Embarking on a culinary journey to Italy through the art of cooking is a delightful experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean. In this article, we will explore some amazing sauce and ravioli filling recipes that will allow you to create a made - from - scratch Italian meal that you'll surely return to again and again.

Let's start with the sauces. One of the most iconic Italian sauces is the Marinara sauce. This classic sauce is simple yet full of flavor. To make it, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic taste)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by heating the olive oil in a medium - sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 - 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Another popular sauce is the Alfredo sauce. Creamy and rich, it pairs perfectly with ravioli. Here are the ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper
• A pinch of nutmeg

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium - low heat. Once the butter is melted, pour in the heavy cream. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil vigorously. After a few minutes, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Keep the sauce warm over low heat until you're ready to serve.

Now, let's move on to the ravioli fillings. A classic ricotta and spinach filling is always a winner. For this filling, you'll need:

• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of cooked and squeezed spinach (you can use frozen spinach, just thaw it and squeeze out the excess water)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper
• A pinch of nutmeg

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked spinach, egg, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This filling has a wonderful balance of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and the sharpness of Parmesan.

For a meat - based filling, a beef and veal mixture is a great option. Here are the ingredients:

• 1/2 pound of ground beef
• 1/2 pound of ground veal
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

First, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for a few minutes until they become soft. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it's translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef and veal to the skillet and break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat. In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated.

To assemble the ravioli, you can use store - bought pasta sheets or make your own. If making your own, you'll need flour, eggs, and a little water. Roll out the pasta sheets thinly. Place small spoonfuls of the filling at regular intervals on one sheet of pasta. Brush the edges of the filling with a little water. Then, place another sheet of pasta on top and press firmly around the filling to seal the ravioli. Use a knife or a ravioli cutter to cut out individual ravioli.

Cook the ravioli in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 3 - 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain the ravioli and serve them with your chosen sauce. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.

These sauce and ravioli filling recipes are not only delicious but also allow you to experience the true essence of Italian cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are easy to follow and will result in a meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start creating your own made - from - scratch Italian feast.