Description of this recipe: This recipe elevates the convenience of Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Ravioli into a gourmet-feeling meal by adding the complementary flavors of sweet onions, crispy prosciutto, bright green peas, and a generous helping of Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels special and tastes incredible.
Why you will love this recipe: You will love this recipe because it transforms a simple store-bought item into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes. The combination of salty, cheesy, and savory flavors is irresistible, and the addition of peas and prosciutto adds both texture and visual appeal. It’s a balanced and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize to your liking. The slight sweetness of the caramelized onions balances perfectly with the peppery bite of the Cacio e Pepe, while the crispy prosciutto adds a delightful crunch. Plus, the use of pasta water creates a silky, emulsified sauce that coats every ravioli perfectly. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that will impress anyone you serve it to.
Ingredients:
- 5 slices Prosciutto, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Salty Butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 medium Sweet Onion, finely diced
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- ½ cup Reserved Pasta Water, divided
- 2 packs Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Ravioli
- ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated
- Flaky Salt, to taste
- Fresh Cracked Pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. This is crucial for cooking the ravioli properly and creating flavorful pasta water.
Step 2: While the water is heating, prepare the prosciutto. Add the chopped prosciutto to a large fry pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the prosciutto is crispy and caramelized, resembling bacon. This process renders the fat and creates a delicious, crispy texture. Once crispy, remove the prosciutto from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside in a small bowl. Reserve the flavorful rendered fat in the pan.
Step 3: Add the butter and olive oil to the same pan with the rendered prosciutto fat. This combination of fats adds richness and depth of flavor. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling. Scrape up any remaining prosciutto bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor into the sauce.
Step 4: Add the finely diced sweet onion, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir to combine and continue cooking the mixture until the onions are softened and starting to slightly caramelize, about 5 minutes. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds a layer of complexity to the sauce. Be careful not to burn the onions; adjust the heat as needed.
Step 5: While the onions are cooking, add the Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Ravioli to the boiling salted water. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the ravioli begin to float and puff up.
Step 6: As the ravioli cook, add the frozen peas to the onion mixture in the pan, followed by ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through. The pasta water helps to create a light sauce and ensures the peas are cooked evenly.
Step 7: Once the ravioli start to float and puff up, immediately remove them from the boiling water using a slotted spoon, allowing a little bit of water to drip off, and add them directly into the pan with the pea and onion mixture.
Step 8: Grate the Parmigiano Reggiano over the ravioli and add another ¼ cup of pasta water. Gently toss everything together until the ravioli are well coated in the sauce. If the sauce appears dry, add another ¼ cup of pasta water and stir. The pasta water is essential for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the ravioli.
Step 9: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper before serving. The flaky salt adds a burst of saltiness, while the fresh cracked pepper provides a fragrant and spicy finish.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, such as arugula with a lemon vinaigrette, or some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for extra freshness and color. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the ravioli. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Use high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- If you don’t have prosciutto, you can use pancetta or bacon.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto and add some sautéed mushrooms.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Parmigiano Reggiano.
- To make the dish even richer, add a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche to the sauce.
- If you want to add more vegetables, consider adding some spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to the pan along with the peas.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add more pasta water to thin it out.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimate, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
Calories: 650-750 Protein: 30-35g Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion: This Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Ravioli with Peas and Prosciutto recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and smart shortcuts can create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy, cheesy, salty, and savory flavors is a crowd-pleaser, and the easy customization options allow you to adapt the recipe to your own taste preferences. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! It’s an effortless way to impress your family and friends with a gourmet-feeling dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ravioli? A1: Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically designed for Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Ravioli, you can easily substitute it with other filled pasta, such as cheese ravioli, spinach ravioli, or even butternut squash ravioli. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so you might want to adjust the other ingredients accordingly. For example, if you’re using butternut squash ravioli, consider adding some sage or nutmeg to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
Q2: I don’t have prosciutto. What can I use instead? A2: If you don’t have prosciutto on hand, you can substitute it with pancetta or bacon. Pancetta is an Italian cured pork belly that has a similar salty and savory flavor to prosciutto. Bacon, while smoked, will also add a delicious crispy and salty element to the dish. Simply cook the pancetta or bacon in the same way as the prosciutto, until crispy and caramelized. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the prosciutto altogether or add some sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture and umami flavor.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A3: While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. For example, you can chop the onion and prosciutto in advance and store them in the refrigerator. You can also cook the prosciutto until crispy and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it’s best to cook the ravioli and assemble the dish just before serving to prevent the ravioli from becoming soggy.
Q4: How can I make this recipe healthier? A4: There are several ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can use whole wheat ravioli for added fiber, reduce the amount of butter and olive oil, and add more vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. You can also use low-fat Parmigiano Reggiano or reduce the amount of cheese. Additionally, you can use turkey bacon or Canadian bacon instead of prosciutto for a lower-fat option.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A5: Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the ravioli can become mushy and the sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 1-2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to the pan to help loosen the sauce and prevent the ravioli from drying out.
