If you are looking for a dazzling twist on comfort food, this Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine layers of tender cheese-filled ravioli mingled with a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, spiced up with a generous amount of Italian sausage and a hint of red pepper flakes for that perfect gentle kick. This dish combines the best of classic lasagna and creamy ravioli, delivering a warm, satisfying meal that’s ideal for serving a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s truly a standout in any pasta lover’s recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this dish shine, and thankfully, each one plays a straightforward yet essential role to build layers of flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible melty cheese texture.
- Spicy Italian sausage (1 lb): The backbone of flavor, add heat and savory richness, but you can swap for mild if you prefer less spice.
- Cheese-filled ravioli (2 bags, 10 oz each): Creamy and delicate, these pockets of cheese hold the whole dish together beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (8, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the Alfredo sauce with its aromatic warmth.
- Butter (6 tablespoons): Creates the silky base for the sauce, adding richness and depth.
- Heavy cream (3 cups): The lush, velvety texture that defines Alfredo sauce and keeps every bite smooth.
- Grated parmesan cheese (3/4 cup): Adds sharp, nutty flavor that balances the cream and meats.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups): Melts beautifully on top to provide that golden, gooey cheese layer everyone craves.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2-2 tsp): Adjust to your heat preference to give the dish a subtle spicy lift.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Sprinkled over the top, it infuses the final bake with classic herbaceous notes.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential to season and round out all the flavors perfectly.
- Nonstick spray: Keeps your casserole dish clean and your lasagna intact after baking.
How to Make Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees and spraying a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray to ensure your lasagna slides out easily after baking. Don’t forget to place a foil-lined baking sheet on the lowest oven rack to catch any potential drips – this step saves cleanup stress later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks into small crumbles so it cooks evenly through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned sausage to a bowl, leaving a tablespoon of the flavorful drippings in the pan for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce
Over medium-low heat, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage drippings. Sauté just until fragrant, around 30 seconds, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine everything into a silky base. Add red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly over about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Alfredo Sauce
Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the grated parmesan cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more red pepper flakes if you like it spicier. Meanwhile, get your pot of salted water boiling to cook the ravioli.
Step 5: Cook the Ravioli
Follow the package instructions to cook the cheese-filled ravioli until tender. Once cooked, drain carefully and set aside, ready to be layered into the lasagna.
Step 6: Assemble the Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
To start layering, spoon 1/3 cup of Alfredo sauce to coat the bottom of your casserole dish. Then add half of your ravioli in an even layer, followed by half the cooked sausage, half the remaining Alfredo sauce, and scatter half the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, sausage, sauce, and mozzarella for a decadent finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the assembled lasagna, and if you want a bit more heat, add some extra red pepper flakes. Cover the dish with foil sprayed with nonstick spray (this prevents the foil from sticking to the cheesy top) and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to let everything set perfectly and avoid a runny mess on your plate.
How to Serve Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce. For a little extra zing, a light dusting of additional parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can make each plate feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty lasagna pairs wonderfully with simple green sides like a crisp Caesar salad or steamed broccoli to add bright freshness. Garlic bread or focaccia is also a classic companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation. Or layer it right in clear glass baking dishes so everyone can admire those beautiful layers before digging in. For parties, consider turning it into mini casseroles or even stuffed ravioli cups for finger-friendly bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge before proceeding with the bake steps.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. For the best texture, remove the cover near the end to allow the cheese on top to crisp back up.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of spicy in this recipe?
Absolutely! Mild sausage works well and lets you control the heat level, or you can increase red pepper flakes instead if you want to keep the spice but lower fat content.
What kind of ravioli is best for this lasagna?
Cheese-filled ravioli works wonderfully here because the creamy filling complements the Alfredo sauce perfectly, but feel free to experiment with spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled ravioli for variety.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it before assembling your lasagna.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for layered taste and texture.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
The lasagna is done when the edges are bubbling, the cheese on top has browned slightly, and it has had time to rest for 10-15 minutes so the layers set up nicely before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy, and deeply flavorful homemade lasagna, and this Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe takes that experience up a notch with its creamy sauce and pasta pockets. It’s a recipe designed to impress guests, feed a family, or simply treat yourself to a delectable meal that feels like a hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring layers of cheese-filled ravioli, spicy Italian sausage, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce. This comforting lasagna combines the convenience of ravioli with the indulgent flavors of garlic butter cream sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, finished with Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb. spicy Italian sausage (ground or casings removed from links; mild can be used instead)
Cheese & Dairy
- 2 – 10 oz bags prepared cheese-filled ravioli (such as Rana or similar, choose your favorite filling)
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings & Others
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for topping)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Nonstick spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bakeware: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 2-quart (10×7 inch) casserole dish with nonstick spray. Line a baking pan with foil and place it on the lowest rack in the oven to catch any spills during baking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles, until fully cooked through and browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate bowl, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Alfredo Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium-low. To the skillet with the reserved sausage drippings, add 6 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking continuously to combine the butter and cream smoothly.
- Season and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Boil Water for Ravioli: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the ravioli.
- Add Parmesan to Sauce and Adjust Seasonings: Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until fully incorporated. Taste the Alfredo sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cook the Ravioli: Cook the cheese-filled ravioli according to the package instructions, usually boiling for 3 to 5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the ravioli well.
- Assemble Lasagna Layers: Spread about 1/3 cup of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish to coat it lightly. Layer half of the cooked ravioli in the dish, then evenly distribute half of the cooked sausage, followed by half of the Alfredo sauce, and top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining ravioli, sausage, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella.
- Add Seasoning on Top: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the top of the assembled lasagna. Add additional red pepper flakes on top if you prefer extra heat.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil that has been sprayed with nonstick spray on the underside to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese on top is nicely browned.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the ravioli lasagna to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the dish to set, preventing it from being too runny when served.
Notes
- Using spicy Italian sausage adds a flavorful kick, but mild sausage can be substituted for less heat.
- Be sure to spray the underside of the aluminum foil before covering to prevent melted cheese from sticking.
- Resting the lasagna after baking is crucial to achieving clean slices and preventing the sauce from running.
- Feel free to customize the ravioli filling to your preference, such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom varieties.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the Alfredo a little longer before assembling.
