When I need a holiday side or easy meatless main that feels a little special without taking over my evening, this slow cooker butternut squash ravioli is exactly the kind of recipe I reach for. It has that cozy-sweet, savory flavor that works surprisingly well for a Fourth of July spread, especially when you want something a little different from the usual baked pasta or potato salad. Using frozen butternut squash ravioli keeps it incredibly simple, and with just five ingredients, it is the kind of dump-and-go recipe that helps on busy days when the rest of the cookout menu already has your attention.
This ravioli pairs really nicely with grilled chicken, burgers, sausages, or a big green salad if you are serving it as a vegetarian main. For a summer gathering, I like to set it out with roasted vegetables, sweet corn, or fresh fruit so the meal feels balanced and festive. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and some crusty bread on the side make it feel even more complete.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Butternut Squash Ravioli
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 (25-ounce) bag frozen butternut squash ravioli
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired. Add the frozen butternut squash ravioli in an even layer across the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the Alfredo sauce and vegetable broth until smooth, then pour the mixture evenly over the ravioli.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and heated through.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the ravioli rest for about 10 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly. Gently spoon into bowls and serve with extra Parmesan if you like.
Variations & Tips
Add herbs: If you have a little fresh sage or thyme around, stir some in right before serving. It adds a little freshness and makes the sweet butternut squash flavor stand out even more.
Make it richer: For an extra cozy version, swap part of the vegetable broth for heavy cream. This is especially good if you are serving the ravioli as a main dish instead of a side.
Watch the cook time: Frozen ravioli can go from perfect to overly soft if they sit too long, so start checking on the earlier end of the cooking range. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, which is something I have learned the hard way on busy weeknights.
Add a little crunch: If you want more texture, top each serving with toasted breadcrumbs right before serving. That little contrast makes the whole dish feel more dinner-party worthy with almost no extra work.