Creamy Tomato Spinach Ravioli

$- 12 oz fresh or frozen ravioli (cheese or spinach-filled) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of white wine for depth - Sun-dried tomatoes for added sweetness - Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme - Large pot for boiling ravioli - Large skillet for sautéing - Wooden spoon for mixing - Measuring cups and spoons - Colander for draining ravioli - Knife and cutting board for chopping Gather these items before you start. Having everything ready makes cooking fun and smooth. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add the ravioli. Cook the ravioli based on the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. After cooking, drain the ravioli in a colander. Make sure to save a few tablespoons of pasta water. Set the ravioli aside while you make the sauce. Grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. You want it to smell nice but not burn. Next, stir in the drained diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it is warm. Now, toss in the chopped spinach. Cook it for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and shrinks. Now it's time to make it creamy. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well. You should see the sauce thicken in about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully fold the cooked ravioli into the sauce. If it feels too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, your creamy tomato spinach ravioli is ready to serve! Enjoy it on plates and add fresh basil leaves on top for garnish. To make great ravioli dough, you need just a few key ingredients. Use flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well. Mix gently with a fork. Gradually combine flour into the eggs. Once mixed, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easy to roll out later. To boost the sauce’s flavor, consider these simple tips. First, add a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. This will add depth. Next, use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. They bring a bright taste that dried herbs can't match. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. Last, finish with a drizzle of good olive oil before serving. This adds richness and flavor. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your dish shines. First, don't overcook the ravioli. Follow package time closely for the best texture. Second, don't skip draining the tomatoes. Excess liquid will make the sauce watery. Third, be careful with the heat. Cooking the cream too fast can cause it to curdle. Lastly, taste and adjust seasoning as you go. This ensures the flavors balance perfectly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes can elevate the dish's flavor significantly. Opt for seasonal produce when possible. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth for a flavorful twist. Perfectly Cooked Ravioli: Be careful not to overcook the ravioli. They should be tender but still hold their shape. Check them a minute before the package instructions indicate. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian twist, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan option. This keeps the dish rich and creamy while making it plant-based. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrients. Ravioli can have many fillings. You can choose cheese, spinach, or even mushrooms. For a heartier meal, try meat-filled ravioli, like beef or chicken. These options can add a new taste to your dish. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. If you need a gluten-free meal, look for gluten-free ravioli. Many stores sell rice or corn-based pasta. You can also make your own dough with gluten-free flour. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy tomato spinach ravioli without worry. To keep leftover ravioli fresh, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the ravioli is cool before sealing the container. This way, it will stay tasty and safe to eat. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the ravioli on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it for one to two minutes. If using a skillet, add a little olive oil over medium heat. Stir the ravioli until hot. To freeze creamy tomato spinach ravioli, let it cool first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the ravioli's flavor and texture. Yes, you can use store-bought ravioli. It saves time and is very easy. Look for cheese or spinach-filled options in the refrigerated section. Cooking times may differ, so check the package. Just follow the cooking instructions and you are good to go. To make this dish lower in calories, you can use less heavy cream. Try using half-and-half or milk instead. You can also use less cheese. Add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for bulk without many calories. This keeps the meal filling yet lighter. You can substitute heavy cream with several options. Use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Silken tofu blended until smooth is another great choice. You can also use Greek yogurt for creaminess. These swaps will change the flavor a bit, but they work well. This blog post covered everything you need to know about creamy tomato spinach ravioli. We explored the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips to make your ravioli perfect and suggested delicious variations. I also discussed storage options and answered some common questions. Remember, cooking should be fun! Experiment and find what you like best. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with family and friends!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Ravioli

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring ravioli, tomatoes, and spinach.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz fresh or frozen ravioli (cheese or spinach-filled)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ravioli according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a few tablespoons of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the creamy tomato spinach ravioli onto plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Add more basil for extra flavor.

Keyword creamy, pasta, ravioli, spinach, tomato