Some dinners just click — the kind that make everyone at the table happy and have you thinking, we’re definitely making this again. This was one of those nights.
When Henry asked for “the orange squares” for dinner, I said ABSOLUTELY! And let me tell you… both kids had two servings. Even Cici cleaned her plate! That’s a dinner win in my book.
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🧡 The Dream Team Ingredients
Here’s what made this easy weeknight dinner come together in under 20 minutes:
• Giovanni Rana Organic Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Ravioli (Costco find!)
• Aidells Chicken & Apple Sausage — all natural, perfectly sweet-savory
• Alfredo Sauce (we love Trader Joe’s Alfredo)
• A few pantry staples: onion powder, garlic salt, and Parmesan cheese for extra richness
“When a dinner makes both kids happy and uses one pan less to wash, that’s a mom win!”
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How I Made It
1. Boil the Ravioli: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Once ready, cook the ravioli according to the package directions (about 4 minutes).
💡 Tip: Use a slotted spoon to lift the ravioli out instead of dumping the pot. This lets the water cool before draining.
⚠️ Bonus Tip: Don’t pour boiling water directly down the drain—it can actually burst a pipe!
2. Cook the Sausage: While the ravioli cooks, dice the Aidells Chicken & Apple sausages and sauté them in a skillet until lightly browned and caramelized. The sweetness of the apple pairs perfectly with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a bowl and set aside.
3. Warm and Boost the Alfredo:
In the same pan (don’t wash it!), pour in the Alfredo Sauce. Let it heat slowly, soaking up all those delicious browned bits from the sausage. While it warms, stir in a sprinkle of onion powder, garlic salt, and Parmesan cheese to give it that homemade, richer flavor.
4. Combine & Serve: Layer your ravioli, drizzle on the Alfredo, and top with the warm sausage pieces. Finish with another sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that final cheesy touch.
🍽️ How the Kids Eat It: On Henry’s plate, I separate everything out — ravioli on one side, sausage on another, and the Alfredo sauce in a small bowl for dipping. He loves using it like a “ravioli dunk.” For Cici’s plate, since she’s still exploring food items, she gets the ravioli and sausage plain with no sauce. Simple and perfect for her age.
Different plates, same meal — and everyone’s happy.
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Why It Works
This meal hits all the marks:
✔️ Quick and simple to make
✔️ Uses wholesome, flavorful ingredients
✔️ Kid-approved and mom-approved
✔️ Reheats beautifully for next-day lunches
It’s the perfect blend of fall comfort and easy weeknight convenience.
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📸 In the Kitchen
🥄 Recipe Card Recap
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Chicken & Apple Sausage and Alfredo Sauce
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
• 1 pkg Giovanni Rana Butternut Squash Ravioli
• 1 pkg Aidells Chicken & Apple Sausage, diced
• 1 jar Alfredo Sauce
• Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil ravioli 4 min, remove with slotted spoon.
2. Brown diced sausage in skillet, then remove to bowl.
3. Add Alfredo sauce to same pan, stir in onion powder, garlic salt, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Layer ravioli, sauce, and sausage.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan on top and serve!
Kid-friendly tips:
• Serve sauce on the side for dipping.
• Keep plain portions for younger kids.
✨ Final Thoughts
Every now and then, a meal surprises you by being so simple yet so satisfying that it becomes a new staple. This one’s definitely going into our “make again soon” rotation.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and best of all—kid-approved in every version.
Bon appétit! Love it? Let us know in the comments below! Made some tweaks? What were they?