This Chicken Caprese Ravioli recipe combines tender homemade pasta, a flavorful rotisserie chicken filling, and a fresh basil-lemon sauce that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you want to impress guests with an Italian-inspired meal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of ricotta, chicken, basil, and lemon zest creates a light yet satisfying dish.
Homemade Ravioli: Simple steps to make fresh pasta dough from scratch with minimal ingredients.
Impressive Yet Simple: While ravioli looks fancy, this step-by-step guide ensures it’s easy and fun to make.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 cup very hot water
For the Filling:
3/4 cup whole milk ricotta
1 large egg
1/2 cup finely shredded store-bought rotisserie chicken
1/4 cup grated parmesan
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and very hot water.
Using a wooden spoon, mix until it forms a large ball.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Shortcut Tip: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier mixing. Gradually add water to the flour until a dough ball forms.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, shredded chicken, parmesan, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper.
Stir to combine thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Use a food processor to shred the chicken and mix the filling for a smoother texture.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
Lightly dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour.
Roll out one piece of dough into a 4x19-inch rectangle.
If the dough is sticky, add small amounts of flour as needed.
4. Fill & Seal the Ravioli
Place 9 rounded teaspoons of filling down the center of the dough, spacing each about 1 inch apart.
Fold the dough over the filling, covering it completely.
Press down around the edges of each ravioli with your fingertips to seal.
Use a knife or ravioli cutter to cut the dough into squares.
Press down around the edges again to ensure each ravioli is sealed.
Place the finished ravioli on a lightly floured baking tray and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
5. Cook the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add half the ravioli and cook until they float to the surface (about 3-4 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with the remaining ravioli.
6. Prepare the Sauce & Serve
Drizzle the olive oil over the cooked ravioli.
Add the fresh basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Gently toss the ravioli to coat in the sauce.
Serve immediately while warm.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this fresh Chicken Caprese Ravioli with a light arugula salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette.
Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh basil and lemon perfectly.
Pro Tips
Work in Batches: Keep the dough you’re not using covered to prevent it from drying out.
Ravioli Molds: For consistent results, use a ravioli mold for shaping and sealing the pasta.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze uncooked ravioli on a tray, then store in an airtight container. Boil directly from frozen when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Caprese Ravioli combines rustic Italian flavors with fresh ingredients for a dish that feels gourmet yet simple. The basil-lemon sauce is a perfect finishing touch, making every bite light, fragrant, and satisfying.
