Creamy Ravioli
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying, look no further than this creamy ravioli recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a plate of creamy goodness that will impress your family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the details!
Why It’s My Go-To
This creamy ravioli is my go-to recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use fresh or frozen ravioli, which means you can have it on hand whenever the craving strikes. The creamy sauce, enhanced by the flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, elevates the dish to a whole new level. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup, making it a winner in my kitchen!
What You’ll Gather
To create this delicious creamy ravioli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup fresh basil (chopped)
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following tools handy:
- Large pot – for boiling the ravioli.
- Skillet – to create the creamy sauce.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Colander – for draining the ravioli.
Creamy Ravioli — Do This Next
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this creamy ravioli.
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli and 7-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the ravioli in a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Incorporate Spinach
Add the roughly chopped baby spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7: Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Make It Your Way
Feel free to customize this creamy ravioli recipe to suit your taste preferences! Here are some ideas:
- Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Incorporate other vegetables such as mushrooms or peas.
- Use different types of cheese ravioli, such as mushroom or spinach, for a unique twist.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
While making this creamy ravioli is straightforward, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcooking the Ravioli: Keep a close watch on the cooking time to prevent mushy ravioli. They should be tender but not falling apart.
- Burning Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so be sure to sauté it over medium heat and watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Thick Sauce: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of pasta water or additional cream to reach your desired consistency.
Storage Pro Tips
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead of time, here are some storage tips:
- Store leftover creamy ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked ravioli in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Creamy Ravioli Q&A
Can I use a different type of ravioli?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with any type of ravioli, whether it’s cheese, meat, or vegetable-filled. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and then add the cooked ravioli.
What can I serve with creamy ravioli?
This creamy ravioli pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine for a delightful meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This creamy ravioli is perfect for meal prepping. Just portion out the servings in advance, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go throughout the week.
Serve & Enjoy
Once your creamy ravioli is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, topped with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—a perfect way to treat yourself or impress your guests. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet night in or serving it at a dinner party, this creamy ravioli is bound to be a hit.
Now that you have this easy, delicious recipe in your back pocket, I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Creamy Ravioli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli and 7-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the ravioli in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the roughly chopped baby spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- This dish is great for meal prep; just portion out servings in advance.
