Don’t be scared! I know this recipe is called Cheese Ravioli with Ghost Pepper Vodka Sauce, and anything “ghost pepper” probably scares you silly (with good reason), but I promise this recipe is not gonna burn you to bits. Not even a little. And you can make this recipe with regular vodka if you want!
Truth be told, I was expecting it to be really zingy, but it wasn’t. There might be the tiniest hint of the babiest-size zing, but seriously, the sauce isn’t spicy. It’s just good. In fact, it’s so good, that I could literally slurp it down by the glassful spoonful. I didn’t, but I definitely considered it.
Cheese Ravioli with Ghost Pepper Vodka Sauce
While you can make the vodka sauce quicker by using canned tomatoes, I like using fresh tomatoes. The bit of extra time it takes it well worth it, my friends. The sauce ingredients cook together low and slow for a couple hours, and it’s so dang good.
Then you add the key ingredient – ghost pepper infused vodka. I discovered it at the Chesapeake Bay Distillery when visiting Virginia Beach. We absolutely fell in love with the place. I highly recommend a visit to their distillery, and better yet, their spirits. They distribute outside Virginia Beach, so look for them in your area.
Just look at this sauce. I want to dive in face first.
Once the sauce is ready, you’ll add the frozen ravioli.
Then pour the whole shebang into a baking dish.
And sprinkle on some freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake.
Just before serving, sprinkle on a little grated Parmesan, if desired.
Cheese Ravioli with Ghost Pepper Vodka Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Roma tomatoes or 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped rosemary
- 3 Tbsp chopped basil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 12 oz can tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 cup Chesapeake Bay Distillery Ghost Pepper flavored vodka can substitute with plain vodka
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 24 oz pkg mini cheese ravioli
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Core and chop tomatoes. Puree in food processor until smooth. Place in 8 qt stockpot over medium heat. Add rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, pepper, salt, sugar and tomato paste. Stir occasionally as it heats.
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Once sauce is started, warm 2 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over med-high heat. Add garlic and onion; saute for about a minute. Remove from heat. Add vodka, then cream. Return to burner over medium heat until sauce is hot, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
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Pour vodka/cream sauce into red sauce. Simmer on med-low for 1-1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Add the package of ravioli, and return to a simmer.
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Pour into large rectangular greased baking pan. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
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Bake at 350 degrees, covered for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until Parmesan cheese is browned (approximately 15 minutes).
Enjoy!
Alissa Apel says
I know I’ll want to make something close to this come late summer. My husband has tomato plants growing in our basement. We had a ton last year. I think we’ll have a lot this year as well.
Katya says
Infused with Ghost pepper vodka sauce, wow! The name alone sounds like an adventure, I cannot wait to give this a try! Thank you for sharing!
By the way, would be happy to share a bunch of recipes as well. You can visit the recipe section of our site at http://www.mumsyandbub.com
Lynn White says
This looks so yummy! The ghost pepper made me a bit nervous-habanero is as hot as I can go, but I’m going to give it a try! Thanks for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty!
Audrey says
I was leery when I saw ghost pepper, but when I saw infused vodka I knew it would be okay.
Thanks for sharing on #TastyTuesdays.
Marie says
Omgoodness, this sounds incredible! Ghost pepper vodka sauce is an incredible idea. I can’t wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing your recipe with us at Merry Monday this week!
Jay says
This looks so good!
Maja Austin says
I’ve never made vodka sauce and now I must!! This looks so delicious and I know my husband would really enjoy it. Thanks for the recipe!
Cynthia R says
Yummy, this really makes me crave pasta. We have been doing low carb but as soon as we take a cheat break, I think this recipe or something similiar will be the one!
Jeani b says
This looks like a meal I could pull off! Thanks for the recipe. I would love to have this at the next potluck.
Edye says
Oh my goodness! This looks amazing! My family loves ravioli so I’ll definitely refer this recipe in the future.
Babita says
Yummy !! Vodka sauce is one of my favorites. I like the fact that this one has a touch of spice. I have saved your recipe to make it in future.
Jhumki Nag says
I am such a fan of ravioli but never got to try at home. Now I am gonna surely try this. Thanks for sharing!!
cheryl c.` says
I love Italian food, and a vodka sauce is one of my favorites. Usually my sauce comes from a jar, though!
Brenda Haines says
I love ravioli! This recipe looks so good!
Cynthia C says
I will be looking for ghost pepper vodka. What an interesting ingredient.
shelly peterson says
This recipe looks amazing. I have never made my own sauce, would love to try this.
Nicole says
Vodka sauce is my favorite. It just has such a great flavor to it. I try to stay away from pasta, but raviolis are typically my go to.
Tami Qualls says
We eat a lot of ravioli. Sadly, it usually comes from a can. I can’t wait to make this for hubby.
Toughcookiemommy says
I absolutely love ravioli and pasta. This looks like such an appetizing and delectable dish.
Alicia Taylor says
Ghost pepper vodka? OMG! I need this in my life. That ravioli looks good, too!
carissa garabedian says
Vodka sauce is one of my kids favorite meals. I have not made it with ravioli, but that makes great sense,
I like your recipe too!
Renz says
OMG. This looks and sounds amazing. Ghost pepper vodka? I must search for it and give it a try. Def saving for later
Tee says
This sounds and looks amazing! I’m not afraid of the ingredients. I’m just terrible at cooking! I’m going to attempt this recipe!
Claudia Krusch says
I am excited to give this recipe a try. It looks so delicious I wish I could have some right now. I will have to add it to my meal plan for next week
Kristin says
Yum! This looks delish!!! Vodka sauce is my favorite!
Carol Bryant says
OOOH this sounds good. My wife is a big lover of the hot stuff, so tell me. How spicy is this? I would love to give this a try.
Ashley says
Sounds like this is really tasty and adds a little something to the traditional recipe. I am pinning for later!
Dawn Nieves says
This looks and sounds delicious!!! I NEED to try this asap!!!
Anitra Elmore says
I’m not a huge ravioli fan, but it sounds like this sauce could work on a variety of pasta. Sounds absolutely delicious.
Chastity says
Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! I’ve never made my own pasta sauce and this looks like a must.
Rebecca Bryant says
I don’t so spicy but my son would love this recipe. He must have at least 10 bottles of pepper sauce int eh fridge including ghost peppers.
Milena says
I love vodka sauce! I would love to try this vodka and see if it adds a special kick to my recipe!
Melanie Burbage says
This looks so good! I love how easy it is to make, makes for a great last minute meal when the day has gotten away from me
Jaime says
This looks amazing, and it appears my dinner invitation was lost in the mail. I’m so intrigued by the ghost pepper infused vodka and now have to figure out where I can get that near me.
Reesa Lewandowski says
OHHH this looks so delicious!!! It must have some bite to it!
Divya says
This looks delicious! We don’t cook ravioli much around here, but this vodka sauce looks like it’d be good on anything! Pasta, pizza, straight out of a bowl?!
Neely (@Neelykins) says
Oh good lord this looks amazing! I love Italian food and its for sure a weakness of mine!