Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

Craving a delicious and satisfying meal but short on time? Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is the answer. This dish combines tender ravioli with a rich, creamy sauce, infused with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet quick to prepare.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

To make this dish, you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry ingredients:

• Ravioli Options: Cheese, spinach, or meat-filled ravioli work best.
• Fresh Ingredients: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
• Pantry Staples: Olive oil, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by selecting high-quality ravioli. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, ensure they are fresh and well-made. For vegetables, wash and chop fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Gather your pantry staples to have everything ready at hand.

Cooking the Ravioli

Boil the ravioli according to the package instructions. Generally, this takes about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Drain and set aside.

Making the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

The sauce is what makes this dish truly special. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a couple of minutes.
3. Pour in Cream: Slowly add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
5. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Ravioli and Sauce

Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Ensure the ravioli are well-covered with the sauce for the best flavor.

Adding Vegetables and Protein

For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables and protein:

• Vegetables: Fresh spinach is a classic choice. Stir it into the sauce until wilted.
• Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage can be added for extra protein.

Final Touches

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add a burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Creamy Tuscan Ravioli with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a complete Italian experience, serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the ravioli in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Healthier Alternatives

For a lighter version:

• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Ravioli: Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free ravioli for a healthier option.
• Lighter Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• Overcooking Ravioli: Boil the ravioli just until they float to the top. Overcooked ravioli can fall apart.
• Sauce Consistency Issues: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water or milk. If too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken.

FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

Q1: Can I use frozen ravioli? Yes, frozen ravioli can be used. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.

Q2: Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before adding the ravioli.

Q3: What can I use instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half, milk with a bit of cornstarch, or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes.

Q4: How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply use cheese or spinach-filled ravioli and omit any meat.

Q5: Can I add mushrooms to the sauce? Yes, sautéed mushrooms make a great addition to the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is a delicious and quick meal that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this comforting dish in no time. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

5 Unique FAQs After the Conclusion

Q1: Can I add fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes? Yes, fresh cherry tomatoes can be used, but sun-dried tomatoes offer a more intense flavor.

Q2: How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking together? Ensure you stir the ravioli gently during boiling and toss them with a bit of olive oil after draining.

Q3: Can I use other types of pasta? Certainly! This sauce pairs well with fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you prefer.

Q4: What’s the best way to chop basil? Roll the basil leaves into a tight bundle and slice thinly to create a chiffonade.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese? Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used for a different flavor profile.

Yield: 4

Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

Print

Craving a delicious and satisfying meal but short on time? Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is the answer. This dish combines tender ravioli with a rich, creamy sauce, infused with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet quick to prepare.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 (8 oz.) packages organic cheese ravioli (I love using Artisola)
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 cups Herb roasted tomatoes
• HOMEMADE TUSCAN BLEND:
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 tsps dried parsley
• 2 tsps dried basil
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• CREAMY SAUCE:
• 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ¼ cup organic heavy cream
• ½ cup vegetable stock
• 2 Tbsps white cooking wine
• 1-2 Tbsps Tuscan blend
• 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

COOK THE PASTA:

• Cook pasta according to packaging. NOTE: ravioli doesn’t take a long time to cook, usually 4-5 minutes, depending on brand.

TO MAKE THE CREAMY TUSCAN SAUCE:

• In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter until melted.
• Add the garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute or so, until fragrant. Add in 1-2 Tbsps tuscan blend seasonings and stir until well combined.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add in the heavy cream, veggie stock, lemon juice, and white wine, stirring until combined. Let it slightly bubble for 1-2 minutes and then add in the grated parmesan, whisking until fully melted and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the chopped kale, stirring until combined and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add in the roasted herb tomatoes and continue to stir until combined. NOTE: At this point, the sauce should change in color a bit, which is great!
• When the ravioli is done, drain it and add it to the sauce, stirring until sauce fully coats + sticks to pasta. Serve immediately!
• Bon Appetit!

Notes

• PASTA: You can use long pastas like Pappardelle, Fettuccine, etc. however, I would recommend tossing with tongs to ensure that pasta is fully manageable and fully coated. Otherwise, other pastas such as Penne, Rigatoni, Paccheri, Orecchiette, etc. are perfect.
• GREENS:To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as spinach, broccolini, collards, or asparagus. 
• MEAT OPTION:If you'd like to switch things up and aren't restrictive to non-meat, feel free to add chicken breasts, shrimp, or lobster to this pasta for extra decadence. 
• TUSCAN SEASONING (STORAGE):Any leftover tuscan blend seasoning can be stored in a ziplock bag for later use or used as garnish. 

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 750