Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs

– **Fresh parsley** (optional, for garnish)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **Grated Parmesan cheese** (for topping, optional)
– **1 tablespoon butter** (optional for richness)

### How to Make Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs:

#### Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your ravioli to the water and cook according to the package instructions (typically 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli or a bit longer for frozen). Once cooked, drain the ravioli, reserving a small cup of the pasta water for later. Set the ravioli aside.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or pan, heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **garlic** and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Next, add the **asparagus** pieces and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften but still retain their crispness. Season with a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**.

#### Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Once the asparagus is slightly tender, add the **halved tomatoes** to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The tomatoes should start breaking down slightly, creating a light sauce for the ravioli.

#### Step 4: Toss in the Herbs
Sprinkle in your fresh or dried **oregano**, **basil**, and **parsley**. Stir everything to combine, letting the herbs infuse the sauce with their fragrance. Taste and adjust seasoning with more **salt** and **pepper** as needed.

#### Step 5: Combine with Ravioli
Once the vegetables are cooked and the sauce has come together, gently add the cooked ravioli to the pan. If the mixture is too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, silky sauce. Toss everything together so the ravioli is well-coated in the vegetable mixture.

#### Step 6: Add Butter (Optional)
For a little extra richness, stir in **1 tablespoon of butter** at this point. The butter will add a smooth, creamy texture to the dish, balancing the freshness of the vegetables.

#### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer the ravioli and vegetable mixture to serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** and **grated Parmesan cheese** for an added touch of flavor and elegance.

### Tips for Perfect Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs:

1. **Use Fresh Ravioli**: Fresh ravioli makes the dish feel lighter and more authentic, but frozen ravioli will work just fine if you’re short on time.
2. **Customize the Veggies**: Feel free to swap out the asparagus for other spring vegetables like **zucchini**, **spinach**, or **peas**. You could also add **mushrooms** for an earthy flavor.
3. **Use Fresh Herbs**: While dried herbs are fine, fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor to the dish.
4. **Make it Creamy**: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of **cream** or **milk** to the pan along with the pasta water.
5. **Top with Crushed Red Pepper**: For a little heat, try sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes on top for extra zing.

### Why You’ll Love This Dish:

– **Light and Fresh**: This dish is packed with fresh vegetables and vibrant flavors that make it a perfect choice for a light, healthy meal.
– **Comforting Yet Elegant**: The ravioli offers a comforting base, while the fresh veggies, garlic, and herbs elevate the dish to something a bit more special.
– **Customizable**: You can easily swap in different vegetables, ravioli fillings, or even add proteins like chicken or shrimp to tailor it to your taste.
– **Quick and Easy**: This meal is perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple weekend dinner, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

### Conclusion: A Simple and Flavorful Feast

**Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs** is a perfect blend of hearty pasta and fresh, vibrant vegetables, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something light and fresh or looking to impress guests with a flavorful homemade meal, this recipe delivers both in spades. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of cooking know-how, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant. So, grab some ravioli, fresh veggies, and herbs, and enjoy this refreshing, flavorful dish tonight!