Cozy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Sauce Ravioli Recipe

Pasta nights just got a delightful upgrade with this creamy sun-dried tomato sauce ravioli that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Rich, velvety, and packed with vibrant flavors, this dish combines classic Italian ingredients in a surprising harmony.

Tender ravioli swim in a luxurious sauce that balances the sweet intensity of sun-dried tomatoes with the earthy freshness of spinach.

Each forkful delivers a complex blend of textures and aromatics that elevate a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

The sauce coats every pasta pocket with a creamy embrace, creating a comforting yet sophisticated dinner.

Sharp parmesan and a hint of garlic round out the flavor profile, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ravioli Flavor Variations to Explore

• Vegan Creamy Spinach Sauce: Replace butter with olive oil, chicken stock with vegetable broth, cream with coconut cream, and parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap ravioli with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the rich, creamy sauce's flavor profile.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken stock with fish stock and add sautéed shrimp or crab meat to create a luxurious marine-inspired pasta dish with the same sun-dried tomato base.

Serving Up Ravioli with Creamy Tomato Spinach Sauce

• Elegant Date Night Dinner: Pair this creamy ravioli with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, smoky flavors.
• Gourmet Side Companion: Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the sauce's creaminess and add a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Offer toasted garlic crostini or warm focaccia to soak up the delicious sun-dried tomato sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Herb Garnish Finale: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and an extra layer of aromatic freshness that elevates the dish's presentation.

Storing Leftover Ravioli with Creamy Sauce

• Store leftover ravioli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled ravioli to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same intense, concentrated flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes have a rich, tangy taste that’s crucial to this sauce’s depth.

• Is smoked paprika necessary for the recipe?

While not mandatory, smoked paprika adds a unique smoky dimension that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular paprika.

• How can I make this sauce vegetarian?

Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and use a vegetarian parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the savory taste and creamy texture.

• What type of ravioli works best with this sauce?

Cheese or spinach ravioli complement the sun-dried tomato sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Reasons to Love Ravioli with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Sauce

• Whip Up a Gourmet Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses with minimal cooking skills required.
• Packed with Flavor Explosions: Sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and parmesan create a rich, complex taste profile that elevates ordinary pasta night.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in less than half an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Adaptable for romantic dinners, casual family meals, or even weekend entertaining, this creamy ravioli sauce suits multiple occasions and pleases diverse palates.

Ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Ravioli

• Ravioli: Pasta pockets filled with cheese or meat that serve as the main dish.
• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to the sauce.

• Tomato Puree: Adds a deep, concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Enhances the sauce's depth and provides a savory liquid base.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture for the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky, slightly spicy dimension to the dish.
• Oregano: Contributes an earthy, herbal note to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Basil, Parmesan: Add intense flavor, herbal freshness, and a salty, umami element to the sauce.
• Spinach: Provides a nutritious green component and wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce.

How to Make Ravioli with Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until it turns golden and releases its delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Create Tomato Base

Pour in tomato puree and let it simmer for a quick minute, allowing the flavors to intensify.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Flavor Boosters

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh chopped basil
• Grated parmesan cheese

Simmer the sauce until it slightly thickens, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Gently stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt and turn a vibrant green color.

Step 6: Cook Ravioli

Boil salted water and cook ravioli according to package instructions, but reduce cooking time by 1 minute.

Drain pasta carefully.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold ravioli into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.

Continue cooking until sauce reaches desired thickness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Tips for the Creamiest Ravioli Sauce

• Simmer the cream sauce gently to avoid curdling, stirring consistently and keeping the heat low.
• Toast the dried herbs briefly in butter before adding liquid ingredients to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Add spinach at the last moment to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
• Undercook ravioli slightly when boiling, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
• Grate fresh parmesan directly into the sauce off the heat to prevent graininess and promote smooth incorporation.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Sauce Ravioli Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Sauce Ravioli blends Italian culinary passion with rich, velvety flavors. Pasta lovers will savor this elegant dish that combines silky sauce, tender ravioli, and fresh ingredients for a memorable dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 500 g (1 lb) Ravioli

Protein & Dairy:

• 240 ml (1 cup) Heavy Cream
• 40 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter

Vegetables & Herbs:

• 125 g (1 cup) Sun-Dried Tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) Baby Spinach Leaves
• 3 cloves Garlic, finely diced
• 1/2 small bunch Fresh Basil, roughly chopped

Liquid & Seasoning:

• 120 ml (1/2 cup) Chicken Stock
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Puree
• 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet to medium temperature, gently melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the butter, sautéing until it releases a rich, aromatic flavor without burning.
3. Pour tomato puree into the skillet, allowing it to caramelize and intensify its natural sweetness for approximately one minute.
4. Stream in chicken stock, heavy cream, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, creating a harmonious liquid base. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Fold sun-dried tomatoes, fresh chopped basil, and grated parmesan into the developing sauce, stirring consistently to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Reduce heat and let the sauce gently simmer, allowing it to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency, approximately 4-5 minutes.
7. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they delicately wilt and integrate seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
8. Simultaneously, prepare ravioli in a separate pot of salted boiling water, cooking them slightly less than package instructions recommend to maintain an al dente texture.
9. Drain the ravioli and immediately transfer them into the prepared sauce, gently tossing to ensure each pasta pocket is lavishly coated.
10. Plate the sauced ravioli immediately, optionally garnishing with additional parmesan for extra richness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream for lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Enhance vegetarian version by replacing chicken stock with vegetable broth and adding roasted pine nuts for protein and crunch.
• Prevent sauce separation by lowering heat and stirring continuously when adding dairy components, ensuring smooth consistency.
• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for more intense, rich flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg