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Whenever I’m craving something comforting, vibrant, and downright satisfying, my go-to is this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe. It perfectly blends tender cheese-filled ravioli with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and fresh spinach, all topped with bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This dish is not only a breeze to prepare but also packs layers of flavor and texture that will have you coming back for seconds – trust me, it’s a true crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential. Each one plays a vital role in bringing this recipe to life: from the cheesy ravioli that forms a hearty base to the fresh spinach that adds a pop of color and nutrition, and the robust marinara sauce that ties it all together with a burst of savory goodness.
- Cheese ravioli (20 oz): Choose refrigerated for quick cooking and creamy filling that melts beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps gently cook the garlic and spinach.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Offers a tender, vibrant green element and a healthy dose of nutrients.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): Provides a rich, tangy tomato base that complements the ravioli perfectly.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of herbaceous sweetness to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Introduces a gentle kick for those who like a bit of spice.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded): Melts delectably, creating that irresistible golden cheese layer.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup grated): Adds sharpness and a lovely crusty finish once baked.
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, optional): For a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the ravioli
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, boil the cheese ravioli according to the package instructions, aiming for just al dente – you want them tender but still holding their shape. Drain well and set aside so they’re ready to absorb all the delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté garlic and spinach
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—this simple step wakes up the sauce with that wonderful garlicky aroma. Next, add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts down and turns a vibrant green.
Step 3: Build the sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Sprinkle in dried basil, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend all those flavors into a luscious sauce that’s bursting with Italian charm.
Step 4: Layer your bake
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer half of the cooked ravioli evenly over the sauce, then spoon half of the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella to create that rich cheesy layer. Repeat these layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella. Finally, top everything with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to meld flavors and melt cheese. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns lightly golden on top. Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes—it helps the layers set so every bite is clean and comforting.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley are wonderful garnishes. They add a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that brightens each cheesy bite. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or a crack of black pepper on top to personalize the finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette are perfect too, for sopping up every last bit of that irresistible tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins or use a cast-iron skillet to keep the bake hot at the table. Adding a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving can also elevate the flavors and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe tightly in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week without any fuss.
Freezing
This ravioli bake freezes wonderfully before baking. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, simply adding some extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to preserve the crispy cheese topping and avoid sogginess—you want to bring back that fresh-baked magic with each reheated bite. Microwaving works for a quick fix but might lose some of the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen ravioli before assembling your bake. This helps ensure even cooking and the perfect tender texture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe is a hearty vegetarian comfort dish, relying on cheese and fresh spinach for richness without any meat.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth—not overpowering—so you can easily adjust the amount or omit them based on your spice preference.
Can I add more vegetables to this bake?
Definitely! Cooked mushrooms or sautéed bell peppers make great additions, enhancing texture and flavor while keeping the recipe fresh and exciting.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce if I want to make it from scratch?
Using canned crushed tomatoes with added garlic, onion, olive oil, and herbs is an excellent homemade alternative to jarred marinara, allowing you to customize the sauce’s flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make, delightfully flavorful, and endlessly comforting. Whether you want an easy weeknight dinner or a delicious dish to share with friends, this bake is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try, and watch it earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
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Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender cheese ravioli layered with a savory spinach and marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this vegetarian casserole combines simple ingredients into a delicious, cheesy pasta bake.
Ingredients
Ravioli and Cheese
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Vegetable
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ravioli: Boil the cheese ravioli according to the package instructions until just al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking later.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the roughly chopped spinach and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it wilts.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir marinara sauce into the skillet with the spinach along with dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce, then spoon half of the marinara mixture on top, followed by half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This step ensures the dish heats through evenly and the cheese melts slowly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden for a perfect finish.
- Serve and Garnish: Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen ravioli; just ensure it is thawed before using to maintain proper texture.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked ground sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- This dish freezes well before baking. Assemble and cover tightly, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen adding additional baking time as needed.
