This Ravioli with Pears and Cheese in Cacio e Pepe Sauce is a luxurious and unique dish combining homemade ravioli filled with a mixture of pears, mascarpone, and pecorino cheese. The ravioli is bathed in a rich, buttery, and peppery sauce that creates a delightful balance of flavors. It’s a dish that feels indulgent, perfect for special occasions or when you’re in the mood for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the Dough
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2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
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Pinch of salt
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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4 large eggs (at room temperature)
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1-2 tablespoons water
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For the Filling
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3/4 pound Pecorino cheese (grated)
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3/4 cup mascarpone cheese (at room temperature)
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4 Bartlett pears (peeled, cored, and grated)
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For the Sauce
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12 tablespoons unsalted butter
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Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
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To Serve
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Grated Pecorino cheese (optional)
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Directions
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Make the Dough:
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In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Drizzle in olive oil, eggs, and water while the motor runs until the dough begins to come together. Transfer to a floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes to an hour.
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Prepare the Filling:
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In a large bowl, combine grated pears, mascarpone, and grated Pecorino cheese. If the mixture is too wet, place it in a sieve over a bowl and refrigerate for an hour to release excess liquid.
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Make the Ravioli:
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Divide the dough into three pieces. Roll one piece at a time to 1/8-inch thickness using a rolling pin or pasta machine. Cut ravioli using a form or by hand, placing 1 ½ tablespoons of filling in each ravioli. Brush edges with water, cover with a second layer of dough, and press to seal. Place on a semolina-floured baking sheet and refrigerate until needed.
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Cook the Ravioli:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ravioli until “al dente,” about 3-4 minutes.
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Make the Sauce:
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While ravioli cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add freshly cracked black pepper and toss to combine.
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Combine and Serve:
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Use a slotted spoon to transfer the ravioli to the skillet, adding a cup of pasta water. Toss gently, allowing the sauce to coat the ravioli. Serve immediately with grated Pecorino cheese and additional pepper if desired.
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Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 758 kcal
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Total Fat: 52g
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Saturated Fat: 31g
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Unsaturated Fat: 17g
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Cholesterol: 244mg
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Sodium: 899mg
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Carbohydrates: 49g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 10g
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Protein: 25g
This dish combines the sweetness of pears with the richness of the creamy cheese and the peppery kick of the Cacio e Pepe sauce, making it an indulgent yet comforting meal.
The Key Ingredients: A Perfect Harmony of Sweet and Savory
What makes this ravioli so special is the combination of ingredients that go into both the filling and the sauce.
The Dough
The dough for the ravioli is simple yet essential. Made with all-purpose flour, eggs, olive oil, and a pinch of salt, it serves as the perfect canvas to hold the rich and flavorful filling. The dough is rested to allow the gluten to relax, making it easy to roll out and form into delicate ravioli that holds up well when cooked. The texture is tender yet firm enough to encase the filling without falling apart.
The Filling: Pears, Mascarpone, and Pecorino
The ravioli filling is the heart of this dish. The pears provide a subtle sweetness, while the mascarpone offers a creamy richness, and the Pecorino cheese adds a sharp, salty contrast. Grating the pears ensures that the filling has a smooth, soft texture, allowing the sweetness of the fruit to be well incorporated into the mixture. The Pecorino cheese brings a savory depth that complements the mildness of the mascarpone and balances the sweetness of the pears, creating a perfectly harmonious filling.
The Sauce: Cacio e Pepe
The sauce for this ravioli is inspired by the classic Italian Cacio e Pepe, which is typically made with Pecorino cheese and black pepper. In this version, the sauce is made by melting unsalted butter and tossing in freshly cracked black pepper to create a simple but flavorful base. The butter adds richness and a velvety texture, while the black pepper infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic kick. The sauce enhances the ravioli, creating a creamy, buttery coating that perfectly complements the sweet and savory filling.
Finishing Touches
To finish the dish, grated Pecorino cheese is sprinkled over the ravioli before serving. The cheese adds an extra layer of richness and sharpness, further enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. A touch of freshly cracked black pepper on top elevates the dish, providing the perfect amount of spice to balance the sweetness of the pears and the richness of the cheese.
Making the Homemade Ravioli: Step-by-Step
Making ravioli from scratch might seem daunting, but the process is simple and rewarding. First, the dough is prepared by mixing flour, eggs, olive oil, and a pinch of salt, then kneading it until smooth and elastic. After letting it rest, the dough is rolled out into thin sheets and filled with the pear and cheese mixture. Once the ravioli are sealed, they are ready to be cooked in a pot of salted water. In just 3-4 minutes, the ravioli will be “al dente,” ready to be tossed in the rich Cacio e Pepe sauce.
Creating the Perfect Sauce: Butter, Pepper, and Pecorino
While the ravioli cooks, the sauce is prepared by melting butter in a skillet and adding freshly cracked black pepper. This step allows the pepper to infuse the butter, creating a rich, aromatic base. After adding a bit of pasta water to the skillet, the ravioli is gently tossed in the sauce, coating each piece with the creamy, peppery mixture. The sauce is then finished with grated Pecorino cheese and a touch of cream for extra richness. This simple yet flavorful sauce elevates the ravioli, bringing together the sweetness of the pears and the savory filling in perfect harmony.
Serving the Ravioli
Once the ravioli is coated in the rich sauce, it is ready to serve. The dish is garnished with additional grated Pecorino cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. The creamy, buttery sauce envelops the ravioli, while the added cheese provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pear filling. This dish is a showstopper, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious meal.
Pairing Suggestions: Complementing the Dish
Ravioli with Pears and Cheese in Cacio e Pepe Sauce is rich and indulgent, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Here are some pairing ideas to complete the meal:
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a perfect side, providing a light, crunchy contrast to the creamy ravioli.
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Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with arugula, mixed greens, and a lemon vinaigrette will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the ravioli.
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Light White Wine: Pair the dish with a glass of crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will complement the creamy sauce and brighten the overall flavor of the dish.
Nutritional Breakdown and Health Considerations
Ravioli with Pears and Cheese in Cacio e Pepe Sauce is a rich, indulgent dish, but it also offers a satisfying balance of macronutrients. Each serving contains approximately 758 calories, with 52 grams of fat, including 31 grams of saturated fat from the cheeses and butter. While the dish is calorie-dense, it provides a good amount of protein from the cheese and pasta, helping to keep you full and satisfied. The ravioli is also a source of carbohydrates, with 49 grams per serving, which makes it a complete and hearty meal.
The dish contains a small amount of fiber, which comes from the pears, and a modest amount of calcium, thanks to the cheeses. The freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice level of spiciness, enhancing the overall flavor while offering small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
For those looking to lighten the dish, consider reducing the amount of butter used in the sauce, or substituting some of the cream with a lighter option like milk. You can also opt for whole wheat flour for the dough to increase the fiber content.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Special Occasions
Ravioli with Pears and Cheese in Cacio e Pepe Sauce is a dish that is both indulgent and elegant, making it the perfect choice for a special occasion. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a unique and memorable dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish is a luxurious yet comforting option.
Its combination of sweet pears, rich mascarpone, and tangy Pecorino cheese creates a dish that feels indulgent without being overwhelmingly heavy. The buttery, peppery sauce ties everything together, making it the perfect pasta dish for any occasion.
Conclusion: A Luxurious and Flavorful Pasta Dish
Ravioli with Pears and Cheese in Cacio e Pepe Sauce is a show-stopping dish that combines the sweetness of pears, the richness of cheese, and the warmth of pepper into a harmonious and indulgent meal. The creamy sauce brings out the best in the homemade ravioli, making each bite a comforting experience. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion or treating yourself to a flavorful meal, it’s a perfect choice for anyone craving something unique, indulgent, and delicious.
