Cheese-stuffed ravioli smothered in a rich, velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach and Italian herbs. This comforting dish brings together bold, tangy, and creamy flavors in a restaurant-quality meal you can make in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy ravioli dish is a perfect blend of indulgence and speed. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes brighten the sauce, while fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Parmesan cheese enriches the flavor, and the smooth cream sauce wraps everything in a silky finish. Ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
directions
- Cook ravioli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Once sauce thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes), stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or cooked Italian sausage.
- Vegetable additions: Stir in cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Lighten up: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Cheese swap: Use goat cheese or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between heating.
- Freezing: Not recommended—cream sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta cooking water and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Yes. Cook frozen ravioli according to package directions, adding a minute to the cooking time if needed.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes work best?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add richness; drained canned or dried tomato pieces work too—just soak briefly in warm water.
Is Parmesan necessary?
It adds flavor and helps thicken the sauce, but you can substitute with pecorino romano or omit for a milder taste.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes—use plant-based cream, dairy-free cheese, and omit or replace dairy with vegan alternatives. Use olive oil or vegan butter.
How can I make this low-carb?
Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or sautéed vegetables instead of ravioli.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes—cook the sauce (without ravioli and spinach) and store up to 2 days. Reheat and stir in spinach and cooked ravioli before serving.
My spinach didn’t wilt—what should I do?
Ensure the skillet is warm, then stir the spinach in until fully wilted. Covering briefly helps if needed.
Can I skip the garlic?
Garlic adds aroma and depth. You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or shallots for a milder flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger skillet or sauté pan to ensure even cooking and enough space for tossing.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sun‑Dried Tomato Spinach Ravioli delivers comfort and elegance in a single skillet, ready in just 25 minutes. With its rich sauce, cheesy filling, and vibrant spinach, it feels indulgent yet approachable. Perfect for busy nights, casual dinners, or entertaining—even with minimal effort. Let me know if you’d like wine pairings or additional side suggestions!
Print
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Ravioli
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese-stuffed ravioli smothered in a rich, velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach and Italian herbs. This comforting dish brings together bold, tangy, and creamy flavors in a restaurant-quality meal you can make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ravioli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Once sauce thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes), stir in spinach and let wilt.
- Add cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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