Mediterranean Ravioli Pasta with Feta and Pine Nuts
This dish takes tender cheese ravioli and elevates it with a Mediterranean twist — tangy feta, toasted pine nuts, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a light lemon‑olive oil dressing.
⏱ Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
18 oz (500 g) cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup baby spinach or arugula
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook ravioli
Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook ravioli according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Toast pine nuts
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts 2–3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce
In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds.
Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Combine pasta and sauce
Add cooked ravioli and spinach to the skillet. Toss gently.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
5. Finish & serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs.
Serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Nut‑free option: Replace pine nuts with roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds.
Cheese variation: Try goat cheese or ricotta salata instead of feta.
Make it creamy: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream at the end.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I use meat ravioli instead of cheese?
Yes — spinach & cheese or mushroom ravioli work wonderfully too.
Q: How do I prevent ravioli from sticking?
Toss them gently in olive oil after draining.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and pine nuts ahead, then cook ravioli just before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 17 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 570 mg