Ravioli with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This is a delicious and unique dinner that comes together surprisingly fast.  It's even pretty enough to entertain with, and takes only about 20 minutes to put together.  Here's a tip:  find jarred roasted red peppers on the cheap at TJ Maxx or similar discount stores.  They often have gourmet food sections where you can get these items for about half of what they would be in the grocery store.  

Ravioli with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil (plus a few drops for the pasta water)

1/2 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 jar roasted red peppers (13-15 oz), drained

1 Tbsp butter

1/4 cup skim milk

1 cup chicken broth (not pictured)

1 package refrigerated Ravioli (I used Buitoni spicy beef and sausage)

Salt, pepper, and fresh basil to taste

Fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Fill a large pot with water, and put on stove to boil.  Add salt and olive oil, to flavor and prevent pasta from sticking.  When the water boils, add pasta, and cook according to package directions.

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle 1 Tbsp olive oil.

After the oil has heated for a couple minutes, add the onions and garlic.  I also added a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat (totally optional).

Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5 minutes.  Meanwhile, grab your peppers.

They are usually packaged in vinegar, oil, or a combination of the two.  You'll need to drain them well.

Then place them on your cutting board and give them a rough chop.  No need to dice; everything is about to get pulverized anyway.

Now add the peppers to the skillet.

Stir and cook another five minutes.  Then transfer the pepper/onion mixture to your food processor.

Give them a spin.  I let mine go about ten seconds.  You want it to be smooth.

Now, transfer the puree back to your skillet, over low heat.  Add your butter.

Add the chicken broth.  

And add the milk.  Stir everything to combine.

Now season to taste.  I added some salt, black pepper, and some fresh basil.  Now get your sauce back up to a simmer, and it's ready to top your pasta!

Once your pasta is cooked and drained, place each serving in a shallow bowl.

Now top with the sauce, shred some fresh Parmesan on top, and there you have it!

Yes, it is as good as it looks!  Enjoy!