Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna is a decadent and creamy twist on traditional lasagna, layering cheese-filled ravioli with a rich Alfredo sauce, spicy Italian sausage, and melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting baked pasta dish combines bold flavors and a luscious texture, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Mick
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Sausage and Ravioli
- 1 lb. spicy Italian sausage (ground or casings removed from links; mild can be used instead)
- 2 – 10 oz bags prepared cheese-filled ravioli (such as Rana or your favorite filling)
Sauce and Cheese
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 – 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for topping)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Nonstick spray (for baking dish and foil)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 2-quart (10×7 inch) casserole dish with nonstick spray. Place a foil-lined baking pan on the lowest oven rack to catch any drips from the lasagna.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl, leaving about a tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Alfredo Base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved sausage drippings. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream to blend with the butter.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the cream begins to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Prepare to Boil Ravioli: While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the ravioli.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Whisk the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cook Ravioli: Cook the ravioli in the boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain well using a colander.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1/3 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked ravioli, followed by half of the sausage, half of the remaining Alfredo sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the remaining ravioli, sausage, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top and Cover: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and additional red pepper flakes over the top layer. Cover the dish with foil that has been sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes more, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the layers set to avoid a runny consistency.
Notes
- Use mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
- Ensure the ravioli are well drained before layering to prevent excess moisture.
- Covering the foil with nonstick spray prevents cheese from sticking and tearing the top layer.
- Resting the lasagna is crucial for a neat slice and enhanced flavor melding.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to spice tolerance.
Keywords: Sausage Alfredo, Ravioli Lasagna, Italian casserole, baked pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, spicy sausage, mozzarella cheese