One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together savory cheese-filled ravioli, a luscious creamy sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese all in one skillet. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this meal combines simplicity and flavor, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful meal that requires minimal effort.
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of tangy marinara and rich cream creates a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
- One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy less cleanup time with everything cooked in a single skillet.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins for extra nutrition and taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Large oven-safe skillet: This tool allows you to cook and bake in one pan, simplifying preparation and cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measuring ingredients ensures consistent flavors every time.
- Spatula: A good spatula helps you stir and serve without damaging your skillet’s surface.
Ingredients
For the Ravioli Bake
- 18 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large oven-safe skillet:
1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well and bring this mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Add the Ravioli
Gently stir in the frozen ravioli:
1. Ensure they are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
2. Take care not to break them while mixing.
Step 4: Bake
Top your ravioli mixture:
1. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven:
1. Let it cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil for an aromatic touch.
3. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli!
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli
Serving One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with thoughtful accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to serve this creamy and cheesy dish, ensuring a complete and satisfying meal.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes dressed in balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad: The classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and Parmesan pairs wonderfully with the richness of the ravioli.
Add Garlic Bread
- Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft knots made from pizza dough brushed with garlic butter and topped with cheese offer an extra cheesy bite.
Include Roasted Vegetables
- Seasonal Roasted Veggies: A medley of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic and Parmesan complement the ravioli beautifully.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley Garnish: Fresh herbs sprinkled on top enhance the flavors and add a pop of color.
- Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a kick, a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the dish.
How to Perfect One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli
To ensure your One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Choice of Ravioli: Use high-quality frozen cheese ravioli for better texture and flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the heavy cream amount for a thicker or thinner sauce based on your preference.
- Seasoning Addition: Don’t hesitate to add more Italian seasoning or fresh garlic for an extra flavor boost.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or mozzarella for varied taste profiles.
- Baking Dish Usage: Ensure you use an oven-safe skillet to make cooking and serving easier.
- Cooling Time: Let it cool slightly after baking; this helps the dish set, making it easier to serve.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli
One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli is rich and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options.
- Garlic Bread: Classic toasted bread infused with garlic butter pairs well with the creamy ravioli.
- Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrients while balancing out the richness of the pasta dish.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers a variety of flavors and textures.
- Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a healthy twist that complements the heavy ravioli nicely.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple roasted asparagus spears seasoned with olive oil and salt add elegance to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Preheat: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is hot before baking for best results.
- Ignoring the Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, the ravioli may not cook properly. Adjust with more cream or marinara to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many ravioli at once can cause them to stick together. Make sure they have enough space in the pan to cook evenly.
- Not Using Enough Seasoning: Under-seasoned dishes can taste bland. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Rushing the Cooling Time: Cutting into the dish immediately after baking can result in a messy serving. Allow it to cool slightly for better presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat portions as needed.
Freezing One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of cream or sauce in a skillet and reheat over medium heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli?
One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli is a simple dish featuring cheese-filled ravioli baked in a rich and creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can opt for fresh ravioli; just adjust the cooking time as fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen varieties.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To maintain its vegetarian appeal, ensure that all ingredients, especially sauces and cheeses, are meat-free and suitable for vegetarians.
Is One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it appealing for kids while providing a comforting meal.
Can I customize the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or even switch up cheeses based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this cozy pasta dish a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
One Pan Creamy Baked Ravioli is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. This dish features tender, cheese-filled ravioli enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from marinara and heavy cream, then topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet wonder is not only easy to prepare but also customizable—add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
- 18 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; simmer.
- Gently stir in frozen ravioli until well coated with the sauce.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Leave a Comment