Easy Creamy Baked Spinach & Cheese Ravioli: A Perfect Family Weeknight Meal
It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is flying by! With the crisp air of late autumn settling in and daylight savings having recently ended, the sun begins to dip below the horizon astonishingly early, often around 4:30 pm. For a mom like me with four energetic boys, this means they’re practically cooped up indoors from late afternoon until bedtime. The last thing I want during those lively hours is to be tied to the stove, missing out on precious family time while preparing dinner! This constant search for effortless dinner ideas that don’t demand an hour (or more!) in the kitchen has become my culinary quest. I’m always on the lookout for meals that are quick to assemble, healthy, and most importantly, a hit with everyone at the table.
My husband and I consider ourselves adventurous eaters, always eager to explore new cuisines and flavors. Surprisingly, our boys share a similar spirit of culinary curiosity, though their hearts undeniably belong to Italian food. While we cherish the occasional outing for an authentic Italian dinner, the cost and the delightful chaos of dining out with four active kids can add up quickly, both financially and to my sanity! To strike a balance between indulgence and practicality, I frequently whip up Italian meals at home. However, it’s easy to fall into a routine of serving the same simple Italian basics, like spaghetti, which, despite its classic appeal, can eventually become a bit monotonous for everyone.
That’s why, when I discovered the exquisite all-natural Spinach and Cheese Ravioli from Monterey Gourmet Foods, I immediately knew I had stumbled upon a brilliant solution to my recurring dinner dilemmas. These aren’t just any ravioli; they represent a shortcut to a quick, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying meal that makes me feel like a rockstar mom who effortlessly went the extra mile. It’s a win-win situation: a delectable dinner that saves time and impresses even the pickiest eaters. Winner, winner, ravioli dinner indeed!
This Creamy Baked Ravioli recipe is a testament to flavor and efficiency. The sauce, enriched with a touch of cream cheese, achieves a luxurious, velvety texture that perfectly complements the pasta. Each tender ravioli melts in your mouth, delivering a burst of savory cheese and fresh spinach. What’s truly remarkable is that my boys, usually wary of hidden vegetables, devoured these spinach-filled delights without the slightest suspicion! This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident your family will fall in love with it just as much as mine has.
One of the most impressive aspects of Monterey Gourmet Foods is their incredibly diverse product range. Are you in the mood for Italian tonight? Their collection offers everything from classic ravioli to hearty rigatoni, allowing you to craft an authentic Italian-inspired dinner with minimal effort. Perhaps you’re craving something more exotic, like Korean cuisine? Their amazing chicken dumplings can be quickly pan-seared for a flavorful and convenient meal. They even cater to European tastes with delicious Polish-inspired Pierogis! This vast selection means that no matter what your family desires, Monterey Gourmet Foods has a high-quality, delicious solution ready to go.
Every product from Monterey Gourmet Foods is perfectly suited not just for everyday meals but also for entertaining guests. Their quick cooking times are a game-changer, allowing you to spend more quality moments with your company rather than being confined to the kitchen. Beyond convenience, their commitment to using only the highest quality, natural ingredients ensures that you’re serving your loved ones and guests nothing but the finest. And, of course, the taste is simply amazing! Monterey Gourmet Foods truly excels at bringing the rich flavors of the world directly to your table, one delicious, easy-to-prepare dish at a time. It’s about more than just food; it’s about creating memorable culinary experiences with ease.
Creamy Baked Ravioli
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Ingredients
- 1 16-oz package Monterey Gourmet Foods Fresh Spinach and Cheese Ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/3 cup cream cheese
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- olive oil
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil, ensuring the bottom is evenly coated. This helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle flavor.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the Monterey Gourmet Foods Spinach and Cheese Ravioli to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or just until they are tender and float to the surface. Avoid overcooking, as they will bake further. Carefully drain the ravioli in a colander.
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While the ravioli are cooking, prepare your creamy marinara sauce. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce and the cream cheese until smooth and well combined. The cream cheese will melt into the marinara, creating a rich, velvety consistency. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and thyme, infusing the sauce with aromatic flavors.
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Assemble your baked ravioli. Spread a thin layer of the creamy marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce in a single layer. Spoon about half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli, ensuring they are well coated, and then sprinkle lightly with half of the shredded Mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ravioli and sauce. Finally, generously cover the top with the remaining shredded Mozzarella cheese.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Once baked, carefully remove from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon onto individual plates, sprinkle with a little extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy this warm, comforting, and incredibly easy meal!