Keto Italian Sausage Ravioli – Low-Carb, High-Flavor Comfort Food

Introduction

Craving ravioli on a low-carb or keto diet? This Keto Italian Sausage Ravioli recipe lets you enjoy all the savory, cheesy, herb-filled goodness of traditional ravioli — without the carbs. Instead of pasta dough, we use thin slices of mozzarella cheese or homemade keto dough to wrap a rich, flavorful Italian sausage filling.

Each bite delivers the bold flavors of garlic, fennel, and tomato, with a creamy ricotta texture and a hint of Italian herbs. It’s comfort food reimagined — easy to prep, gluten-free, and freezer-friendly too.

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Ingredients Overview

This keto ravioli swaps high-carb pasta for low-carb alternatives, but keeps the flavor authentic and satisfying.

For the Ravioli Shells:

• Mozzarella Cheese Slices: Pre-sliced low-moisture mozzarella works best for easy melting and folding.

• OR

• Keto Pasta Dough (optional): Made with almond flour, egg, and psyllium husk or cheese-based fathead dough.

For the Filling:

• Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy, removed from casing and browned. Pork, chicken, or turkey sausage all work.

• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling.

• Grated Parmesan: For umami depth and richness.

• Minced Garlic & Onion Powder: For classic Italian flavor.

• Dried Italian Herbs: Oregano, basil, fennel seeds (optional).

• Salt & Pepper: To season everything just right.

For Serving:

• Low-Carb Marinara Sauce: Choose one with no added sugar (Rao’s or homemade).

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional garnish.

• Extra Parmesan: Always welcome.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat:

• Cook ½ lb Italian sausage (casings removed) until browned and crumbled.

• Add 1 clove minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds more.

• Let cool slightly, then mix in:

  • ⅓ cup ricotta cheese

  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Set aside to cool completely before assembling.

2. Prepare the Keto “Pasta” Shells

Option A – Cheese-Based Shells:

• Place sliced mozzarella (2”–3” squares) on parchment paper.

• Air fry or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until the edges just start to melt and soften.

Option B – Keto Dough Shells:

• Mix ¾ cup almond flour, 1 tbsp psyllium husk, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt. Roll out thin between parchment.

Cut into 2.5” squares or rounds using a cookie cutter or knife.

3. Fill and Fold the Ravioli

• Add 1 tsp of the sausage-ricotta filling to the center of each melted cheese square or dough circle.

• Fold over (diagonally or square) and press edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges if using dough.

• For cheese shells: Let cool 1–2 minutes so they firm up after folding.

4. Reheat and Crisp (Optional)

To get a golden, crispy finish:

• Air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes, OR

• Pan-fry gently in butter or olive oil for a crisp exterior.

5. Serve

• Plate ravioli with warm low-carb marinara sauce.

• Sprinkle with fresh basil, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Keto Ravioli:

• Don’t overfill — too much filling will burst the wrapper.

• Let melted cheese cool 10–15 seconds before folding, but not too long or it will harden.

• Seal edges tightly to prevent leaking when reheating.

Delicious Variations:

• Spinach Ricotta Ravioli: Skip sausage and add sautéed spinach + nutmeg to the filling.

• Pepperoni Pizza Ravioli: Use pepperoni + mozzarella + marinara inside.

• Mushroom Sausage Filling: Add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms to the sausage mixture.

Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free? Use dairy-free cheese slices and almond ricotta.

• Nut-Free? Use coconut flour-based dough or only cheese-based shells.

• No sausage? Sub in ground beef, turkey, or crumbled tofu for a meatless version.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

These keto sausage ravioli are perfect for:

• Low-carb family dinners

• Meal prepping (freeze before or after cooking)

• Special occasions — serve as a fancy appetizer or main

• Quick weeknight comfort food without the carb crash

Pair with:

• Zucchini noodles or a green salad

• Roasted broccoli or garlic green beans

• A glass of dry red wine or sparkling water with lemon

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is:

• Keto and low-carb friendly

• Gluten-free

• High in protein and healthy fats

• Free of refined flours or sugars

Estimated per 3 ravioli (cheese shells):

• Calories: ~250

• Protein: ~16g

• Fat: ~20g

• Carbs: ~4g net

• Fiber: ~1g

You can adjust based on the type of sausage, cheese, and dough used.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I freeze keto ravioli?
Yes! Freeze before or after cooking. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.

Q2: What cheese works best for the wrappers?
Pre-sliced low-moisture mozzarella or provolone works best. Avoid fresh mozzarella — it’s too wet.

Q3: Can I boil these like traditional ravioli?
No — cheese-based ravioli won’t hold up in boiling water. Instead, bake or air fry.

Q4: How do I keep the ravioli from sticking?
Use parchment paper, and let the cheese cool slightly before folding so it doesn’t cling to your fingers.

Q5: Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for 5–8 minutes or pan-sear in butter or oil until crispy.

Q6: Are these good for meal prep?
Definitely. Assemble ahead of time and store in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Q7: What dipping sauces go well?
Low-carb marinara, garlic butter, pesto, or creamy Alfredo are all delicious options.

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