If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Recipe. It perfectly balances tender cheese-filled ravioli with a rich and dreamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemony brightness. Every bite showcases the marvelous marriage of creamy texture and vibrant Italian flavors, effortlessly elevating weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be on your regular rotation for good reasons!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but fresh ingredients is key to nailing this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Recipe. Each element plays an important role: from the buttery garlic base to the luscious cream and the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes that add a pop of color and tang.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that starts the sauce off beautifully.
- Butter: Gives the sauce a silky, luxurious mouthfeel.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Injects an aromatic punch that’s foundational to Italian cuisine.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1/2 cup): Adds depth and balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): The star for that indulgent, velvety sauce texture.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the flavors and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup): Brings a sweet and tangy bite, adding beautiful color to the plate.
- Refrigerated cheese ravioli (1 pound): The hearty, cheesy pasta that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Fresh baby spinach (1 cup, packed): Adds freshness and a lovely green contrast for both taste and visuals.
- Fresh basil (optional): A fragrant herb that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt & pepper: To season and balance every flavor perfectly.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): For that final savory sprinkle that completes the experience.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This combination builds the flavorful foundation you’ll love in this creamy sauce.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Ravioli
Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice, mixing in the sun-dried tomatoes and cheese ravioli. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ravioli begins absorbing those lush flavors right away.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook
Once the mixture reaches a simmer, cover the skillet and turn the heat down to medium-low. Let those ravioli cook gently for five minutes under the lid, allowing the sauce to thicken and the pasta to become tender and infused with the Tuscan flavors.
Step 4: Check Sauce Consistency
Remove the lid and stir the ravioli gently. The sauce should have thickened nicely by now. If you want an even creamier texture, pop the lid back on and let it simmer for another minute or two to reduce further.
Step 5: Add Greens
Stir in fresh baby spinach and optional basil, then cover again for a minute or two so the greens wilt perfectly into the creamy sauce, adding freshness and color to the dish.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season the ravioli with salt and pepper to your taste. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese takes this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Recipe to the next level of deliciousness. Serve immediately for best results.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of torn fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese add elegance and a burst of fresh flavor right before serving. Crushed red pepper flakes can be a nice touch if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish shines paired with a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread for sopping up the irresistible cream sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli can also complement the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the ravioli in a shallow bowl with a swirl of sauce artistically drizzled around the edges. Adding a cherry tomato or two for extra color, or serving it in individual mini skillets for a cozy, rustic feel makes the presentation feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so your next meal will be just as tasty.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish if needed. Be sure to cool it completely before placing into a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the sauce might separate slightly, so stirring during reheating helps bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and check frequently to avoid overcooking the ravioli.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and be mindful that frozen ravioli might release a bit more water, so you may need to simmer a touch longer to thicken the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian option for the broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works perfectly well here and keeps the Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Recipe flavorful without compromising on richness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Parmesan can be omitted or replaced with a vegan-friendly cheese.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too watery?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for an extra minute or so if it feels too thin. Also, using full-fat cream helps achieve that thick, luscious consistency.
What’s the best way to add lemon juice?
Adding lemon juice right after the cream helps brighten the sauce and prevents it from curdling. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal for the freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to find a recipe that feels effortlessly elegant yet comes together in about 15 minutes, but this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Recipe does exactly that. I encourage you to give it a try the next time you want a comforting Italian meal that tastes like you spent hours preparing it. Get ready to fall in love with ravioli all over again!
Print
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is a quick and delicious skillet pasta dish featuring cheese ravioli simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach. This comforting meal combines simple ingredients for a flavorful Italian-inspired dinner ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1 cup (packed) fresh baby spinach
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil (to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat Base Ingredients: Add the olive oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add Liquids and Ravioli: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, sun-dried tomatoes, and the cheese ravioli. Stir everything well to combine.
- Simmer Covered: When the mixture starts to bubble, cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 5 minutes with the lid on, allowing the ravioli to cook and the sauce to thicken.
- Check Sauce Consistency: Stir the ravioli gently; the sauce should be thicker by now. If it’s still too thin, cover and cook for an additional minute until desired thickness is reached.
- Add Greens: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and optional fresh basil. Cover the pan again and let the greens wilt for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice to taste.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely aromatic touch to the dish.
- Make sure not to overcook the ravioli to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.
