Name: Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons butter.; 8 garlic cloves, minced.; 2 (10 oz) bags cheese-filled ravioli.; 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (ground or casings removed).; 3 cups heavy cream.; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.; 1/2-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.; Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.; Nonstick spray.

Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna combines the best of Italian comfort food. Layers of tender cheese-filled ravioli, rich Alfredo sauce, and spicy Italian sausage make this dish a filling and flavorful choice. Each bite is packed with creamy mozzarella and Parmesan, delivering a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and savory sausage. It's ideal for a cozy family dinner or any occasion when you're craving a hearty meal.

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna is it. With layers of cheese-stuffed ravioli, creamy Alfredo sauce, and spicy sausage, it's a meal that's both rich and satisfying. Let's dive into the ingredients and get ready to create this delicious dish.

INGREDIENTS

Butter: You'll need 6 tablespoons of butter to form the base of your creamy Alfredo sauce.
Garlic: Use 8 cloves of minced garlic to bring a deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Cheese-filled ravioli: Two 10-ounce bags of cheese-stuffed ravioli add a comforting, cheesy layer.
Spicy Italian sausage: One pound of ground sausage, either crumbled or removed from casings, adds a bit of heat.
Heavy cream: Three cups of heavy cream will make the Alfredo sauce rich and smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Grate 3/4 cup for a sharp, nutty taste in the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Three cups of shredded mozzarella for the ultimate gooey, cheesy topping.
Red pepper flakes: Adjust the heat level by adding between 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of these flakes.
Italian seasoning: One teaspoon of Italian seasoning enhances the dish with classic herbal notes.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Season to taste, balancing out the flavors.
Nonstick spray: Use this to coat your casserole dish, ensuring easy clean-up later.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a 10x7 casserole dish by coating it with nonstick spray.
Step 2:: In a large skillet, cook the spicy Italian sausage over medium heat until it crumbles and is fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3:: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, followed by the red pepper flakes and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken.
Step 4:: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5:: Boil the cheese-filled ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 6:: Assemble the lasagna by spreading a third of the Alfredo sauce at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the ravioli on top, followed by half of the cooked sausage, another third of the Alfredo sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7:: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, sausage, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with Italian seasoning.
Step 8:: Cover the dish with foil that has been sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this dish hot, straight out of the oven, to enjoy the gooey, melted cheese at its best.
A fresh side salad or garlic bread complements the rich flavors of the lasagna beautifully.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Helpful Notes

For a milder version, you can substitute spicy Italian sausage with mild sausage or ground beef.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply skip the sausage and add more cheese or sautéed vegetables.
Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your taste.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Michael Symon suggests always using freshly grated Parmesan for Alfredo sauce to get a creamier texture.
Chef Lidia Bastianich recommends letting the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it for cleaner slices.
Chef Giada De Laurentiis recommends using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and fontina for extra creaminess.