The aroma of baked ravioli wafts through your kitchen, a warm hug that promises comfort and satisfaction. Imagine sinking your teeth into those tender pasta pillows, enveloped in rich marinara and bubbling cheese, while the top crisps to golden perfection. It’s a dish that feels like a family gathering, or perhaps a cozy night in with your favorite movie.
I remember the first time I made baked ravioli for my family; their eyes lit up as they took their first bite. It was an instant hit, sparking laughter and stories shared over the dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish never fails to bring people together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked ravioli offers effortless preparation while delivering a burst of flavors with each bite
- The visual appeal is evident as the cheese melts beautifully atop the pasta
- This dish is versatile enough to adapt to any dietary preferences or ingredient swaps you have on hand
- Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining guests
Every time I serve baked ravioli, my family can’t help but smile and rave about how amazing it tastes—that’s when I know I’ve struck culinary gold.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Frozen Ravioli: Opt for cheese-filled ravioli for a classic flavor or try spinach for an added twist.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or whip up a homemade batch to elevate flavor.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess, but pre-shredded options work just fine too.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives that extra kick. Go for fresh if you want to impress!
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano adds depth to the sauce and pasta.
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Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped fresh basil adds color and freshness as a lovely garnish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and helps create that delightful bubbly top.
Sauce It Up: In a mixing bowl, combine half of your marinara sauce with Italian seasoning. Stir well until it’s fragrant and inviting.
Layer It Right: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. This prevents sticking and keeps everything moist.
Add the Ravioli: Arrange frozen ravioli over the sauce in a single layer. Don’t worry if they overlap; they are friends who will stick together through thick and thin!
More Sauce Please!: Pour the rest of your marinara sauce over the ravioli, ensuring all are covered in goodness. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Bake Until Golden: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now gather your loved ones around as you unveil this masterpiece of baked ravioli! Enjoy the joyful laughter and compliments rolling in like waves at high tide; it’s all part of the delicious experience.
Whether you’re serving baked ravioli at an intimate family dinner or bringing it along for potluck glory, this dish guarantees smiles all around!
You Must Know
- Baked ravioli is not just easy; it’s a comfort food that warms the soul
- With layers of cheese and sauce, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavor
- Keep an eye on the oven; you’ll want to catch that golden crust just in time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the sauce and ravioli. Layer the bottom of your baking dish with sauce, then add ravioli, and repeat until all ingredients are used. Finish with cheese on top and bake until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add fresh spinach between layers. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or experiment with different sauces like pesto or Alfredo.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in an oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect baked ravioli, ensure your sauce has enough moisture to prevent dryness
- Consider using fresh pasta for a softer texture
- Always let it rest after baking for better slicing and serving!
Sharing my first baked ravioli attempt brings back memories of gooey cheese sticking to everything but my plate—family loved it despite my kitchen chaos!
FAQ
Can I use frozen ravioli for baked ravioli?
Yes, frozen ravioli works well; just adjust baking time accordingly.
What type of sauce is best for baked ravioli?
Marinara or Alfredo sauces are popular choices that complement the dish beautifully.
How do I know when baked ravioli is done?
Look for bubbling edges and a golden crust on top as indicators of doneness.
Baked Ravioli
Baked ravioli is the ultimate comfort food, delivering layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and bubbling cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress. Each bite brings warmth and joy, making it a family favorite at any table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 24 oz frozen cheese ravioli
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix half of the marinara sauce with Italian seasoning.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Arrange frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over ravioli, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
