Description
Dreamy Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is the ultimate easy dinner recipe for busy nights when you still want something special on the table. Tender cheese ravioli are tossed in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with wilted spinach and juicy blistered tomatoes, giving you big restaurant flavor in under 30 minutes. This cozy pasta is perfect for quick breakfast-for-dinner nights, weeknight dinner ideas, or when you just need simple comfort food ideas that feel a little bit fancy without any fuss.
Ingredients
1 pound cheese ravioli (refrigerated or frozen)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot (or 1/4 small yellow onion), finely diced
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
2 packed cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the ravioli carefully and set aside.
2. While the ravioli cooks, heat the butter and olive oil together in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced shallot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant but not browned.
3. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce starts to thicken and lightly coats the back of a spoon.
5. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until they soften and begin to release their juices.
6. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
7. Gently add the cooked ravioli to the skillet, tossing carefully to coat each piece in the creamy Tuscan sauce without tearing. Season with the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
8. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy, with additional red pepper flakes or black pepper on top if desired.
Notes
For the creamiest, smoothest sauce, keep the heat on medium-low once you add the cream and cheese—boiling the sauce can cause it to separate and may make the ravioli break apart, so a gentle simmer is key.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 36
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 57
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 23
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: dreamy creamy tuscan ravioli, easy dinner, pasta dinner ideas, creamy ravioli recipe, quick weeknight meal, italian pasta, comfort food recipes, skillet pasta, cheesy ravioli, spinach and tomato pasta