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 with fresh spinach, marinara sauce, and cheesy layers, it’s both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (25oz) fresh or frozen ravioli (Italian sausage or your favorite filling)
• 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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. In a skillet, quickly sauté the spinach with a tablespoon of butter until wilted, then set aside.
2. Step 2: Spread about 3/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle a layer of parmesan cheese over the ravioli, then spread the sautéed spinach on top. Add the remaining ravioli in another layer.
5. Step 5: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer of ravioli, then finish with the rest of the parmesan cheese. Sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper across the layers to taste.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes if using fresh ravioli, or 30 minutes if using frozen.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 minutes to allow the cheese to crisp up slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes between the layers along with the black pepper.
• Swap parmesan for mozzarella for a gooier, meltier texture.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen to avoid extra moisture in the bake.
• Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce for extra protein.
• Serve with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers 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. Avoid microwaving to keep the layers from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before sautéing to prevent the bake from becoming watery.

Do I need to thaw frozen ravioli before baking?

No, frozen ravioli can be used directly in the bake. Just bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover for a final crisping. Fresh ravioli cooks faster, so adjust the baking time accordingly.

Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 94 reviews

This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is a delicious and simple baked pasta dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Featuring layers of ravioli, marinara sauce, sautéed spinach, and shredded Parmesan cheese, it combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients in one easy casserole. Ready in under an hour, this bake is great for family dinners and can be paired with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes (including time to crisp cheese)
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta Bake
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ravioli Bake Ingredients

• 1 bag (25 oz) of fresh or frozen ravioli (Italian sausage flavored 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 dish: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Sauté spinach: In a skillet, quickly sauté the fresh spinach in one tablespoon of butter until wilted. Set aside to be layered in the bake later.
3. Layer sauce: Spread about 3/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the first flavor base.
4. First layer of ravioli: Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce to guarantee even cooking and texture.
5. Add cheese and spinach: Sprinkle a portion of the shredded Parmesan cheese over the ravioli, then evenly distribute the sautéed spinach on top.
6. Repeat layers: Add the remaining ravioli in a single layer, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. Season with fresh cracked black pepper between the layers according to taste.
7. Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes if using fresh ravioli or 30 minutes if using frozen ravioli, ensuring thorough cooking.
8. Crisp cheese topping: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 2 minutes to allow the cheese on top to crisp slightly for added texture.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the tomato spinach ravioli bake with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm with optional sides like garlic bread, salad, or vegetables for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Use Italian sausage ravioli for a savory flavor, but cheese or spinach ravioli works well too.
• Sautéing the spinach beforehand helps reduce moisture and enhances flavor.
• Adjust baking time if using homemade ravioli, checking for doneness by texture and temperature.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
• Use gluten-free ravioli to make the dish gluten free.

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