Discover a delicious chicken ravioli recipe with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and variations. Use store-bought pasta for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why This Chicken Ravioli Recipe Works
If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating restaurant-quality ravioli at home, this chicken ravioli recipe is your answer.
It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance—creamy, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy. Whether you’re making it entirely from scratch or using pre-made dough, you’ll find this recipe approachable for home cooks of any level.
The filling combines tender chicken, rich ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs that melt together beautifully inside soft pasta pockets. Paired with a luscious sauce, this dish becomes a show-stopper for weeknights or special dinners.
Key Ingredients & What to Choose
To craft the best homemade chicken ravioli, quality ingredients are key. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Use cooked shredded chicken breast or ground chicken for a lean and flavorful filling. |
| Cheese | Ricotta provides creaminess, while Parmesan adds a salty depth. |
| Herbs & Spices | Fresh parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and black pepper bring balance. |
| Ravioli Dough or Wonton Wrappers | Homemade dough offers authenticity, but wonton wrappers save time. |
| Sauce | Choose between Alfredo, tomato-basil, or butter-sage sauce for variety. |
For a lighter twist, use ground chicken mixed with spinach or mushrooms. If you’re short on time, store-bought ravioli stuffed with chicken and cheese can serve as a convenient alternative.
How to Prepare the Chicken Ravioli Filling
The filling is the heart of any chicken ravioli recipe. Start by cooking your chicken—either poached, grilled, or pan-seared. Once done, finely shred or mince it.
In a bowl, combine the chicken, ricotta, grated Parmesan, a pinch of nutmeg, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. For a smooth texture, pulse the mixture in a food processor for a few seconds. The result should be creamy but not runny.
Taste and adjust seasoning—this is your chance to infuse flavor before sealing it into pasta. For extra richness, add a spoonful of cream cheese or a drizzle of olive oil. This filling also works perfectly for chicken and cheese ravioli bakes or stuffed shells.
Should You Make the Dough or Use Pre-Made?
Homemade ravioli dough is simple but requires patience. To make it from scratch, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Knead until smooth, then let it rest for 30 minutes. Roll out thin sheets using a pasta machine or rolling pin.
This balance between convenience and authenticity makes the chicken ravioli recipe suitable for both busy nights and leisurely weekends.
Step-by-Step: Assemble and Cook Your Chicken Ravioli
Step 1: Prepare the surface
Lightly flour your counter or board to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Roll the dough
Aim for paper-thin sheets (about 1/16 inch).
Step 3: Add filling
Spoon small portions (about 1 teaspoon each) evenly spaced.
Step 4: Seal and cut
Press air out before sealing to prevent bursting. Cut with a ravioli stamp or knife.
Step 5: Boil
Bring salted water to a gentle boil. Drop ravioli in and cook for 3–4 minutes or until they float.
Step 6: Drain & toss
Remove with a slotted spoon and toss in butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot. Boil ravioli in batches for even cooking. This ensures your homemade chicken ravioli remains delicate and intact.
Best Sauces and Serving Ideas for Chicken Ravioli
Your sauce can elevate the entire dish. Here are a few popular choices:
| Sauce Type | Flavor Profile | Pairing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alfredo Sauce | Creamy and buttery | Perfect for rich, cheesy chicken ravioli |
| Tomato-Basil Sauce | Tangy and herby | Balances the savory filling beautifully |
| Butter-Sage Sauce | Earthy and fragrant | Ideal for a minimalist Italian presentation |
| Sun-Dried Tomato Cream | Slightly sweet and smoky | Adds depth to mild chicken flavor |
Garnish with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of truffle oil. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
Variations on the Chicken Ravioli Recipe
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or pre-made gluten-free ravioli sheets.
- Spinach Chicken Ravioli: Mix chopped spinach into the filling for added color and nutrition.
- One-Pan Ravioli Bake: Layer cooked ravioli with sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
- Mushroom-Chicken Ravioli: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for a deeper umami flavor.
Experimenting with flavors helps you keep the chicken ravioli recipe exciting each time you make it.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftover Chicken Ravioli
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place uncooked ravioli on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months.
When reheating, simmer frozen ravioli directly in boiling water for 5–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta soggy. Toss reheated ravioli with a fresh coat of sauce or butter before serving.
FAQ — Chicken Ravioli Recipe
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time.
2. What’s the best sauce for chicken ravioli?
Cream-based sauces like Alfredo or butter-sage complement the mild chicken filling perfectly.
3. Can I freeze homemade chicken ravioli?
Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer, then store in bags. Cook directly from frozen.
4. Why does my ravioli burst while boiling?
It may be overfilled or not sealed properly. Press around the edges to remove trapped air.
5. Can I bake chicken ravioli instead of boiling?
Yes! Try a chicken ravioli bake by layering cooked ravioli with sauce and cheese, then baking at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Final Thoughts on Your Chicken Ravioli Recipe
This chicken ravioli recipe is the perfect blend of tradition and simplicity. Whether you craft it entirely from scratch or take clever shortcuts, you’ll end up with a dish that’s hearty, elegant, and deeply satisfying.
From creamy fillings to flavorful sauces, each bite tells a story of Italian comfort food at its finest.
So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and create a meal that will impress every time.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
