Name: Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 (25 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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If you’re looking for a deliciously easy dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli. This dish takes the classic comforts of cheesy baked pasta and transforms it into a simple weeknight meal that comes together in just a few simple steps. With a rich, creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta pillows, this baked ravioli is sure to become a new household favorite.

✨ What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli apart is its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The combination of a velvety cheese sauce and pre-made ravioli creates a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant, but takes minimal effort to make. Plus, the ability to customize the recipe with your favorite cheese and veggie additions makes it endlessly versatile.

Another standout feature is the baked texture – the ravioli develops a delightfully crispy edge while the inside remains tender and gooey. And since you can prepare the entire dish in advance and bake it just before serving, it’s the perfect stress-free option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

1 (25 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste

The beauty of this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of creamy cheese, tender ravioli, and savory spices creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made baked pasta recipes perennially popular.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Spread the ravioli in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the ravioli are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Compared to traditional lasagna which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 382
• Protein: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 834mg

These Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli provide approximately 34% of your daily protein requirements and 33% of your daily calcium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🥬 Make It Even Healthier

• Reduced-fat option: Use reduced-fat or part-skim cheeses to cut down on fat and calories.
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the ravioli with a lower-carb pasta or spiralized vegetable like zucchini noodles.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, or roasted broccoli for added nutrition and fiber.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Pair the baked ravioli with a robust red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon for a cozy date night.
• Complement the dish with a light Caesar salad and crisp white wine for a more casual family dinner.
• For a weekend gathering, serve the baked ravioli alongside a charcuterie board and a selection of antipasti items.
• Create a ravioli platter with various dipping sauces like pesto, marinara, and garlic-herb ricotta for a fun, interactive meal.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is perfect for making in advance. You can assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed in the recipe. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can easily customize the cheese blend to suit your preferences. Try using a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, or even goat cheese in place of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Just be sure the total amount of shredded cheese is around 1 1/2 cups.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make the Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli vegetarian, simply use cheese-filled ravioli instead of those containing meat. You can also substitute the butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it completely dairy-free.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

If the cheese sauce seems too thick, simply whisk in a bit more milk, about 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and pourable, but not watery.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, or any other veggies you enjoy. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the ravioli is heated through.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy family dinner or an elegant dinner party dish, they’re sure to impress with their irresistible cheesy goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these baked ravioli demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a deliciously easy cheesy pasta bake that will have everyone coming back for seconds!