Baked Ravioli with Vodka Sauce

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• For the Vodka Sauce
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups vodka
• 2-28 ounce cans of crushed tomatoes
• salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry oregano
• 1 teaspoon dry thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• For the Baked Ravioli
• 1 20-ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli, boiled per manufacturer's instructions
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

In a dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the yellow onion and cook until tender, about 6-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the vodka, and cook until reduced by half, approximately 7-8 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes (juice and all). Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add salt and pepper, granulated sugar, oregano, thyme and crushed red pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
•In batches, transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Be careful, as the sauce is very hot. Cover the blender with a towel and hold as you blend. Transfer the sauce back to the dutch oven, and heat over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream, basil and parsley. Stir to combine. Continue to cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
•Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray an 9x13in baking dish with a non-stick spray. Layer the cooked ravioli on the bottom of the dish. Top with 2 1/2 cups of the vodka sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Freeze or refrigerate the remainder of your vodka sauce.
•Bake the ravioli for 8-10 minutes or until the top is bubbly and melted.
•Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!