Short Description

A luscious ravioli dish featuring tender store‑bought ravioli bathed in a creamy, garlicky sun‑dried tomato sauce studded with fresh spinach—comfort food elevated in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to assemble using convenient store‑bought ravioli
Rich, creamy sauce with tangy sun‑dried tomatoes
Bright spinach adds freshness and color
Elegant enough for dinner guests, simple enough for weeknights

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salt, to taste
8.8 oz (250 g) store‑bought ravioli (e.g. roasted cauliflower & cheese)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1 cup half and half
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
2–3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional topping: freshly torn basil leaves

Directions

Cook the ravioli in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ to ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium‑low heat. Add the minced garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, and Italian herb seasoning; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the half and half, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Continue over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Gently fold in the cooked ravioli and chopped spinach. Simmer until ravioli are warmed through, spinach is wilted, and sauce reaches desired consistency—add reserved pasta water if it appears too thick (3–8 minutes).
Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan and torn basil if desired.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Serves 2–3 main course or 4 as a side
Prep Time: ~5 minutes
Cook Time: ~10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~15–18 minutes

Variations

Protein boost: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
Veggie upgrade: Add chopped roasted red peppers or sun‑dried tomato strips for more texture.
Cheesy twist: Use cream cheese or mascarpone for extra richness.
Herbal flavor: Swap Italian herbs with fresh oregano, basil, or thyme.
Vegan option: Use plant‑based half and half, vegan cheese, and omit Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of store‑bought?

Yes—fresh ravioli works beautifully. Reduce cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

2. Can I substitute heavy cream for half and half?

Absolutely. Heavy cream will yield a richer, thicker sauce.

3. What if the sauce is too thin?

Stir in more Parmesan and simmer gently to thicken. You can optionally use a corn starch slurry for added thickness.

4. Can I make this dairy‑free?

Yes—use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Keep heat low and stir gently. Don’t boil the dairy, and add cheese slowly to help emulsify.

6. Is spinach necessary?

It adds freshness and color, but you can omit it or substitute with arugula, kale, or baby chard.

7. Can I add meat or seafood?

Yes—cooked grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pancetta are all excellent add-ins.

8. How can I reduce sodium?

Use low-sodium ravioli or broth, rinse canned sun‑dried tomatoes, and control added salt.

9. Can I prepare this ahead?

Partially—make the sauce in advance and reheat before adding ravioli and spinach.

10. What herbs pair well with this dish?

Fresh basil, chives, thyme, or parsley all complement the creamy sauce and tomato flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Sun‑Dried Tomato And Spinach Ravioli brings together effortless comfort and balanced freshness in a single skillet. The silky sauce, tangy tomato bits, and bright spinach elevate simple ravioli into a satisfying, quick, and colorful dish—perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining without fuss.