Tuscan-Style Creamy Ravioli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach & Basil
Description
Tuscan-Style Creamy Ravioli is a rich, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender ravioli tossed in a velvety garlic cream sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner or special meal. The creamy texture balances beautifully with the slight acidity of tomatoes and the freshness of herbs.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 3–4 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
For the Ravioli & Sauce
500 g (1 lb) cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed preferred)
2 cups fresh spinach
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
Optional Add-Ins
Grilled chicken or shrimp
Red chili flakes (for spice)
Mushrooms
Cherry tomatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook ravioli according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes).
Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and stir gently.
Add Flavor Ingredients
Stir in Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Spinach
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 1–2 minutes).
Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Add cooked ravioli to the skillet.
Toss gently to coat evenly with sauce.
Season with salt and pepper.
Finish & Serve
Turn off heat and sprinkle fresh basil on top.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread.
Pair with a fresh green salad.
Top with extra basil or chili flakes for more flavor.
Tips for Best Results
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor.
Don’t overcook ravioli to prevent tearing.
Add pasta water (2–3 tbsp) if sauce gets too thick.
Fresh basil gives the best aroma, but dried can be used in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes. Cook directly from frozen according to package instructions.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — the recipe is already vegetarian if using cheese ravioli without meat filling.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon pairs perfectly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.