Description
Homemade magic happens when classic Italian “Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli” meets comfort food perfection. Gooey cheese, rich marinara, and crispy edges create a delightful dinner that brings smiles to hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 (700 g/24 ounces) bag frozen cheese ravioli
Cheeses:
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare a rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation for the ravioli.
- Arrange the ravioli in a single, slightly overlapping layer directly on top of the sauce, ensuring even coverage of the dish’s surface.
- Generously drizzle additional marinara sauce over the ravioli, making certain each pasta pocket is well-coated and moistened.
- Sprinkle a generous helping of shredded mozzarella cheese across the entire surface, creating a blanket of melty goodness.
- Dust the cheese layer with a light sprinkle of grated parmesan for an extra depth of tangy flavor and golden-brown potential.
- Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts completely and turns a tempting golden color, typically around 25-30 minutes.
- Once the ravioli is heated through and the cheese is bubbling and slightly crisp at the edges, carefully remove from the oven.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, which helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma before serving hot.
Notes
- Opt for pre-made or fresh ravioli to save time and simplify the cooking process.
- Select a high-quality marinara sauce or create a homemade version for enhanced flavor depth.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta to customize the dish’s richness.
- Consider making this recipe vegetarian by using cheese ravioli and plant-based cheese toppings for a lighter alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 514
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg