Imagine a dish that combines the comforting embrace of classic Italian cuisine with a modern, mouthwatering twist – our Baked Ravioli with Spinach and Mozzarella is exactly that culinary masterpiece! This recipe transforms ordinary frozen ravioli into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With layers of gooey mozzarella, vibrant spinach, and rich marinara sauce, this one-pan wonder is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked ravioli cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the frozen cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they are al dente. Drain the ravioli and set aside.
- While the ravioli is cooking, wash and roughly chop the fresh spinach. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach with the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the marinara and spinach mixture on the bottom. This will create a flavorful base for the ravioli.
- Carefully layer half of the cooked ravioli over the marinara mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ravioli.
- Pour the remaining marinara and spinach mixture over the first layer of ravioli and mozzarella. Then, layer the remaining ravioli on top.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of ravioli. Add the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed to prevent the cheese from burning during the initial baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help heat through the layers and melt the cheese.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit for easier serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious baked ravioli with spinach and mozzarella!
Tips
- Don't overcook the ravioli during the initial boiling – aim for al dente, as they'll continue cooking in the oven.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted for shredded if you prefer a more luxurious texture.
- Make sure to let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- For a protein boost, consider adding cooked ground Italian sausage or shredded chicken between layers.
- Experiment with different types of ravioli – cheese, spinach, or even meat-filled varieties work well.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
