Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ravioli, fresh spinach, and a rich marinara sauce, it’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (25oz) of fresh or frozen ravioli (use your favorite – Italian sausage recommended)
• 12 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Quickly sauté the spinach in a tablespoon of butter until wilted, then set it aside.
2. Step 2: Spread about 3/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce in the dish.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle a layer of parmesan cheese over the ravioli, then evenly distribute the sautéed spinach on top. Repeat by layering the remaining ravioli, followed by the remaining sauce and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper between layers to taste.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes if using fresh ravioli, or 30 minutes if using frozen. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 2 minutes to crisp the cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a layer of ricotta or mozzarella cheese between the ravioli layers.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before assembling.
• Use gluten-free ravioli to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be substituted for parsley if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover ravioli bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving is also fine for quick reheating, but may soften the crisp top layer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frozen ravioli for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought frozen ravioli works great. Just adjust the baking time as noted, baking for 30 minutes covered and then a few minutes uncovered to crisp the cheese.

Do I need to cook the ravioli before baking?

No need to pre-cook the ravioli; the baking time allows them to cook fully while absorbing the sauce and flavors.

Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is a comforting and delicious layered pasta dish combining tender ravioli, fresh spinach sautéed in butter, savory marinara sauce, and a generous amount of parmesan cheese. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, it bakes quickly to a bubbly, cheesy perfection and is garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 bag (25 oz) fresh or frozen ravioli (Italian sausage flavor recommended)
• 12 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing spinach)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Sauté Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, quickly sauté the fresh spinach in 1 tablespoon of butter until wilted, then remove from heat and set aside.
3. Layer Sauce: Spread about 3/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish creating a flavorful base.
4. First Ravioli Layer: Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce to ensure even cooking.
5. Add Cheese and Spinach: Sprinkle a portion of the shredded parmesan cheese over the ravioli, then layer with the sautéed spinach. Season lightly with cracked black pepper to taste.
6. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining ravioli on top, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle additional cracked black pepper between layers for flavor balance.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes if using fresh ravioli, or 30 minutes if using frozen ravioli, to ensure thorough cooking.
8. Crisp Cheese: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for about 2 minutes to allow the cheese on top to crisp and brown slightly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the bake, and serve hot alongside garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

• Using fresh ravioli reduces baking time and yields a slightly softer texture compared to frozen.
• Sautéing spinach before layering prevents excess moisture in the bake, keeping it from becoming watery.
• Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or other leafy greens if preferred.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes between layers if you like a bit of heat.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: ravioli bake, tomato spinach bake, easy Italian dinner, baked pasta, cheese ravioli casserole