Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this incredibly easy and mouth-watering Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli recipe. This classic Italian dish offers tender pasta pockets generously filled with a creamy, savory blend of fresh spinach and rich ricotta cheese, all enveloped in a luxurious sauce. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated dinner party, a cozy family meal, or a rewarding weekend cooking project, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its elegant presentation and comforting flavors. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to a gourmet experience that comes together surprisingly fast, allowing you more time to savor the moment.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for a delicious, homemade meal can be a challenge. That’s where this sensational Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli steps in as your culinary hero. Crafted to be ready in as little as 20 minutes from start to finish, it perfectly marries the convenience of quick preparation with the indulgence of authentic Italian flavors. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to slow down, relax, and truly enjoy the art of dining without the stress of extensive cooking. Prepare to create a dish that tastes like it took hours, but only requires minutes.
Why This Easy Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli Will Become Your Go-To Meal
This Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli recipe isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Effortless Preparation: The true genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By utilizing high-quality, store-bought spinach and ricotta ravioli, you bypass the labor-intensive process of making pasta from scratch. This intelligent shortcut allows you to channel your creative energy into crafting a truly exceptional, velvety sauce that elevates the entire dish, ensuring a homemade taste without the extensive time commitment. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave Italian comfort food without the fuss.
- Luxuriously Rich and Creamy Filling: The heart of this dish is its exquisite filling. The harmonious marriage of delicate spinach and creamy ricotta cheese creates a texture that is both smooth and satisfying, bursting with savory notes. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the al dente pasta and the lush, flavorful filling, making it a truly memorable culinary experience.
- Remarkably Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. While delicious on its own, it easily adapts to various tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different types of ravioli fillings, incorporate additional vegetables, or add a protein for a more substantial meal. It’s a flexible dish that you can customize time and again, ensuring it never gets boring.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its ease of preparation, this Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli presents beautifully, making it an ideal choice for entertaining guests or celebrating special occasions. Your friends and family will be convinced you spent hours in the kitchen, marveling at the sophisticated flavors and elegant presentation.
- Quick and Convenient: In under 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. This speed makes it perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but refuse to compromise on taste and quality. It’s the ultimate solution for a fast, fancy dinner.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Crafting this incredible dish begins with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli so irresistible.
- Ravioli: The foundation of our dish! For ultimate convenience and quality, opt for either fresh or frozen spinach and ricotta ravioli. Fresh ravioli, often found in the refrigerated deli section of your grocery store, tends to cook faster and offer a slightly more tender bite. Frozen varieties are excellent for stocking up and cooking directly from the freezer, providing a perfectly chewy texture. Ensure you choose a brand known for its quality filling to truly elevate your meal.
- Sauce Base – Butter and Garlic: The secret to a truly amazing sauce starts with sautéing fresh garlic in unsalted butter. This combination creates an aromatic and deeply flavorful foundation that permeates the entire sauce. The butter provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel, while the garlic infuses a pungent, sweet, and irresistible aroma, setting the stage for a gourmet experience.
- Liquid Gold – Broth and Cream:
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth): This liquid is essential for deglazing the pan and building the initial body of the sauce. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your preference. Vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy Cream: The cornerstone of our luxurious, thick sauce. Heavy cream transforms the broth into a wonderfully rich, velvety texture that coats each piece of ravioli beautifully. Its high-fat content ensures a stable and decadent sauce that won’t separate. For a slightly lighter option, half-and-half can be substituted, though it will result in a thinner consistency.
- Aromatic Seasonings:
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, Italian seasoning adds a classic, herbaceous depth that is quintessential to Italian cuisine. It provides warmth and complex herbal notes.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste, always starting with a smaller amount and adding more as needed to achieve perfect balance.
- DIY Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can easily create your own by mixing equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of high-quality grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable. Its salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor melts into the sauce, adding incredible depth and helping to thicken it slightly. For the freshest and most vibrant taste, consider grating your own Parmesan block just before serving.
- Fresh Parsley: More than just a garnish, fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a burst of herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Its slightly peppery, clean flavor brightens the entire dish, making it look as good as it tastes.
Exciting Ravioli Sauce Variations
While our creamy garlic sauce is undeniably delicious, sometimes you might want to explore other flavor profiles. The beauty of ravioli lies in its versatility, and a change in sauce can completely transform your meal. Here are some fantastic alternatives:
- Classic Marinara Sauce: For a timeless and robust option, simply warm up your favorite jarred or homemade marinara sauce. Its bright, tangy tomato base provides a wonderful contrast to the rich spinach and ricotta filling. Enhance it with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or fresh basil for added aroma.
- Indulgent Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Elevate your ravioli with a decadent Alfredo sauce. Its blend of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates an incredibly rich and velvety coating that perfectly complements the mild sweetness of the ricotta. This is an excellent choice when you’re craving something truly luxurious.
- Bright Pesto Sauce: For a lighter, herbaceous, and intensely flavorful option, toss your cooked ravioli with fresh basil pesto. The vibrant green color and fragrant aroma of basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic will awaken your palate. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can further brighten this delightful sauce.
- Simple Olive Oil and Garlic: Sometimes, less is more. Sauté plenty of thinly sliced or minced garlic in good quality extra virgin olive oil until fragrant. Toss the cooked ravioli gently in this aromatic oil, allowing the garlic to lightly crisp. Finish with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for an understated yet incredibly satisfying dish.
- Brown Butter Sage Sauce: A sophisticated and aromatic choice, browning butter until it turns a nutty, golden hue and infusing it with fresh sage leaves creates a deeply flavorful sauce. The sage becomes crispy and fragrant, offering an earthy counterpoint to the creamy ravioli.
- Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce: For a unique twist, blend roasted red peppers with a touch of cream and garlic. This creates a vibrant, slightly sweet, and smoky sauce that adds a beautiful color and complex flavor profile to your spinach and ricotta ravioli.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Creating this gourmet dish is simpler than you think, especially when you follow these easy steps. We’ll guide you through preparing the pasta and building a mouthwatering, creamy sauce.
Expert Tips for the Best Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Achieving restaurant-quality Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips:
- Embrace Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor. Always opt for fresh garlic cloves, finely sliced or minced, instead of jarred garlic. Fresh garlic offers a pungent, vibrant flavor that canned versions simply can’t replicate. Similarly, fresh parsley for garnish provides a brighter, more aromatic finish.
- Avoid Overcooking the Ravioli: The key to perfect pasta is cooking it al dente. Always follow the package instructions closely for recommended cooking times, which typically range from 3 to 5 minutes for fresh ravioli. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta and increase the risk of the delicate ricotta filling leaking out into the boiling water, diminishing both taste and texture.
- Customize Your Sauce: While heavy cream provides a wonderfully rich sauce, you can easily lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream will yield a slightly thinner but still creamy sauce. For an even lighter option, a combination of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch (slurried in cold water before adding) can create a delicate creaminess.
- Cook Ravioli in Batches: When boiling ravioli, especially if you’re making a larger quantity, avoid overcrowding the pot. Cooking in smaller batches ensures that each piece has enough space to cook evenly and prevents them from sticking together. This also helps maintain the water temperature, ensuring a consistent cook.
- Boost Your Protein: To transform this delightful side dish into a more substantial main course, consider adding a protein. Sautéed chicken breast (cubed or shredded), succulent shrimp, delicate lobster, or seared scallops are all fantastic additions that complement the creamy sauce and rich filling beautifully. Add cooked protein to the sauce during the final minutes of simmering to warm through.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t discard all your pasta water! The starchy water left over from boiling the ravioli is a secret weapon for sauce consistency. If your sauce becomes too thick while simmering or after adding the ravioli, stir in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. The starch helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a silkier texture and helping it cling better to the pasta.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers superior flavor and texture. It melts more smoothly into the sauce, providing a richer, nuttier taste compared to its pre-packaged counterpart, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before combining it with the ravioli. This is your opportunity to adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Complementary Sides: What to Serve with Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
To create a truly complete and unforgettable meal, pairing your creamy Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with thoughtful side dishes is key. Here are some fantastic suggestions to balance the richness and enhance the overall dining experience:
- Crispy Garlic Bread: No Italian pasta dish is complete without a side of warm, crusty garlic bread. Its crunchy texture and pungent garlic flavor provide a perfect counterpoint to the soft ravioli and creamy sauce. It’s also ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce! Try this Homemade Roasted Garlic Bread for an elevated experience.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vibrant vinaigrette is an excellent way to cut through the richness of the ravioli. Choose mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple lemon-herb dressing for a refreshing side. Our House Salad recipe is a perfect match.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Healthy and delicious, steamed or roasted vegetables add a touch of freshness and essential nutrients.
- Asparagus: Lightly steamed or air-fried asparagus with a squeeze of lemon offers a bright, slightly bitter contrast. Consider our Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus for a quick and flavorful option.
- Broccoli or Green Beans: Steamed broccoli florets or crisp green beans tossed with a knob of butter and a pinch of salt are simple yet satisfying. Our Easy Mixed Vegetables can inspire a variety of choices.
- Sparkling White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and fresh flavors of the ravioli.
- Simple Tomato Bruschetta: As an appetizer, bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze provides a burst of fresh, acidic flavors that awaken the palate before the main course.
- Elegant Dessert: Conclude your Italian feast with a delightful sweet treat.
- Crème Brûlée: The rich, creamy custard and caramelized sugar crust of Easy Crème Brûlée offers a sophisticated end to the meal.
- Chocolate Pear Cake: For something fruity and decadent, a slice of Chocolate Pear Cake provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast.
Storing and Reheating Your Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Enjoying leftovers of this delicious Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli is just as satisfying as the first serving, provided you store and reheat it properly to maintain its texture and flavor.
Storing Leftovers:
Once your meal has cooled to room temperature (within two hours of cooking), transfer any leftover ravioli and sauce into an airtight container. Store it promptly in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Proper sealing prevents the pasta from drying out and the sauce from absorbing unwanted odors.
To Reheat:
Reheating pasta with a cream sauce requires a gentle touch to prevent it from becoming oily or separating.
- Stovetop Method (Recommended): Place the desired portion of ravioli and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk, chicken broth, or heavy cream (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir gently and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method allows for more even heating and helps keep the pasta tender.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker option, transfer leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Add a small splash of milk or cream. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly heated. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the ravioli tough.
Freezing Cooked Ravioli:
If you’ve made a large batch or want to prepare meals in advance, cooked and sauced ravioli can be frozen.
- Preparation: Allow the cooked ravioli with sauce to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure there’s minimal air in the container to prevent freezer burn.
- Freezing Time: It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen ravioli overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat using the stovetop method described above, adding a splash of liquid to revitalize the sauce.
Explore Alternative Cooking Methods for Your Ravioli
While our stovetop method yields perfectly tender ravioli, there are other convenient ways to prepare this dish, especially if you want to diversify your cooking techniques or are short on time. Here are a couple of popular alternative methods:
Instant Pot Method: The Instant Pot is a fantastic tool for quick and efficient pasta cooking, and it can handle both fresh and frozen ravioli with ease.
- For Fresh Ravioli: You can cook fresh ravioli directly in the Instant Pot using the SAUTE function if you’re making a small batch with minimal water, or cook it in water just like on the stovetop. Alternatively, some recipes suggest cooking fresh ravioli on HIGH pressure for 0 minutes (using the “Pot-in-Pot” method) with a quick release, ensuring it doesn’t overcook.
- For Frozen Ravioli: Place frozen ravioli (without sauce) in the Instant Pot with just enough water or broth to cover. Cook on HIGH pressure for 2 minutes, then perform a quick release. Immediately drain and set aside.
- Sauce Preparation: After cooking the ravioli, you can then prepare the creamy garlic sauce directly in the Instant Pot using the SAUTE function. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked ravioli and toss to coat. This streamlines the process by using a single pot.
Oven Baked Method: For a delightful twist that results in a golden, bubbly top and a comforting casserole-like feel, baking your ravioli is a wonderful option.
- Preparation: Cook the ravioli al dente according to package instructions and drain. Prepare the creamy garlic sauce as described in the main recipe. Combine the cooked ravioli with the sauce in a large bowl, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Baking: Transfer the sauced ravioli into a baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works well for a standard recipe). You can sprinkle an additional layer of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Baking Temperature and Time: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the cheese is melted and golden, and the dish is heated through. This method is excellent for feeding a crowd or for a comforting weeknight meal with minimal last-minute fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli turns out perfectly every time:
Absolutely! While spinach and ricotta is a classic, this creamy garlic sauce is incredibly versatile. It would pair beautifully with other ravioli varieties such as mushroom ravioli for an earthy depth, a four-cheese ravioli for an extra decadent experience, or even a savory meat-filled ravioli for a heartier meal. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Yes, adding fresh vegetables is a wonderful way to boost flavor, nutrition, and visual appeal. You can incorporate vegetables like halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach (wilted into the sauce at the end), or chopped mushrooms. Sauté them along with the garlic for a few minutes to soften them before adding the broth and cream. Asparagus tips or peas can also be added during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce.
Preventing ravioli from sticking is crucial for a great texture. Here are a few tips:
- Use a large pot with plenty of water.
- Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water (it won’t make the pasta sticky, it flavors it!).
- Ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the ravioli.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary.
- Stir the ravioli gently right after adding them to the water and occasionally during cooking.
- Once cooked, drain immediately and either toss with a bit of olive oil or add directly to your sauce.
- If storing uncooked fresh ravioli, lightly dust them with flour or semolina and ensure they aren’t touching on a tray.
Spinach and ricotta ravioli is a highly adaptable pasta. Beyond our creamy garlic sauce, excellent pairings include a simple brown butter and sage sauce, a classic marinara, a light tomato cream sauce, or a vibrant basil pesto. For a minimalist approach, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and Parmesan is also delicious.
Absolutely! To make this Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli vegetarian, simply substitute the low-sodium chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth. All other ingredients are naturally vegetarian, making it an effortless switch.
Discover More Irresistible Italian Pasta Dishes
If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and rich flavors of this Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful Italian pasta recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Air Fried Ravioli: A crispy, irresistible appetizer or snack.
- Four Cheese Ravioli Pasta: Indulge in an extra cheesy pasta experience.
- Creamy Cheese and Spinach Ravioli: Another take on the classic, featuring a rich, velvety sauce.
- Creamy Tortellini Pasta: A comforting and hearty dish with delightful tortellini.
- Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: A classic baked pasta dish, perfect for family dinners.
This Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli is truly a must-try for all pasta enthusiasts seeking to infuse their meals with a touch of homemade elegance without spending hours in the kitchen. It embodies the perfect synergy of effortless preparation and exquisite taste, coming together quickly in under 30 minutes. When you’re in need of an impressive yet simple crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor and convenience, bringing this delightful spinach and ricotta ravioli to your table is the ultimate solution. Enjoy the rich, creamy textures and savory notes that define this beloved Italian staple.
Print Recipe
Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Mariam Ezzeddine
This flavorful pasta dish features premade spinach and ricotta ravioli in a savory, garlicky, creamy sauce for a quick and delicious dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 20 oz spinach and ricotta ravioli, frozen or fresh
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced
- ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spinach and ricotta ravioli according to the package instructions and set it aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and garlic, and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and let it boil for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce.
- Pour in the heavy cream and once it starts to boil, add the Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer for 2 more minutes, stirring, until the sauce is thickened and creamy. Then add the cooked raviolis and toss until warm and thoroughly coated in sauce. If the pasta looks a little dry, add about ½ cup of the cooked pasta water and toss again.
- Once done, garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic rather than jarred garlic for the best, most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Follow the package instructions carefully for cooking time, typically around 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli. Overcooking can make the ravioli mushy and cause the filling to leak out.
- Sauce Variation: For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the consistency will be thinner.
- Cook in Batches: To ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, avoid overcrowding the pot when boiling ravioli. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Add Protein: Enhance this meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, lobster, or scallops for a more filling and substantial dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 765kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 62g
|
Protein: 26g
|
Fat: 47g
|
Saturated Fat: 25g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
|
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
|
Trans Fat: 0.2g
|
Cholesterol: 170mg
|
Sodium: 1.38mg
|
Potassium: 105mg
|
Fiber: 4g
|
Sugar: 5g
|
Vitamin A: 1,131IU
|
Vitamin C: 1mg
|
Calcium: 218mg
|
Iron: 15mg