If you’re anything like me, you love a meal that feels fancy but doesn’t take hours to make. That’s why this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is such a star in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it belongs in a cozy Italian trattoria but can be whipped up right at home in under 30 minutes. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce, paired with tender cheese ravioli, baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, will have everyone at your table singing your praises.

This recipe is perfect for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to a special date-night meal. It’s decadent, full of rich flavors, and—most importantly—easy to make. Bonus: it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy dish, shall we?

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

The foundation of this recipe is, of course, the ravioli. I usually go for a 25-ounce package of cheese ravioli—find it in the refrigerated or frozen section of your local grocery store. Boil it according to the package instructions, drain it, and set it aside.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling ambitious or happen to have homemade ravioli on hand, use that! But honestly, store-bought works perfectly here, and it saves so much time.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Next, we build the base for that irresistible sauce. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add three teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it smells amazing (and trust me, it will). Garlic is the heart of this recipe, so don’t skimp here!

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Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

This step is where the magic happens. Slowly pour in one cup of heavy cream, whisking as you go to create a smooth, luscious base. Season with ½ teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and paprika, along with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Keep whisking until the sauce starts to bubble gently.

A Little Secret: The paprika adds just the right amount of warmth and color to the sauce. If you want a slight kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Now that we’ve got the base of our luscious garlic cream sauce bubbling away, it’s time to elevate this dish from “delicious” to “absolutely unforgettable.” This next part is where the cheese and vibrant veggies come into play, transforming this recipe into a meal that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Let’s face it: no creamy pasta dish is complete without cheese. Gradually whisk in ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that clings perfectly to every bite of ravioli.

Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can—it melts better and gives the sauce a nutty, slightly salty depth that’s hard to beat. And don’t forget to set aside a little extra for garnish later!

Step 5: Toss in the Vegetables

This dish gets a pop of color and a healthy twist with the addition of one cup of chopped baby spinach and ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped). Stir these into the sauce and cook for a few minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the sun-dried tomatoes soften.

Why These Veggies Work: The spinach adds a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the cream, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy-sweet burst of flavor. Together, they add both flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Step 6: Combine the Ravioli and Sauce

Now for the best part: gently fold your cooked ravioli into the skillet with the sauce. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together, ensuring every piece of ravioli is coated in that dreamy cream sauce. Take your time here—you want each bite to be perfectly balanced.

Pro Tip: If the sauce feels a little too thick, add a splash of the pasta water you reserved earlier. This trick not only loosens the sauce but also helps it cling to the pasta better, thanks to the starch in the water.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

No pasta dish is complete without a little flair at the end. Sprinkle your Creamy Tuscan Ravioli with the extra shredded Parmesan cheese you set aside earlier. If you’re feeling fancy, add a touch of fresh parsley for a burst of color.

Serving Suggestions: This dish is heavenly on its own, but it pairs beautifully with some warm, crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is another great companion, balancing the creaminess with a touch of acidity.

By now, your kitchen smells amazing, and you’re just about ready to serve up this delicious Creamy Tuscan Ravioli. But before we officially close this chapter on decadent ravioli dreams, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions and share a few last-minute tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of ravioli?
Absolutely! While cheese ravioli works beautifully in this recipe, you can experiment with spinach, mushroom, or even lobster ravioli for a twist. Just make sure to adjust the flavors of the sauce if needed to complement your filling choice.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No heavy cream? No problem! You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce. Keep in mind, it might not be as rich, but it’ll still be delicious.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce a few hours in advance. Reheat it gently over low heat before tossing it with freshly cooked ravioli. Avoid making the entire dish ahead, as the ravioli may absorb too much sauce and lose its texture.

4. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers make a great alternative. They’ll bring a similar burst of color and sweetness to the dish.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

6. Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta make excellent additions to this recipe. Cook your protein separately and toss it in during Step 6 for a heartier meal.

7. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A creamy white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon is a refreshing choice.

Conclusion: Time to Savor Every Bite

This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home or hosting friends for a special occasion.

Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

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• Author: David
• Total Time: 20 minutes

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Description

This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli is a decadent, flavor-packed dish featuring tender cheese ravioli in a luscious garlic cream sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s an easy yet elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (25 oz) package cheese ravioli
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup baby spinach, washed and chopped
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the ravioli:
Prepare the cheese ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

3️⃣ Make the sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream while whisking to combine. Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until the sauce begins to bubble gently.

4️⃣ Incorporate the cheese:
While continuously whisking, gradually add the shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

5️⃣ Add vegetables:
Stir in the baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and tender.

6️⃣ Combine with ravioli:
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the ravioli in the creamy sauce.

7️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for garnish and serve immediately. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ravioli options: Swap cheese ravioli for spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled varieties if desired.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add protein: Enhance the dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra heartiness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4