Homemade Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli Recipe

Forget the predictable dinner reservations and the last-minute scramble for gifts. This year, your declaration of love is going to be edible, utterly adorable, and packed with flavor! Imagine soft, tender pasta, blushing red and creamy white, shaped into perfect little hearts, and bursting with a vibrant herbed cheese filling. Drizzled with a nutty brown butter sauce, our Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli isn’t just a meal; it’s a romantic gesture, a culinary adventure, and a truly unforgettable experience all rolled into one.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a Tuesday night that deserves a little extra sparkle, this recipe is your secret weapon. It’s a delightful journey from flour to fork that promises both fun in the kitchen and gasps of delight at the dinner table. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some romantic tunes, and let’s dive into creating something truly special together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Visually Stunning & Instagram-Worthy

   Prepare for compliments! The striking red and white striped pasta, cut into heart shapes, makes for an incredibly photogenic dish that screams “made with love.” It’s a guaranteed showstopper that will impress anyone you serve it to, making it perfect for special occasions or just a delightful surprise.

2. Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

   Beyond its beauty, this Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli delivers on taste. The creamy, savory herbed cheese filling, bright with spinach, cilantro (or parsley), and a hint of garlic, perfectly complements the tender, fresh pasta. The nutty brown butter sauce ties it all together with a rich, irresistible aroma and flavor.

3. A Fun & Rewarding Culinary Project

   Making pasta from scratch, especially with creative colors and shapes, is an incredibly satisfying experience. While it requires a bit of time and love, the process itself is enjoyable, and the result is a dish that tastes infinitely better than store-bought. It’s a fantastic way to spend quality time in the kitchen, whether solo or with a partner.

4. Customizable for Your Taste Buds

   This recipe provides a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity. Not a fan of cilantro? Use parsley! Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. The basic structure allows for easy modifications, ensuring your Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli is perfectly tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients with Measurements

For the Brown Butter Sauce:

• 🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Egg Pasta Dough (White/Yellow):

• 🍝 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or pasta flour)
• 🥚 2 large eggs
• 🫒 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt

For the Beetroot Pasta Dough (Red):

• 🍝 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or pasta flour)
• 🥚 1 large egg
• 🫚 1 medium roasted or boiled beetroot (about 3-4 ounces)
• 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt

For the Herbed Cheese Filling:

• 🧀 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 🌿 1 cup fresh spinach, packed
• 🍃 ½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• 🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
• 🌶️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
• 🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe

1. Prepare the Doughs:

   First, get that vibrant red beetroot dough ready! Blend the roasted or boiled beetroot with 1 large egg until it’s super smooth. For the white dough, grab a large bowl and combine 1 ½ cups flour, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and ½ teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, mix the red pasta ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, your lovely beetroot-egg mixture, and ½ teaspoon salt. Knead each dough separately by hand for 5-7 minutes until they feel smooth and springy. Wrap both doughs tightly in plastic wrap and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes – this makes them easier to work with!

2. Whip up the Filling:

   While your beautiful doughs are resting, let’s make that scrumptious filling! In a food processor or blender, combine the softened cream cheese, packed fresh spinach, chopped cilantro or parsley, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. Pulse until everything is perfectly combined and has a wonderful, uniform texture. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – remember, this is going inside your Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli!

3. Create Striped Pasta Sheets:

   Time for some artistry! Divide each dough (white and red) into 3 equal pieces. Using your pasta machine (start at the widest setting and gradually go thinner until about setting 5 or 6) or a trusty rolling pin, roll out one piece of white dough into a thin, even sheet. Take a piece of red dough, roll it out, then use a knife or the fettuccine attachment on your pasta machine to cut thin, delicate strands from it.

4. Assemble and Roll:

   Carefully lay those beautiful red dough strands onto the thin white pasta sheet in any decorative pattern you desire – think stripes, criss-crosses, or even abstract art! Gently press them into the white dough with a rolling pin. Now, run this combined, striped sheet through the pasta machine once more to fully integrate the stripes, dusting with a little flour as needed to prevent any sticking. Repeat this process for as many striped sheets as you want for your Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli, or simply use plain sheets for the top layer.

5. Form Your Hearts:

   Lay one pasta sheet (striped side down if you’re using striped sheets for the bottom) flat on a lightly floured surface. Spoon small, lovely dollops of the herbed cheese filling onto one half of the dough, making sure to leave enough space around each dollop for cutting and sealing (about 1.5 inches apart). Lightly brush the dough in the empty spaces between and around the filling with a little water – this acts as your “glue.” Carefully place another plain or striped pasta sheet over the top, gently pressing around each filling mound to remove any air and ensure a good, secure seal.

6. Cut and Seal:

   Now for the fun part – grab your heart-shaped cookie cutter and use it to cut out individual ravioli! Press firmly to get clean edges. Gently pinch the edges of each heart-shaped ravioli to make absolutely sure they are securely sealed. Place your finished ravioli on a lightly floured baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch, to prevent any sticking. Repeat until all your dough and filling are transformed into adorable hearts!

7. Cook and Serve:

   Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli to the boiling water (don’t overcrowd the pot!) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the top and are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). While the ravioli cook, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a separate small pan over medium heat. Let it gently brown until it smells deliciously nutty – keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Add about ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water to the browned butter and stir to create a light, silky sauce.

8. Enjoy Your Romantic Dish:

   Drain the cooked ravioli gently and immediately transfer them into the pan with the glorious brown butter sauce. Toss lightly to coat each heart lovingly. Serve your beautiful Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs (like more chopped cilantro or parsley, or even some delicate basil leaves) and a dusting of grated Parmesan for a final, delightful touch! Pure love on a plate!

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

While the brown butter sauce is undeniably delicious, your Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli is a blank canvas for culinary creativity! Here are a few enchanting ways to present and serve this romantic dish:

1. Classic & Elegant: Brown Butter with Sage

   Elevate the brown butter sauce by adding 6-8 fresh sage leaves when the butter starts to brown. The sage will crisp up and infuse the butter with an incredible earthy aroma. Garnish with the crispy sage leaves and a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. A light drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze around the plate edge can add a touch of sophistication.

2. Fresh & Zesty: Lemon Herb & Olive Oil

   For a lighter, brighter take, skip the butter sauce entirely. After draining the ravioli, toss them gently with a good quality extra virgin olive oil, the zest of one lemon, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a handful of finely chopped fresh basil and chives. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick. This presentation truly highlights the fresh flavors of the pasta and filling.

3. Creamy Dream: Blush Tomato Cream Sauce

   Create a quick blush sauce by sautéing a minced shallot in olive oil, then adding a can of crushed tomatoes and a splash of white wine. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in a generous dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream until smooth and heated through. Toss your Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli in this delicate pink sauce for an extra layer of romance and flavor. Garnish with microgreens for a gourmet touch.

4. Garden Fresh: Pesto Drizzle

   For a vibrant green contrast, warm up a good quality store-bought or homemade pesto with a tablespoon of pasta water to thin it slightly. Drizzle the pesto generously over the plated ravioli. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch and a few edible flower petals (like pansies or nasturtiums) for an incredibly charming and artistic presentation. This is perfect for spring or summer evenings.

No matter which serving style you choose, always serve your Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. A side of crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce, and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, would complete your romantic meal perfectly.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Planning ahead or have leftovers of your beautiful Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli? Here’s how to store them to enjoy later:

Uncooked Ravioli:

If you’re making the ravioli in advance but not cooking them right away, proper storage is key to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.

• Refrigeration: Place the freshly formed, uncooked ravioli in a single layer on a lightly floured baking sheet (semolina flour works best here). Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Any longer and the dough might start to absorb moisture from the filling and become sticky.
• Freezing (Recommended for longer storage): This is the best method for making ahead. Arrange the uncooked ravioli in a single layer on a lightly floured baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30-60 minutes, or until the ravioli are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. When ready to cook, boil them directly from frozen (they may need an extra minute or two of cooking time). Do not thaw them before cooking, as they will become mushy and stick together.

Cooked Ravioli:

For any delightful leftovers of your Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli:

• Refrigeration: Allow the cooked ravioli to cool completely. If they are already tossed in sauce, transfer them to an airtight container. If they are plain, you can store them plain or with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat cooked ravioli in a pan with a splash of water or extra sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook, as they can become rubbery. Adding a little moisture helps keep them tender.

FAQs Sections

1. Can I make the pasta dough by hand if I don’t have a pasta machine?

   Absolutely! While a pasta machine makes the process easier and more consistent, you can certainly roll out the dough by hand using a rolling pin. Just be prepared for a bit more effort to get it very thin (almost translucent for ravioli). Dust your surface and rolling pin frequently with flour to prevent sticking.

2. What can I use instead of fresh cilantro or parsley in the filling?

   You can use other fresh herbs like chives, dill, oregano, or a mix of Italian herbs. A tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning can also work in a pinch, though fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.

3. My beetroot dough isn’t as vibrant red as I’d like. What can I do?

   The intensity of the beetroot color can vary. Ensure your beetroot is cooked until very tender for easy blending. For a deeper red, you could try adding a very small amount of natural food coloring (like beet powder) or slightly increasing the beetroot quantity, but be mindful not to make the dough too wet.

4. Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese for the filling?

   Yes, you can! Ricotta will give a slightly lighter, grainier texture to the filling. If using ricotta, ensure it’s well-drained to prevent the filling from being too watery, which could make the ravioli difficult to seal.

5. How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking together before cooking?

   Always place finished ravioli on a lightly floured (semolina flour is excellent for this) baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. If you’re storing them, freeze them on the sheet first, then transfer them to an airtight container.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?

   Making it fully vegan would require significant substitutions. You’d need egg replacers for the pasta doughs, and a plant-based cream cheese alternative for the filling. For the sauce, use a vegan butter alternative. The texture and taste would be different but achievable.

7. What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

   If your dough is too sticky, knead in a tiny bit more flour (½ teaspoon at a time) until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a few drops of water or olive oil and continue kneading until it becomes smooth and pliable. The resting period helps balance the moisture.

8. Can I freeze the herbed cheese filling?

   Yes, the herbed cheese filling can be frozen! Place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, pressing out any air. It should last for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using and stir well to combine any separated liquids.

9. My ravioli broke open during cooking. What went wrong?

   This usually indicates that the ravioli weren’t sealed properly, or they were overfilled. Ensure you press firmly around the filling to remove all air and create a strong seal. Also, avoid boiling the water too aggressively, as this can cause fragile ravioli to burst.

10. What’s the best way to cook frozen ravioli?

    Cook frozen ravioli directly from frozen – do not thaw! Add them carefully to a pot of vigorously boiling salted water. They will likely need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time compared to fresh ravioli. They are done when they float to the surface and are tender.

Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli ❤️

Indulge in a romantic culinary experience with this homemade Sweetheart Herbed Cheese Ravioli. Featuring vibrant red beetroot pasta for a touch of love, a creamy herb and cheese filling, and a delightful brown butter sauce, these heart-shaped ravioli are perfect for special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 680 kcal

Equipment

• Pasta Machine (optional, rolling pin can be used)
• Food Processor or Blender
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter
• Large Pot
• Small pan

Ingredients

  

For the Brown Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Egg Pasta Dough (White/Yellow)

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (or pasta flour)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

For the Beetroot Pasta Dough (Red)

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (or pasta flour)
• 1 large egg
• 1 medium roasted or boiled beetroot (about 3-4 ounces)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

For the Herbed Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup fresh spinach packed
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

 

• 1. Prepare the Doughs: First, make the vibrant red beetroot dough by blending the roasted or boiled beetroot with 1 large egg until very smooth. In a separate large bowl, combine the white pasta ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and ½ teaspoon salt. In another bowl, mix the red pasta ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, the beetroot-egg mixture, and ½ teaspoon salt. Knead each dough separately by hand for 5-7 minutes until they are smooth and elastic. Wrap both doughs tightly in plastic wrap and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• 2. Whip up the Filling: While the doughs are resting, prepare your delicious filling! Combine the softened cream cheese, packed fresh spinach, chopped cilantro or parsley, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and has a lovely texture.
• 3. Create Striped Pasta Sheets: Divide each dough (white and red) into 3 equal pieces. Using a pasta machine (start at the widest setting and gradually go thinner) or a rolling pin, roll out one piece of white dough into a thin sheet. Take a piece of red dough and roll it out, then use a knife or a fettuccine attachment on your pasta machine to cut thin strands from it.
• 4. Assemble and Roll: Carefully lay the red dough strands onto the thin white pasta sheet in a beautiful, decorative pattern. Gently press them into the white dough with a rolling pin. Now, run this combined, striped sheet through the pasta machine once more to fully integrate the stripes, dusting with a little flour as needed to prevent sticking. Repeat this process for as many striped sheets as you desire, or simply use plain sheets for the top layer.
• 5. Form Your Hearts: Lay one pasta sheet (striped side down if using striped sheets) flat on a lightly floured surface. Spoon small dollops of the herbed cheese filling onto one half of the dough, making sure to leave enough space around each dollop for cutting and sealing. Lightly brush the dough in the empty spaces between and around the filling with a little water. Carefully place another plain or striped pasta sheet over the top, gently pressing around each filling mound to remove any air and ensure a good seal.
• 6. Cut and Seal: Grab your heart-shaped cookie cutter and use it to cut out individual ravioli. Gently pinch the edges of each heart-shaped ravioli to make sure they are securely sealed. Place the finished ravioli on a lightly floured baking sheet to prevent sticking.
• 7. Cook and Serve: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the ravioli to the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the top and are tender. While the ravioli cook, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a separate small pan over medium heat. Let it gently brown until it smells nutty. Add about ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water to the browned butter and stir to create a light, silky sauce.
• 8. Enjoy Your Romantic Dish: Drain the cooked ravioli and gently transfer them into the pan with the brown butter sauce. Toss lightly to coat. Serve your beautiful Heart Ravioli immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs for a final touch!

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 680 Kcal
Total Carbs: 85g
Net Carbs: 78g
Fats: 38g
Protein: 25g

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