Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

$- 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese ravioli - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For this creamy Tuscan ravioli, you'll need just a few simple ingredients. The cheese ravioli is the star, bringing rich flavor and comfort. You can use fresh or frozen ravioli, depending on what you have. Olive oil adds a nice touch, while garlic gives that amazing aroma. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Baby spinach adds a pop of green and nutrition. The heavy cream makes it all creamy and dreamy. Italian seasoning ties everything together with its warm, herby notes. You can adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. Don't forget the Parmesan cheese! It melts beautifully and adds depth. Finally, fresh basil leaves will make your dish look fancy and taste fresh. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a delightful meal that will impress anyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the ravioli, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cheese ravioli. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. To achieve al dente texture, test the ravioli a minute before the time ends. It should be firm yet tender. After cooking, drain the ravioli and set it aside. Keep about half a cup of the pasta water for later. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When it shimmers, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic smells great. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Then, mix in 2 cups of baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will make the sauce creamy and slightly thick. Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet. Gently toss it to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water until you reach a smooth consistency. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts into the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the ravioli hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy! To get the right creamy texture, adjust the cream and pasta water. Heavy cream adds richness, but too much can make it heavy. Use a bit of pasta water to thin it if needed. Start with half a cup of reserved pasta water. Add it slowly until you reach your desired creaminess. Choosing the right ravioli is key. Fresh cheese ravioli works best for this dish. It cooks faster and holds sauce well. If you use frozen ravioli, cook it a bit longer. Follow package instructions for the best results. To boost flavor, think about adding spices or herbs. Fresh basil enhances the dish with its bright taste. You could also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Other herbs, like thyme or oregano, can add depth too. Balancing flavors is important. Make sure to taste as you go. If it’s too rich, a splash of lemon juice can brighten it up. A touch of salt can also help bring out all the flavors. Remember, start small, and adjust to your liking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes. They will enhance the dish's overall taste and texture. Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: Ensure your ravioli is cooked al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your dish with not just basil but also a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. If you love chicken, add some grilled or sautéed pieces. Shrimp works well too, adding a nice seafood twist. Just cook them in the skillet before adding the sauce. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat. Use extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. They bring great flavor and texture. You can also add beans for protein. If you want a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This keeps it creamy but cuts the calories. You can also add vegetable broth for a fresh taste. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk. Just make sure to pick unsweetened options. This keeps the dish savory and delicious. To keep your creamy Tuscan ravioli fresh, store it in a sealed container. Make sure it cools down first. Refrigerate it for up to three days. When you reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to avoid dryness. Stir gently to keep the ravioli intact. To freeze your prepared ravioli, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This keeps the ravioli from getting freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place the ravioli in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of cream or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently until warm. Enjoy your delicious meal anytime! Yes, you can use frozen ravioli. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Frozen ravioli is easy to use. It may take a bit longer to cook than fresh ravioli. Make sure to check it closely to avoid overcooking. You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Each option will change the taste a bit. Adjust the seasoning to match your choice. You can cook the ravioli and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat them on the stove. Add a little pasta water to keep it creamy. - Can I add protein to this dish? Yes, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp. Just sauté them with the veggies for a complete meal. - How can I make it vegetarian-friendly? Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. - Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Try using ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor. Just mix it into the sauce for a creamy texture. - What if I want a lighter sauce? You can reduce the amount of cream and add more tomatoes. This will keep it fresh and light. This recipe for creamy cheese ravioli is easy and fun to make. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and variations. You learned how to achieve a rich, creamy sauce and enhance flavors. Feel free to experiment with proteins and sauces to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. With this guide, you can cook a delightful dish for any occasion. Now, gather your ingredients and try this recipe today!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring cheese ravioli, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz fresh or frozen cheese ravioli
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Make It Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet, gently tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Plate the ravioli, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Keyword creamy, Italian, pasta, ravioli