Spinach ricotta ravioli is a cozy hug on a plate, with tender pasta filled with creamy ricotta, savory spinach, a touch of lemon, and a hint of nutmeg. Roll out silky dough, fold it into green parcels, and cook them in bubbling vegetable broth or olive oil with garlic. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil brings it all together, turning a simple meal into a celebration of homemade goodness. Ready in minutes, this dish shows that simple can be truly delightful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This spinach ricotta ravioli
- Deliciously creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious spinach packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Customizable with your favorite sauces and toppings.
- A fun cooking project to enjoy with family or friends.
spinach ricotta ravioli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1–2 minutes. Drain it well and squeeze out any excess water.
- Chop the spinach finely and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
- Add ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything until smooth and creamy.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pasta dough into thin sheets. Aim for a nice, even thickness.
- Place small mounds of the filling about 1 inch apart on one sheet of pasta.
- Brush around each mound with a little water. Cover with a second sheet of pasta and press down gently to seal.
- Use a knife or cutter to cut out the ravioli. Make sure they are well sealed!
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook for 3–4 minutes until they are tender.
- Drain the ravioli and serve with your favorite sauce or a drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy your homemade delight!
Notes
- Fresh spinach – 2 cups, chopped
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup
- Egg – 1 large
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Semolina flour – 1/4 cup (optional, for texture)
- Nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon, freshly grated
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil – for cooking
- Water – as needed for dough
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to make delicious spinach ricotta ravioli!
- Fresh spinach – 2 cups, chopped
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup
- Egg – 1 large
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Semolina flour – 1/4 cup (optional, for texture)
- Nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon, freshly grated
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil – for cooking
- Water – as needed for dough
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Ravioli
Get ready to create delicious spinach ricotta ravioli! This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 3–4 minutes to cook. You’ll love how easy it is to make fresh pasta at home!
Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1–2 minutes. Drain it well and squeeze out any excess water.
Step 2: Chop the Spinach
Chop the spinach finely and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Add ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pasta dough into thin sheets. Aim for a nice, even thickness.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Place small mounds of the filling about 1 inch apart on one sheet of pasta.
Step 6: Seal the Ravioli
Brush around each mound with a little water. Cover with a second sheet of pasta and press down gently to seal.
Step 7: Cut the Ravioli
Use a knife or cutter to cut out the ravioli. Make sure they are well sealed!
Step 8: Cook the Ravioli
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook for 3–4 minutes until they are tender.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Drain the ravioli and serve with your favorite sauce or a drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy your homemade delight!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 34 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With your favorite sauce or a drizzle of olive oil |
Pro Tips for Making spinach ricotta ravioli
- Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and flavor.
- Chill your dough before rolling for easier handling.
- Seal ravioli edges well to prevent filling from leaking.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique taste.
- Serve with a light sauce to let the filling shine.
How to Serve this spinach ricotta ravioli
- Top with a light marinara sauce for a classic touch.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh basil for a fresh flavor.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan or a dairy-free alternative for extra creaminess.
- For a twist, try a creamy pesto sauce instead of traditional marinara.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your spinach ricotta ravioli with ease:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow ravioli to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for reference.
Freezing
- Arrange uncooked ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- For refrigerated ravioli, simmer in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
- For frozen ravioli, cook directly from frozen for 4-5 minutes.
- Alternatively, microwave with a splash of water covered for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite sauce for best flavor.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What to eat with spinach ricotta ravioli?
Spinach ricotta ravioli pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can also enhance the dish, making it a delightful meal that balances flavors and textures.
2. What to put in ravioli with ricotta?
When making spinach ricotta ravioli, you can enhance the filling by adding ingredients like grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, or even a touch of lemon zest for brightness. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic for added depth of flavor, making your ravioli even more delicious.
3. How healthy are spinach and ricotta ravioli?
Spinach and ricotta ravioli can be a healthy option, especially when made with whole wheat pasta and fresh ingredients. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, while ricotta provides protein and calcium. Just be mindful of the portion size and the sauce you choose to keep it balanced and nutritious.
4. What sauce do you eat with ravioli?
A variety of sauces complement spinach ricotta ravioli wonderfully. A simple marinara or a creamy Alfredo sauce works well, but for a lighter option, consider a sage brown butter sauce or a drizzle of olive oil with garlic. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan can elevate the dish even further.
Final Thoughts
Making spinach ricotta ravioli is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience! Picture yourself rolling out the dough, filling each pocket with creamy goodness, and savoring the first bite. It’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, have fun, and enjoy this delicious taste of Italy right at home!