There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker supper that asks so little of you and still comes out rich, hearty, and full of flavor. This 4-ingredient Italian butter ravioli is one of those clever little weeknight recipes that feels like it has been passed around church basements and family kitchens for years, the kind of meal busy home cooks keep tucked away for evenings when everybody is hungry and time is short. The dry Italian dressing mix does all the seasoning work, while butter and Parmesan melt into the ravioli for a simple dish that tastes far more special than the short ingredient list would suggest.
Serve this ravioli with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or simple roasted broccoli to balance the richness. A basket of warm garlic bread or a slice of crusty Italian bread is mighty nice alongside for catching every buttery bit at the bottom of the bowl, and if you want to round it out further, a little dish of marinated tomatoes or fresh fruit makes the meal feel complete without adding much fuss.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Italian Butter Ravioli
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli
1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker insert with a bit of butter or nonstick spray if desired for easier cleanup.
2. Add the frozen cheese ravioli to the slow cooker in an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the ravioli.
4. Drizzle the melted butter all over the seasoned ravioli, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and heated through. Give everything a gentle stir once about halfway through cooking if your slow cooker runs hot.
6. Spoon into bowls and serve hot with a little extra Parmesan on top if you like.
Variations & Tips
Add a little sauce: If your family likes a saucier pasta, stir in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of marinara before cooking. It turns this into more of a classic ravioli supper while still keeping the easy spirit of the dish.
Make it extra cheesy: A handful of shredded mozzarella added during the last 20 minutes of cooking will give you a gooier finish. That is especially nice if you are serving youngsters or anyone who loves a baked-pasta feel.
Try meat-filled ravioli: Cheese ravioli is the easiest choice here, but beef or sausage ravioli works fine too. Just keep an eye on the saltiness, since the dressing mix and Parmesan already bring plenty of flavor.
Watch the cook time: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, and frozen ravioli can go from tender to overly soft if left too long. Start checking around the 2-hour mark so the pasta keeps its shape.
Freshen it up at the table: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the rich buttery flavor right before serving. Sometimes that little finishing touch is what makes a simple supper taste company-worthy.