There’s something about creamy, cheesy pasta that just hits the spot every time. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or something special for a cozy dinner, this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is the perfect answer. It’s packed with cheese-filled ravioli, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and a burst of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. And the best part? It comes together in no time, making it the ultimate comfort food without the hassle.
Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach make this taste gourmet.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this indulgent ravioli dish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a fancy dinner, this recipe delivers.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Before we get started, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. This recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a punch when it comes to flavor:
- Cheese Ravioli (25 oz package): Store-bought or homemade, your choice!
- Butter (2 tbsp): For a rich, velvety base.
- Garlic (3 tsp, minced): Because everything is better with garlic.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates that dreamy, creamy sauce.
- Seasonings:
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, shredded): Adds a nutty, salty kick.
- Baby Spinach (1 cup, washed and chopped): For a pop of freshness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, drained and chopped): Brings a tangy, slightly sweet contrast.
STEP 1: COOK THE RAVIOLI
First things first, get that ravioli going. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them—ravioli are delicate and can become too soft quickly.
Once they’re done, drain and set them aside. If they tend to stick together, toss them lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to keep them from clumping.
STEP 2: MAKE THE GARLIC CREAM SAUCE
Now, this is where the magic happens! In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s fully melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
At this point, your kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible—garlic and butter are an unbeatable combo.
STEP 3: ADD THE CREAM AND SEASONINGS
Next, pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. This helps to evenly incorporate the butter and garlic into the sauce.
Now, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Keep whisking gently until the sauce starts to bubble slightly. You don’t want it to boil—just a gentle simmer to help the flavors meld together.
FINISHING THE CREAMY TUSCAN RAVIOLI TO PERFECTION
Now that our creamy garlic sauce is bubbling and full of flavor, it’s time to take this dish to the next level. The next steps will bring in richness, texture, and those Tuscan-inspired ingredients that make this ravioli so irresistible.
STEP 4: MELT THE PARMESAN INTO THE SAUCE
At this point, your sauce should be gently simmering. Now it’s time to gradually add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly as it melts into the sauce.
This is what gives the dish that deliciously rich and slightly nutty flavor. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
Pro Tip: If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or a little more cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a minute or two longer to thicken naturally.
STEP 5: ADD THE SPINACH AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
Now, it’s time to add a pop of color and freshness. Toss in the chopped baby spinach and drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Stir everything together and let the spinach wilt for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the sauce with a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the cream.
Why This Works:
- The spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy taste that cuts through the creaminess.
- Sun-dried tomatoes give the dish a little chewiness and a delicious, bold flavor.
STEP 6: COMBINE THE RAVIOLI WITH THE SAUCE
Now, it’s time for the grand finale! Take your cooked ravioli and gently add it to the skillet. Use a spatula or tongs to toss everything together, ensuring that each ravioli is coated in the creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce.
Let everything simmer together for about one more minute, just enough time for the ravioli to absorb all the flavors.
STEP 7: GARNISH AND SERVE
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top. If you love a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Serve immediately while the sauce is still creamy and warm.
Pro Serving Tips:
- Pair with Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Add Protein: If you want to make it heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and extra flavor.
EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST CREAMY TUSCAN RAVIOLI
- Use Fresh Ravioli if Possible: Fresh ravioli cooks faster and has a more delicate texture than frozen or dried versions.
- Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: Follow the package instructions carefully. Overcooked ravioli can fall apart when tossed in the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. If you like it lighter, add a splash of chicken broth or milk.
- Experiment with Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but you can also try Asiago, Romano, or even a touch of Mozzarella for extra creaminess.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & FINAL THOUGHTS
By now, you’ve mastered the art of making Creamy Tuscan Ravioli, but you might still have a few questions about substitutions, storage, and serving suggestions. In this final section, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions to ensure your dish turns out perfect every single time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen ravioli works just as well. Just make sure to boil it according to package instructions before adding it to the sauce. If you find the ravioli sticking together, a quick drizzle of olive oil after draining will help keep them separate.
2. What protein pairs well with this dish?
If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage make excellent additions. Simply cook them separately and toss them into the sauce before adding the ravioli.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and warm it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the sauce can be prepared in advance, ravioli is best cooked fresh. If you need to prep ahead, make the sauce and store it separately, then cook the ravioli right before serving.
5. Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. If you want a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or cashew cream can work as well.
6. What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Ravioli?
This dish is already quite rich, so a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread are great options. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc also complements the flavors beautifully.
7. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ravioli, tortellini, fettuccine, or gnocchi work well with this creamy Tuscan sauce.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is everything you could want in a pasta dish—rich, cheesy, comforting, and full of bold flavors. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is a rich and flavorful dish packed with cheese-filled ravioli, a luscious garlic cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s an easy and comforting meal that comes together quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) package cheese ravioli
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 cup baby spinach, washed and chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to bubble gently.
4️⃣ Incorporate the cheese: Gradually add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5️⃣ Add veggies: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
6️⃣ Combine everything: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
7️⃣ Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen ravioli; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it up.
- Want more protein? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra hearty meal.
- For a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
