Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

Tuscan-style Italian food is known for its simple yet robust flavors, emphasizing fresh and high-quality ingredients. This easy, creamy Tuscan ravioli dish captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine by combining the richness of cheese ravioli with aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients like garlic, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. And the best part is it’s easy to make! 

This pasta dish uses pre-made cheese ravioli, which saves time and effort, making it a perfect choice for those who need a quick meal on a busy weeknight. Simply cook the ravioli according to the directions while getting started on the sauce. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is made by melting butter and sautéing garlic until aromatic, then whisking in heavy cream, spices, and parmesan cheese until smooth. The addition of fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes adds a burst of color, flavor, and texture. Once the sauce is ready, toss in the cooked ravioli for a delicious meal that comes together in minutes!

Serve these creamy Tuscan ravioli with a side of Sheet Pan Breadsticks to soak up the sauce and elevate the meal. You can also serve it with a hearty green salad as a perfect complement. No matter how you enjoy it, this quick and easy Italian dinner is as easy to enjoy as it is to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This dish is a time-saver, using pre-made cheese ravioli, perfect for busy evenings.
• The ingredient list is short for creamy Tuscan ravioli and can be found in any grocery store. 
• This recipe is easy for anyone to follow, whether you’re a chef or a beginner in the kitchen.
• Experience Tuscan-style flavors' refreshing and nutritious simplicity, especially when indulging in creamy Tuscan ravioli.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Cheese Ravioli - These serve as the heart of the dish, offering a tender pasta filled with a rich and creamy cheese blend that melds beautifully with the sauce.
• Butter - Provides a velvety base for the sauce while cooking the garlic, ensuring it has a rich texture and buttery taste.
• Minced Garlic - Adds depth, creating that classic Italian warmth and inviting essence to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream - Offers a creamy consistency, transforming the sauce into something that coats the ravioli beautifully. 
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning) - These blend together to elevate the dish's overall flavor, bringing out a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and herby notes.
• Shredded Parmesan - Melts seamlessly into the sauce, providing a salty and umami-rich touch that enhances the flavor of the dish. 
• Baby Spinach - Introduces a fresh, earthy element, contrasting the rich sauce while adding a healthy dose of greens.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Offer a tangy bite and chewy texture, punctuating the dish with bursts of intense tomato flavor and a vibrant pop of color.

How To Make Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

Prepare the premade ravioli: Cook the ravioli according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.

Cook the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant without burning. 

Assemble the sauce: Pour in heavy cream while whisking. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until the sauce starts to bubble. Continue to whisk while slowly adding in parmesan cheese until cheese is fully incorporated.

Add remaining ingredients: Add baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir occasionally and cook until spinach is wilted. Pour the cooked ravioli into the sauce and toss to coat. Garnish with parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Ensure you don’t overcook the cheese ravioli; al dente is ideal, as they will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
• When sautéing the minced garlic in butter, watch for it to turn just golden – any longer, and it might become bitter.
• You can dilute the heavy cream with a milk or broth splash for a lighter sun-dried tomato sauce without compromising the richness.
• When adding the shredded parmesan, sprinkle it in gradually while continuously stirring to ensure it melts evenly without clumping.
• Using fresh baby spinach is key; frozen varieties might make the sauce watery and dilute its flavors.
• Once you add the ravioli to the Tuscan sauce, stir with care to ensure they don't break apart or stick to the skillet.

Variations

• Add cooked chicken breast slices or sautéed shrimp for an extra protein kick and a more filling meal.
• Swap the cheese ravioli for a mushroom or spinach-filled variety to change up the flavors while keeping it vegetarian.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest to the sauce for a refreshing and tangy element.
• For those who like it spicy, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Swap out the baby spinach for other leafy greens like arugula or kale, adjusting the cooking time as needed since kale may take a bit longer to wilt.
• Toast some pine nuts or walnuts and sprinkle them on top for an added crunch and a rich, nutty taste.
• Enhance the sauce with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or rosemary, finely chopped and stirred in towards the end or used as a garnish for an aromatic pop of color. 

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Transfer cooled ravioli to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency.

Freezing: Transfer cooled creamy Tuscan ravioli leftovers to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Press out all the air to prevent freezer burn, and freeze the ravioli for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

FAQ

More Easy Pasta Dinner Recipes

• Easy Baked Ravioli
• Easy Spaghetti Carbonara
• Chicken Spaghetti
• Instant Pot Baked Ziti

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