1. Introduction
If you love rich, creamy pasta with bold Italian flavors, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Ravioli is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. Soft cheese-filled ravioli is tossed in a silky garlic cream sauce, packed with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Why it’s a winner?
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Feels restaurant-fancy, but made at home
- Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or guests
- Easily customizable (vegetarian-friendly too!)
2. Ingredients (With Exact Measurements)
For the Ravioli & Sauce (Serves 3–4):
- Cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen) – 400 g / 14 oz
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Garlic (finely minced) – 4 cloves
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, sliced) – ½ cup (about 70 g)
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Milk – ½ cup (120 ml)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – ½ cup
- Red chili flakes – ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp or to taste
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Fresh spinach – 2 packed cups
Optional but Delicious:
- Pasta water – ¼ cup (to loosen sauce if needed)
- Fresh basil or parsley – for garnish
3. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Before you start, gather these:
- Large pot (for boiling ravioli)
- Colander or strainer
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Cheese grater
That’s it—no fancy equipment required!
4. Preparation Steps (Barney Style 🦖 Simple!)
- Chop garlic and slice sun-dried tomatoes.
- Wash spinach and pat dry.
- Grate Parmesan cheese (fresh tastes best).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for ravioli.
Once everything is prepped, cooking becomes stress-free.
5. Cooking Instructions (Creamy Perfection)
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
- Add ravioli to boiling water.
- Cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes).
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
- Pour in heavy cream and milk.
- Add Parmesan, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Add Spinach & Ravioli
- Toss spinach into the sauce; it will wilt in 1–2 minutes.
- Add cooked ravioli and gently mix.
- If sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water little by little.
🔥 Secret Tip: Keep heat low once cream is added—this prevents curdling and keeps the sauce silky.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve hot and creamy with:
- Extra grated Parmesan on top
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Simple green salad or roasted veggies
Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
7. Additional Tips & Easy Variations
- Make it protein-rich: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms
- Healthier swap: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free ravioli + coconut cream + vegan cheese
- Extra flavor boost: A splash of white wine before adding cream
- Spicy lovers: Increase chili flakes or add chili oil drizzle
8. Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Values may vary based on brands used.
9. FAQ Section
Q1: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q2: Can I reheat it?
Yes! Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk.
Q3: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess water first.
Q4: What ravioli filling works best?
Cheese, spinach-ricotta, or mushroom ravioli work beautifully.
Q5: Can I make this ahead?
Sauce can be made 1 day ahead; cook ravioli fresh for best texture.
10. Wrap-Up (Final Thoughts ❤️)
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Ravioli is comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients, big flavors, and a creamy sauce that hugs every bite. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.
Fun fact: Sun-dried tomatoes were originally dried under the Italian sun to preserve summer harvests—now they’re flavor bombs in modern pasta dishes!
If you’re craving a cozy, creamy dinner that impresses without stress, this recipe truly delivers. 🍝✨
