Easy Ravioli Cream Sauce (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Sauce Base

01 - 45 g salted butter
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 16 g all-purpose flour
04 - 15 g tomato paste
05 - 0.5 g onion powder
06 - 0.5 g dried basil
07 - 0.5 g dried oregano
08 - 0.5 g mustard powder
09 - 180 ml chicken broth
10 - 360 ml half and half (half light cream, half milk)
11 - 285 g canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, juices reserved
12 - 45 g cream cheese, softened
13 - 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated
14 - a pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Pasta

15 - 570 g refrigerated ravioli

# Instructions:

01 - Gather and measure all ingredients before commencing preparation.
02 - Melt the butter in a large, high-walled skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 additional minutes. Incorporate tomato paste, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and mustard powder, stirring until blended.
03 - Gradually add the chicken broth in small increments, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Repeat the process with the half and half. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
04 - Add softened cream cheese and the drained diced tomatoes, reserving the tomato juice. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
05 - Meanwhile, cook the ravioli in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain well.
06 - Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
07 - Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the sauce with a silicone spatula until coated. Add reserved tomato juice to adjust the consistency as preferred. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Freshly diced Roma tomatoes or standard canned diced tomatoes may be used in place of tomatoes with chilies.
02 - A teaspoon of hot sauce may be added for extra depth without excessive heat.
03 - Incorporate fresh spinach or basil for added freshness.
04 - Softening cream cheese quickly: Heat 470 ml water in the microwave, then place cream cheese in the microwave to soften with residual warmth.
05 - Grate Parmesan from a block for optimal melt and flavor.
06 - Tortellini can be substituted for ravioli in equal measure.
07 - Store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible but may affect pasta texture.