Heart-Shaped Ravioli with Ricotta and Herbs

Name: Heart-Shaped Ravioli with Ricotta and Herbs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; Fresh herbs for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Authentic Recipes

I love making these Heart-Shaped Ravioli with Ricotta and Herbs because they bring a special touch to any meal. The combination of creamy ricotta and fresh herbs creates a delightful filling that pairs beautifully with a light sauce. Shaping the pasta into hearts adds a festive flair, turning a simple dinner into a romantic occasion. Whether for a date night or a cozy family meal, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, the satisfaction of making homemade ravioli is unbeatable!

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-08T12:41:36.645Z

When I first decided to make heart-shaped ravioli, I envisioned how special they would feel on the dinner table. After experimenting with various fillings, I found that a blend of creamy ricotta and freshly chopped herbs gave the best flavor and texture. Creating the pasta from scratch allows me to control the thickness, making sure each piece is just right.

One tip I learned along the way is to lightly dust the ravioli with flour before cooking to prevent them from sticking together. Pairing them with a light butter sauce really lets the filling shine, making every bite a delightful experience.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Delicately shaped ravioli that adds a personal touch to your table
Creamy ricotta filling complemented by fragrant herbs
Perfect for impressing guests or celebrating special occasions

      

Perfecting the Pasta Dough

The key to achieving silky-smooth pasta dough is in the kneading process. When you combine the flour, eggs, and olive oil, you want to slowly bring the flour into the wet ingredients. Knead until the dough is cohesive and elastic, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. If the dough feels dry, add a few drops of water or olive oil; if too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour. Once wrapped and rested, the dough will be easier to roll out, yielding thin, delicate sheets.

Resting the pasta dough is crucial—it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out. I typically let mine rest for 30 minutes, but for even better results, you can extend this to an hour. Covering the dough with plastic wrap helps prevent it from drying out. If you find you have leftover dough, simply refrigerate it for up to two days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.

The Art of Shaping Ravioli

When it comes to shaping your ravioli, using a heart-shaped cookie cutter adds not only visual appeal but also a touch of whimsy to your dish. Ensure the edges are well-sealed by pressing firmly without excessive force; this prevents the ravioli from bursting during cooking. If you experience difficulty sealing, a simple brush of water along the edges helps create a stronger bond. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra seal and decorative touch.

As you cut and fill the ravioli, keep in mind that fresh pasta cooks quickly. If you plan to cook them later, it's best to dust them lightly with flour and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for up to a month. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to cook, there's no need to thaw; just add them straight to boiling water.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients you need before starting your ravioli-making adventure!

For the Pasta

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fresh herbs for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure you have everything prepared and ready to use!

Instructions

Let's get started on making these delightful ravioli!

Make the Pasta Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and olive oil. Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, basil, parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Roll the Pasta

Divide the rested dough into four pieces. Roll out one piece at a time with a pasta machine or a rolling pin until it's thin. Aim for sheets about 1/8 inch thick.

Shape the Ravioli

Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the pasta sheet. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of half of the hearts. Brush the edges with water, and top with another heart-shaped pasta piece, pressing to seal.

Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon.

Prepare the Sauce

In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked ravioli and gently toss to coat.

Serve

Serve the ravioli warm, garnished with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.

Enjoy your homemade heart-shaped ravioli!

Pro Tips

For easier sealing, make sure to press out any air pockets when placing the top pasta over the filling. This will help prevent the ravioli from bursting while cooking.

Enhancing the Sauce

The buttery sauce for these ravioli is wonderfully simple, yet it can be easily upgraded. For a zesty touch, add a dash of lemon juice or zest to the melted butter just before tossing in the ravioli. This brightens the flavor profile and complements the creamy ricotta filling beautifully. Fresh herbs like sage or thyme, added to the pan while the butter melts, infuse a lovely aroma and extra depth into the dish.

If you prefer a more substantial sauce, consider adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to your butter, simmering it until slightly reduced. This creates a richer sauce that still highlights the ravioli. Keep in mind that the goal is to coat the pasta gently—too much sauce can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your heart-shaped ravioli with fresh herbs not only adds a splash of color but also enhances the dish's freshness. Chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top transforms the presentation. Additionally, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the finished dish can elevate the flavors without overpowering the delicate nature of the pasta.

For a complete meal, consider pairing these ravioli with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette. The acidity from the vinaigrette can balance the richness of the ravioli, making for a harmonious dining experience. Feel free to serve this dish as an elegant starter or as a main course, depending on the occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pasta?

Yes, store-bought lasagna sheets can be used if you're short on time. Just make sure to cut them into hearts!

→ What herbs work best in the filling?

Basil and parsley are great, but feel free to experiment with chives or oregano for additional flavor.

→ Can I freeze the ravioli?

Absolutely! Lay the uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a bag. Cook from frozen when ready.

→ How can I serve these ravioli differently?

For a different flavor, try tossing them in a light tomato sauce or a simple garlic oil instead of butter.