Ravioli with Mushroom and Sausage Sauce

– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (for sautéing)
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **8 oz. mushrooms**, sliced (cremini, button, or a mix of wild mushrooms)
– **1/2 cup dry white wine** (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
– **1 cup heavy cream**
– **1/2 cup chicken broth** (or vegetable broth)
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme** (or fresh thyme, chopped)
– **1/2 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
– **Parmesan cheese** (for garnish, optional)

#### For the Ravioli:
– **1 package of ravioli** (fresh or frozen; cheese, spinach, or your choice of filling)

### How to Make Ravioli with Mushroom and Sausage Sauce

#### Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli
If you’re using **store-bought ravioli**, follow the package instructions to cook them. Most ravioli will take around **3-5 minutes** to cook in a pot of salted boiling water. Be careful not to overcook, as ravioli can become mushy if boiled for too long.

If you want to go the homemade route, you can make your own ravioli, though it requires a little more time and effort. Homemade ravioli filled with ricotta, spinach, or a mixture of meats will elevate this dish, but store-bought works just fine for a quick and satisfying meal.

Once cooked, drain the ravioli and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

#### Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **Italian sausage**, breaking it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for **5-7 minutes** until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.

#### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary. Add the chopped **onion** and sauté for about **3 minutes**, until softened and translucent. Then, add the **garlic** and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the sliced **mushrooms** to the pan and cook for **5-7 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture. The mushrooms will take on a rich, deep color as they cook down.

#### Step 4: Deglaze with Wine (Optional)
Once the mushrooms are browned, you can **deglaze the pan** with **white wine** (optional, but highly recommended for added flavor). Pour in the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any bits of sausage and vegetables. Let the wine cook off for **1-2 minutes**, reducing slightly.

#### Step 5: Add the Cream and Broth
Next, pour in the **heavy cream** and **chicken broth**, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken, about **3-4 minutes**. Add the **dried thyme** and **oregano**, and season the sauce with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

#### Step 6: Combine the Sausage and Ravioli
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked **sausage** to the pan, stirring to combine. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together. Then, carefully add the cooked **ravioli** to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit more broth or pasta water to thin it out.

#### Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well mixed, serve the ravioli on a large platter or individual plates. Garnish with freshly grated **Parmesan cheese** and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like **parsley** or **basil** for an extra burst of flavor.

### Tips for the Perfect Ravioli with Mushroom and Sausage Sauce

1. **Use High-Quality Sausage**: The sausage is a key component of this dish, so try to use good-quality **Italian sausage**. You can opt for spicy sausage if you like a little heat or mild sausage for a more subtle flavor. **Pork sausage** or **chicken sausage** work well, depending on your preference.

2. **Experiment with Mushrooms**: While white button mushrooms are a classic choice, try using a mix of wild mushrooms like **shiitake**, **cremini**, or **portobello** for a deeper, more complex flavor. You can even sauté a little garlic and herbs with the mushrooms to enhance their flavor.

3. **Customize the Sauce**: If you love a thicker sauce, you can let it reduce for longer or add a bit of **cream cheese** or **Parmesan** to thicken the mixture. For a lighter sauce, substitute some of the heavy cream with **milk** or **half-and-half**.

4. **Add Vegetables**: For extra texture and flavor, add some sautéed **spinach**, **kale**, or even roasted **red peppers** into the sauce. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients while keeping the dish balanced.

5. **Make It a One-Pot Meal**: To simplify cleanup, you can cook the ravioli directly in the sauce instead of boiling them separately. Just be sure to add a bit more liquid to the sauce, and gently toss the ravioli into the pan once it’s thickened to your liking.

6. **Serve with Garlic Bread**: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of **garlic bread** or a simple **green salad**. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

### Why You’ll Love Ravioli with Mushroom and Sausage Sauce

– **Rich and Flavorful**: The combination of savory sausage, tender mushrooms, and creamy sauce creates a rich, decadent flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the softness of the ravioli.
– **Easy and Quick**: Even with all its layers of flavor, this dish is surprisingly simple to make and doesn’t require hours of preparation. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and impressive without a lot of effort.
– **Versatile**: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a date night, or a special celebration, this dish fits any occasion. You can adjust the spice level, try different fillings for the ravioli, or even add in some extra veggies to make it your own.

### Conclusion

**Ravioli with Mushroom and Sausage Sauce** is the kind of dish that brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction to the table. With a rich, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with tender ravioli, and the hearty combination of sausage and mushrooms, this meal is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it the ultimate comfort food to enjoy any time you’re craving something special. Try it out and get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for more!