There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that comes together quickly without fuss, and that’s exactly why you’re going to love this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe. It’s a delicious, vibrant casserole that combines tender cheese ravioli with sautéed fresh spinach and a flavorful tomato sauce, all melted under layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish feels like a big hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want something hearty and satisfying with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients that each bring a unique touch of flavor and texture—fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while the marinara sauce infuses everything with rich tomato goodness. The cheeses create that irresistible gooey layer everyone loves, and garlic and herbs deepen the savory notes for a balanced, comforting bake.
- Cheese ravioli (20 oz): The star of the dish, delivering soft, cheesy pockets that hold up beautifully when baked.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the garlic and spinach, adding richness and a smooth base flavor.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Brings a fragrant, savory kick that makes the dish smell irresistible.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Adds freshness and a subtle earthiness, while wilting perfectly into the sauce.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): A robust tomato sauce that ties all the ingredients together with its tang and depth.
- Dried basil (1/2 tsp): Infuses the sauce with a classic Italian herbaceous note.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): A subtle heat enhancer that you can adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt and black pepper: To season the sauce perfectly and balance flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy texture we crave.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the top layer.
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, optional): For an herbaceous garnish that brightens the dish just before serving.
How to Make Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready when your ingredients are prepped. Cook the refrigerated cheese ravioli according to the package instructions until just al dente—this means they’ll have a slight firmness, which helps them hold their shape through baking without getting mushy. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it—garlic cooks quickly and this step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Toss in the fresh chopped spinach and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts but still keeps its vibrant green color. This adds a fresh, light contrast to the rich sauce.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
To the skillet with the spinach and garlic, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in the dried basil, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes to marry all the flavors and soften the herbs. This sauce is the heart of the Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe and sets the stage for that deep, familiar Italian flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of your tomato and spinach sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent sticking and flavors the entire dish. Next, add half of the cooked ravioli in an even layer, then cover with half the remaining sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create a melty layer of cheesy goodness. Repeat these layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella, then finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top. The Parmesan adds a lovely golden crust once it’s baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to soften. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and slightly crisp around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes once out of the oven—this helps everything set perfectly so your Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe slices cleanly and all that cheesy goodness stays put.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving adds a bright, fragrant finishing touch that complements the rich tomato and cheese flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can elevate your presentation and taste even more.
Side Dishes
This bake stands well on its own as a hearty meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread amps up the meal nicely. A light Caesar salad or even a refreshing arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the bake, making your dinner feel balanced and thoughtfully complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a casual dinner, serve this bake family-style in the baking dish, letting everyone scoop out their portions dripping with melty cheese and sauce. Alternatively, portion out individual servings in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming, personalized touch. You can also top each serving with a cracked egg and pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to create a delightful baked egg effect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when tightly covered. Make sure to use an airtight container or wrap the dish well with plastic wrap and foil to preserve moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes really well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Assemble the bake as directed, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake it from frozen adding extra cooking time until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again—about 15 to 20 minutes for a portion. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a microwave-safe lid, but the oven method keeps the texture much better and melts the cheese beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen ravioli works just fine. Just be sure to thaw it before cooking as per the instructions, or cook it a bit longer when assembling the bake to ensure it’s tender and fully cooked.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe is naturally vegetarian, featuring cheeses, spinach, and tomato sauce without any meat. Feel free to add cooked mushrooms or ground vegetarian sausage for extra heartiness if you like.
What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, baby spinach or even chopped kale can be used. Just adjust the sauté time to soften the greens appropriately and wilt them well before adding the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this bake dairy-free, substitute the cheese ravioli with a dairy-free version and use plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives. The flavors will still be wonderful, and it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
How spicy is the bake with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overpowering spice. You can leave them out if you prefer a mild dish or increase slightly if you love some heat in your pasta bakes.
Final Thoughts
Simple, satisfying, and genuinely delightful, this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. With everyday ingredients and an easy method, it delivers big on flavor and comfort without the stress. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this bake is a total crowd-pleaser you’ll be so glad to have in your recipe repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this warm, cheesy Italian-American classic tonight!
Print
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 Italian-American main course perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender cheese ravioli baked in a flavorful marinara sauce with sautéed spinach and garlic, topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is both hearty and vegetarian-friendly. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a delicious and convenient pasta casserole that can be customized with additional ingredients like sausage or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Ingredients
Ravioli and Sauce
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 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
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ravioli casserole.
- Cook Ravioli: Cook the cheese ravioli according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 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. Arrange half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce, spoon half of the remaining sauce on top, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Layer Again: Repeat the layering with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen ravioli—just ensure they are thawed before assembling the dish.
- For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked ground sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- This dish freezes well before baking, making it convenient to prepare ahead of time.
