Keto Italian Sausage Ravioli (No Pasta! Low-Carb & Flavor-Packed)

Looking for a cozy Italian comfort dish without the carbs? This Keto Italian Sausage Ravioli has all the hearty flavor and cheesy goodness of traditional ravioli—but without the pasta. Instead of flour-based dough, we use thin slices of cheese or low-carb wrappers to encase a rich, savory sausage filling. It’s a creative, satisfying, and surprisingly simple meal that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.

This is not just a workaround for pasta cravings—it’s a full-on flavor experience. Whether you’re missing ravioli on your keto plan or just want something different for dinner, this dish will impress without spiking your carbs.

Why This Keto Ravioli Works (Without Pasta!)

Traditional ravioli is off-limits for keto due to wheat-based pasta. But with a little creativity, we can replicate the same stuffed-pasta joy using keto-friendly ingredients. The combination of melty mozzarella “wraps” and spiced sausage filling delivers on texture and taste.

This version keeps things simple: the filling is a blend of Italian sausage, herbs, and ricotta, while the “pasta” is made using either baked cheese sheets, egg wraps, or even deli meat slices. Finished with a quick tomato-basil sauce or browned butter drizzle, you won’t miss the carbs.

Ingredients Overview: Every Component Counts
Italian Sausage

Look for uncooked Italian sausage—either mild or spicy, based on your preference. Sausage adds fat, flavor, and texture. Remove the casing and brown it well for a rich, caramelized bite.

Ricotta Cheese

Soft and creamy ricotta blends with the sausage for a luscious, cheesy center. Choose full-fat ricotta for the best texture and keto macros.

Mozzarella Cheese (for Wrappers)

Mild, stretchy mozzarella works best when melted and formed into “ravioli” wraps. You can also use slices of provolone, cheddar, or low-moisture mozzarella to create individual pockets.

Parmesan Cheese

Adds a nutty, sharp finish to the filling. Optional but recommended for extra depth.

Egg (Optional)

Some versions mix a small egg into the filling to help bind it—use this only if baking the ravioli.

Marinara Sauce

Choose a low-carb marinara with no added sugar. Brands like Rao’s and Yo Mama’s are keto-approved and bursting with flavor.

Basil & Garlic

Fresh basil adds aroma and brightness, while garlic gives depth to both the filling and sauce. Always sauté garlic briefly to mellow its sharpness.

Olive Oil or Butter

Used to sauté the sausage and garlic or finish the dish with a golden butter drizzle. Adds healthy fat and richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make keto ravioli without the pasta, using cheese or low-carb wrappers:

1. Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil.

Remove sausage from casings and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

Drain excess fat. Let cool slightly.

In a bowl, mix the cooked sausage with:

½ cup ricotta

¼ cup grated Parmesan

1 minced garlic clove

1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or ½ tsp dried)

Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

2. Create the “Pasta” Wraps
Option 1: Mozzarella Cheese Wraps (Most Popular)

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella into 3” circles. Flatten slightly.

Bake at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until melted and bubbling.

Let cool for 30 seconds, then add 1 tbsp filling in the center.

Fold over like a taco and press edges to seal. Let cool to firm up.

Option 2: Egg Wraps or Keto Tortillas

Cut into squares or circles.

Place filling in the center and fold over. Seal edges with toothpicks or a dab of egg wash.

Pan-fry briefly on each side to crisp.

Option 3: Deli Meat Wraps

Use thin slices of provolone or turkey.

Place filling in the center and fold or roll. Secure with toothpicks.

Bake or pan-sear briefly until the cheese melts slightly and holds shape.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.

Sauté 2 garlic cloves (minced) for 1 minute.

Pour in 1 cup low-carb marinara sauce and warm through.

Add torn basil leaves just before serving.

4. Finish & Serve

Plate your ravioli and spoon warm marinara over the top.

Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil.

Optional: Drizzle browned butter or pesto over instead of marinara for variety.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Pro Tips for Success

Let the cheese wraps cool before folding: They need to set slightly to hold shape.

Avoid overstuffing: 1 tablespoon of filling is ideal. Too much will break the wrap.

Use parchment paper: For melting cheese, this prevents sticking and makes folding easier.

Ingredient Swaps

Ricotta Alternatives: Try cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer, thicker filling.

Sausage Options: Use ground beef, turkey, or plant-based sausage to adjust the flavor and protein content.

Sauce Variations: Browned butter and sage, pesto, or creamy Alfredo all work beautifully here.

Add-Ins

Chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the filling

Crushed red pepper for heat

Mushrooms or caramelized onions for added umami

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is indulgent yet light on carbs, making it ideal for:

Dinner Parties

Arrange ravioli in a baking dish, spoon sauce over the top, and broil with mozzarella for a “baked ravioli” twist.

Romantic Dinner

Pair with a Caesar salad and a glass of red wine for a cozy Italian-inspired keto meal.

Meal Prep

Make a batch of ravioli and refrigerate in layers with parchment in between. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Family Dinners

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creative take on ravioli—especially with extra cheese on top.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

This ravioli keeps you in ketosis while still offering big flavor. Here’s how:

High in Healthy Fats: Cheese and sausage provide plenty of satiating fat to fuel your keto day.

Low in Carbs: Each serving contains around 4–6 net carbs depending on the wrapper and sauce.

Protein-Packed: Italian sausage and ricotta combine for a strong protein profile.

Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free and grain-free.

No Sugar: Marinara is sugar-free (as long as you use keto-approved brands).

Approximate nutrition per 3–4 ravioli (with sauce):

350–400 calories

20–25g fat

18–20g protein

4–6g net carbs

FAQ: Keto Italian Sausage Ravioli
1. What’s the best cheese for keto ravioli wrappers?

Mozzarella is best because it melts evenly and holds its shape once cooled. Provolone, cheddar, or Swiss also work but may behave differently when folding.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the ravioli, layer with parchment, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

3. Can I freeze keto ravioli?

It’s best to freeze the filling only. Cheese wrappers can get rubbery when frozen and thawed. If needed, wrap frozen ravioli in foil and reheat gently.

4. Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and swap ricotta for almond- or coconut-based soft cheese. Check labels to ensure low-carb content.

5. What sauces go best with keto ravioli?

Sugar-free marinara (classic)

Browned butter with sage

Creamy Alfredo

Garlic olive oil drizzle

Keto pesto

6. Can I air-fry them?

Yes! Place filled cheese or deli meat ravioli in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes. They’ll get crispy and golden.

7. Why are my cheese wraps too sticky or hard?

If too sticky, let them cool slightly longer before folding. If hard, they cooled too much—just pop them back in the oven for 30 seconds to soften again.

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