Spinach Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Cheesy Spinach Ravioli Lasagna Recipe: A Cozy Family Feast

My recent obsession with creamy spinach ravioli lasagna emerged during a cozy weekend experiment in my tiny kitchen.

Layers of pillowy pasta squares nestled between rich ricotta and vibrant green filling create pure comfort.

Melted cheese cascades between delicate pasta pockets, promising a delightful meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each carefully assembled bite, inviting you to savor every morsel.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that doesn’t demand complicated techniques or endless prep time.

Home cooks can master this delectable dish with just a few simple ingredients and some culinary enthusiasm.

You’ll want to dive right in and experience this mouthwatering mashup of classic Italian favorites.

Why Spinach Ravioli Lasagna Is So Good

  • Quick Family Feast: A genius one-dish meal that combines classic lasagna comfort with convenient frozen ravioli, perfect for busy households craving delicious Italian flavors.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding proteins like ground beef or chicken, swapping cheeses, or incorporating different seasonal vegetables for a personalized dining experience.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires basic kitchen skills and uses simple ingredients, making this recipe accessible for beginner cooks while delivering restaurant-quality taste and presentation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Offers versatile appeal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings, with layers of cheesy goodness that satisfy both kids and adults.

Ingredients That Build the Ravioli Lasagna

Main Ingredients:
  • Spinach Ravioli: Pasta pockets filled with spinach and cheese that form the base of this lasagna.
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that provides moisture and rich flavor to the dish.
  • Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that adds a smooth and rich layer between the ravioli.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Classic Italian cheeses that create a golden, melty topping with delicious savory flavors.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Fresh Spinach, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: These ingredients add layers of flavor, freshness, and a subtle kick of heat to enhance the overall taste of the lasagna.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.
  • Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Layer Spinach Ravioli Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare Baking Vessel

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 2: Create Sauce Foundation

Pour a thin, even layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will prevent the ravioli from burning and add extra flavor.

Step 3: Layer First Ravioli Base

Carefully arrange a single layer of frozen spinach ravioli over the marinara sauce. Ensure the ravioli are evenly spread without overlapping.

Step 4: Add Creamy Cheese Layer

Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese across the ravioli. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta to create a rich, melty surface.

Step 5: Incorporate Fresh Spinach

Distribute fresh spinach leaves evenly over the cheese layer. Dust the spinach with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for added depth of flavor.

Step 6: Build Delicious Layers

Repeat the layering process – marinara sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and seasonings – until you’ve used all ingredients. Finish with a final layer of sauce and cheese on top.

Step 7: Initial Baking Stage

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ravioli to heat through.

Step 8: Final Browning

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden-brown cheese on top, indicating the lasagna is perfectly cooked.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to cool for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Slice and enjoy your delicious spinach ravioli lasagna!

Smart Tips for Ravioli Lasagna Success

  • Drain excess moisture from spinach to keep layers crisp and prevent watery consistency.
  • Mix Italian seasoning directly into ricotta cheese for more evenly distributed herbs and deeper taste profile.
  • Grate fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded for smoother, more luxurious melting texture.
  • Swap marinara sauce for roasted vegetable sauce to add extra nutrition and complex flavor dimensions.
  • Let lasagna rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier without falling apart.

Customize Your Spinach Ravioli Lasagna

  • Gluten-Free Spinach Ravioli Lasagna: Replace regular frozen ravioli with gluten-free spinach ravioli and use gluten-free marinara sauce.
  • Vegan Spinach Lasagna: Substitute dairy cheese with cashew ricotta, plant-based mozzarella, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Ravioli Bake: Use thinly sliced zucchini instead of pasta ravioli, layering with marinara and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Protein-Packed Chicken Spinach Lasagna: Add shredded cooked chicken between layers for extra protein and a heartier meal option.

What Tastes Great with Ravioli Lasagna

  • Robust Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese complement the rich, cheesy spinach ravioli lasagna perfectly, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the herbal notes.
  • Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's heaviness, adding a zesty counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Prepare crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up the marinara sauce, providing a crunchy texture that harmonizes with the soft, cheesy layers of the dish.

How to Store Ravioli Lasagna Easily

  • Transfer cooled lasagna to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Cut a portion of lasagna, place on a microwave-safe plate, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works perfectly. Just make sure to reduce the initial baking time slightly since fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen.

  • Is it okay to use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap mozzarella for provolone or use a blend of cheeses like fontina and ricotta for a unique flavor profile.

  • How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add cooked ground meat like beef or turkey between the layers, or mix some shredded chicken into the ricotta cheese for extra protein.

  • Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Print
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Spinach Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Spinach Ravioli Lasagna Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy spinach ravioli lasagna marries Italian comfort with elegant layers of cheesy goodness. Homemade pasta sheets and rich filling promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) package frozen spinach and ricotta ravioli
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating with olive oil and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
  2. Create a foundational layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish.
  3. Position a uniform layer of frozen ravioli directly onto the sauce.
  4. Generously spread ricotta cheese over the ravioli, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  5. Distribute fresh spinach leaves evenly across the cheese layer, then season with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Continue constructing alternating layers of ravioli, sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are incorporated, ensuring the final layer is topped with sauce and additional cheese.
  7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven for 20 minutes of initial cooking.
  8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling surface.
  9. Allow the lasagna to rest and slightly cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

  • Swap frozen ravioli for fresh ones to reduce moisture and prevent a soggy lasagna, ensuring a firmer texture and more concentrated flavors.
  • Replace whole milk ricotta with low-fat or part-skim versions to cut calories without sacrificing creamy richness, making the dish lighter.
  • Add protein variety by mixing cooked ground turkey or lean ground beef between layers for a heartier meal that satisfies meat lovers.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free ravioli and checking that marinara sauce contains no wheat-based additives, accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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