate, it is actually as easy to make as it is to eat. Encased within delicate sheets of pasta is a perfectly nestled egg yolk, which, with one satisfying cut, can release its smooth and tasty flavours, mingling amongst the velvety cheese. While the choice of cheese is totally up to you, we love the robust, sharp flavours of pecorino cheese that can elevate and accentuate the surrounding tastes without overpowering them. This recipe by FOOD52 is an absolute delight – why not have a go?

12. Courgette Ravioli Filling

This ravioli is filled with delicate shreds of courgette and velvety ricotta cheese, tossed in an irresistible basil-garlic sauce and then enriched with a touch of heavy cream for a luxurious dining experience.

Add the courgette to a medium-heated pan with olive oil and cook until tender. Add the garlic and cook for an extra minute to allow its flavours to integrate into the mixture. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely. Stir in your ricotta and a shred of lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper. Add this filling inside the pasta sheets and form your ravioli shapes. Create a basil and garlic mixture by blending the two ingredients with olive oil, then warm the cream in a large pan on medium heat and stir in the mix! Toss the boiled ravioli through the mixture, and there you have it.

13. Mushroom Ravioli Filling

Gorgeously nutty and creamy, this mushroom and ricotta filling for ravioli is not too heavy or overpowering and instead offers its subtle powers to deliver a silky, irresistible taste. Begin by sautéing some onions, garlic and mushrooms until they have reduced in size and softened; let the mixture cool down and then add it to a blender with ricotta and parmesan and blitz it until it is smooth like a paste, a harmony of flavours and textures that are a true delight for the senses. From here, fill your pasta and cook the ravioli for about 4 minutes to bring this masterpiece to life. Choose from many different mushroom ravioli sauces – a world of possibilities awaits, from buttery sage to rich tomato-based options; then enjoy!

Vegan Ravioli Filling Ideas

While traditional ravioli might seem inseparable from meat and dairy, our innovative creations redefine what’s possible in the world of traditional ravioli; you can even create vegan pasta sheets! Our top vegan recipes combine exactly what you’re looking for – meatless, eggless and dairy-free – without compromising flavour.

14. Spinach & Tofu Filled Ravioli

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, egg-free, lactose-free, or are simply trying your hand at plant-based cooking, this delicious vegan ravioli filling will not disappoint! Made with spinach, tofu, seasoning and vegan mozzarella, the filling is packed into ravioli parcels, which are cooked and topped with a mouthwatering garlic butter sage sauce. This dish is perfect for the whole family: it’s delicious, nutritious, and kid-friendly!

15. Butternut Squash Filling For Ravioli

Nothing says autumn comfort quite like butternut squash ravioli. The natural sweetness of roasted squash pairs beautifully with fragrant sage, while walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a splash of apple cider vinegar lifts the flavours with just the right amount of zing.

Making it is simple: roast the garlic, sage, shallots, and squash until they’re golden and aromatic, then blend everything together for a filling that’s hearty, rich, and full of depth. Honestly, it’s so flavour-packed you don’t even need a sauce — but if you want to take it up a notch, a creamy béchamel works wonders alongside it. School Night Vegan has a great vegan recipe to try at home!

How To Make Ravioli Pasta

At our Italian restaurant in Milton Keynes, all of our pasta is made from scratch – we even offer gluten-free alternatives! If you’re feeling inspired to do the same from the comfort of your home, here is a super simple ravioli pasta recipe.

What You Will Need:

• About 400g of plain flour
• 3 eggs
• Pinch of salt

The Recipe:

Prepare The Dough:
Create a mound with the flour on a clean surface or in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre, crack the eggs into the well, and add a pinch of salt. Using a fork or your hands, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.

Knead The Dough:
Begin kneading the dough by folding it over itself and pressing it down with the heel of your hand. Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat for about 8-10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Rest the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Rolling Out the Dough:
Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it thin, but not too thin that it tears easily.

Delicious Ravioli:
From here, you can fill your ravioli with whatever you like, choose from our list of the best ravioli fillings, cook the ravioli and eat until your heart’s content!

If your kitchen adventures aren’t your strong suit and you’d rather indulge in some expertly crafted, mouthwatering ravioli, we invite you to join us at our restaurant in Newport Pagnell. Let our skilled chefs take care of crafting delectable ravioli dishes that will tantalise your taste buds and provide you with a memorable dining experience.

How To Thicken Ravioli Filling

When it comes to making ravioli, there’s nothing more frustrating than a filling that’s too runny! Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to thicken up your ravioli filling to avoid difficult-to-fill and leaky parcels:

• Stick it in the fridge – put your ravioli filling in a bowl and cover it with a plate. After a couple of hours, your filling will firm up and make for a far easier time when filling your pasta.
• Use a cheesecloth – place your filling in the centre of a cheesecloth or clean dishtowel before gathering the edges and twisting them together to create a small bundle. Place the bundle in a colander in the sink and put something heavy on top of it. This will strain out excess liquid and leave you with a nice, thick filling!
• Add breadcrumbs – by adding breadcrumbs to your filling, you will make it thicker since the crumbs will soak up excess moisture. This is also a good way to bulk out your batch of ravioli filling a little, should you discover that you have not quite made enough!

How To Fill Ravioli

These delicious ravioli filling recipes are all well and good, but how do you fill ravioli? There are actually several ways in which you can do this, which you can check out below:

• Use a ravioli cutter – a ravioli cutter can be used to divide your rolled-out pasta dough into squares or circles, which you can dollop filling onto before sandwiching together or folding over to make the perfect parcels.
• Use a ravioli mould – ravioli mould trays could not be simpler to use: you simply lay a sheet of pasta dough over them, pop your filling into each well, and place another pasta sheet over the top. You will then roll over the tray with a rolling pin, and voila!
• Make tortellini – while not technically ravioli, tortellini can be made using the same pasta dough and filling and are perfect for those looking for a little challenge! You can find out how to fill tortellini over on Pasta Evangelists.

How To Cook Ravioli Pasta

Cooking ravioli is simple, but getting it just right makes all the difference. Start with a large pot of salted boiling water – think of it like seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Gently drop in your ravioli, giving them a soft stir so they don’t stick together.

Fresh ravioli only needs a few minutes to cook – usually about 3 to 4. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top. Scoop them out carefully with a slotted spoon rather than draining them all at once, which helps keep the delicate pasta intact.

From here, you can toss them straight into your sauce, drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, or simply enjoy them as they are. The key is not to overcomplicate things — let the flavours of your filling shine.

What To Serve With Ravioli

Ravioli is rich, indulgent, and full of flavour, so the best accompaniments are ones that complement without overpowering. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch, while roasted or sautéed seasonal vegetables bring out the natural sweetness of your filling.

For something heartier, a side of garlic bread or crisp focaccia is perfect for soaking up any sauce. And don’t forget a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan – sometimes the simplest touches make the biggest impact.

Simple Ravioli Filling Recipes

Ravioli is a truly delicious dish that can and should be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or dietary requirements. We hope that our ravioli filling ideas have provided you with plenty of inspiration for your next culinary concoction! For even more food inspiration, take a look at our blog page. However, if you’d rather leave the ravioli-making to the professionals, why not pay us a visit at Murati’s? Our restaurants in Milton Keynes offer a tastebud-tantalising array of menu options that you simply must try! Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions or would like to book a table. We hope to see you soon!