Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe is your new go-to for those nights when you crave a homemade Italian-style dinner but want something completely fuss-free. Imagine tender cheese ravioli smothered in a rich marinara sauce, layered with vibrant spinach, topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a shower of Parmesan. It’s the kind of all-in-one comfort food casserole that comes together with almost zero prep and absolute maximum flavor—a brilliant weeknight champion or laid-back weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how it uses super simple, everyday ingredients, but each one pulls its weight for taste, texture, and that irresistibly cheesy finish. Get ready to see how these pantry and fridge staples make magic together!
- Frozen cheese ravioli: These little pillows save tons of time and pack big, creamy flavor in every bite.
- Olive oil: A splash of good olive oil adds richness and helps bloom the garlic.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, irresistible depth.
- Marinara sauce: Pick your favorite jarred sauce for convenience and bold tomato goodness.
- Fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped): Adds color, freshness, and a pop of nutrients that blend seamlessly into the bake.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings classic pizza-parlor flavor in just a pinch.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory notes in the sauce and cheese.
- Black pepper: A must for a gentle, warming bite that balances out the creamy cheeses.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: It melts beautifully and creates that dreamy cheese-pull everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For extra nutty, salty intensity and a signature Italian finish.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish): A sprinkle on top makes everything brighter and extra inviting.
How to Make Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray. This simple step helps the ravioli bake release easily and prevents any sticky clean-up drama.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Spinach
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat up the olive oil, then add the minced garlic. Give it about 30 seconds—just until it smells oh-so-amazing and fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach starts to wilt and everything becomes a thick, savory sauce with hints of green peeking through.
Step 3: Layer the Ravioli and Sauce
Now for the fun part: assembling layers! Spread a spoonful of the sauce mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Lay half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a snug, even layer over the sauce. Don’t worry if they’re still frozen—they’ll bake up perfectly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Repeat the Layers
Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli layer, then scatter half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Repeat the process with the rest of the ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese in an even blanket across the very top for a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 10 minutes—just until it’s bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly golden and tempting. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause helps the layers settle and makes serving much easier. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil if you have it!
How to Serve Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A bright scatter of fresh basil really makes this dish pop, both visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a final dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of extra olive oil. For a cozy, rustic vibe, crack some black pepper over each plate before serving.
Side Dishes
This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe is a meal on its own, but it absolutely shines alongside some simple, crusty bread—perfect for mopping up extra sauce! Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or toss together a plate of roasted vegetables if you want more veg on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style, serve straight from the casserole dish, letting everyone take a scoopful of bubbling layers—there’s just something delightfully communal about it. If you’re entertaining, try portioning out individual servings in mini ramekins before baking for a cute twist. Or serve generous wedges over a bed of lightly dressed baby greens for an elevated dinner-party feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe keep beautifully! Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner a breeze.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream. Assemble the bake but don’t bake it—cover well and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes covered if needed to heat through completely.
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop out a portion onto a microwave-safe plate and microwave until hot, or pop the baking dish back in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbling. If the cheese starts to look too brown, cover loosely with foil. It tastes just as luscious the next day!
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using refrigerated ravioli, just shave off about 5–7 minutes from the covered baking time since they cook a bit faster than frozen.
Is this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when needed—the flavors actually meld even more overnight.
Can I make this bake vegan?
With a few swaps—like dairy-free cheese, vegan ravioli, and your favorite plant-based marinara—it’s easy to enjoy a vegan-friendly version. Check labels on store-bought ravioli for hidden dairy or eggs.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Go for a high-quality jarred sauce with simple ingredients—San Marzano tomatoes are lovely, but your favorite brand will work perfectly. If you prefer, homemade sauce is always a bonus!
Can I add extra vegetables or protein?
Definitely! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or cooked ground sausage to make the dish even heartier and to tailor it to your family’s tastes.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe is beloved—it’s comforting, flexible, and designed to bring smiles to the table with almost no effort. Give it a try and watch it become your new shortcut to cozy, satisfying dinners any night of the week!
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Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is a delicious and comforting vegetarian pasta dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, spinach, and gooey cheese are baked to perfection for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 (25-ounce) bag
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced:
2 cloves
Marinara Sauce:
1 (24-ounce) jar
Fresh Baby Spinach, roughly chopped:
2 cups
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
½ teaspoon
Black Pepper:
¼ teaspoon
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1 ½ cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
¼ cup
Fresh Basil for garnish (optional):
chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until spinach wilts slightly.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread a small amount of the sauce in the baking dish. Layer half of the ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and browned.
- Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen—just reduce the baking time by 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add cooked ground sausage or mushrooms for a heartier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
