Description
Cheesy homemade easy baked ravioli recipe brings Italian comfort to dinner tables. Families will enjoy creamy pasta layers packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients that promise delightful meal satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 (700 g/24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- Sauce Foundation: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish, creating a robust flavor base for the ravioli.
- Layering: Carefully arrange ravioli in a single, slightly overlapping layer over the sauce, ensuring complete dish coverage and even distribution.
- Sauce and Cheese Coating: Lavishly pour additional marinara sauce over the ravioli, then blanket the entire surface with shredded mozzarella and a delicate sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Baking Process: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly crust and the ravioli are thoroughly heated.
- Resting and Finishing: Remove from oven and let stand for 3-5 minutes to allow cheese to set, then garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality mozzarella and parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that reduce melting quality.
- Prevent Soggy Texture: Layer sauce sparingly to avoid waterlogged ravioli, ensuring just enough moisture to keep pasta tender without becoming mushy.
- Temperature Control: Use middle oven rack for even heat distribution, preventing burnt edges and ensuring consistent cheese melting across the entire dish.
- Dietary Adaptations: Substitute traditional ravioli with gluten-free or plant-based alternatives, and use lactose-free cheese for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining similar taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg