This small plate is stunning to taste and see. Crispy slices of browned Italian sausage are stacked atop al dente ravioli filled with butternut squash. Each skewer is lightly drizzled with basil pesto to enhance the flavor of the meat and pasta. This appetizer is a cornucopia of tastes: spicy sausage, sweet squash, and creamy pesto.
Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Raviloi Skewers
- 1 Package Butternut squash raviloi (From Trader Joe’s)
- 8 Ounces Sweet Italian sausage (Cut into 1/2 inch thick slices)
- 1 8 ounce jar Basil Pesto Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (Divided)
- Cocktail skewers
- In a 12” skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir the sausage often so it can evenly brown on all sides. Once the sausage is thoroughly cooked, remove the meat from the pan and set it on a paper towel lined plate to cool.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain the pasta immediately and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the pasta cool slightly.
- Once the sausage and pasta is cool enough to handle, begin to spear two slices of sausage and two raviolis onto the cocktail skewer. Repeat with the other skewers until all the ravioli and meat are used.
- Arrange the prepared skewers on a serving plate and drizzle the pesto sauce over the top of them.
This delicious appetizer can be messy to eat. Be sure to have plenty of napkins available when you serve this.