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
Scale
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.
