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
Scale
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.
