Easy Ravioli Casserole

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This Easy Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of cheese, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings cozy vibes and big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this casserole is sure to please. The mix of cheese ravioli, creamy sauce, and flavorful veggies will make it a repeat favorite at your dinner table.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 1 package (20-ounce) cheese ravioli

  • 12 fresh asparagus, trimmed and chopped

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

  • 2 shallots, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 8 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced

  • 1 teaspoon lemon salt

  • 1 pinch pepper

  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped and toasted

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

  2. Cook the Ravioli: Boil the ravioli according to package instructions but make sure they are cooked al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven.

  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Add the asparagus and sauté until the vegetables are tender.

  4. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and sliced sage, then season with lemon salt and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes.

  5. Combine and Layer: Add the drained ravioli to the creamy veggie mixture, ensuring each piece is coated. Transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

  6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top and bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot!

Nutrients

  • Calories: 134 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 6g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Fat: 11g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 2g

  • Cholesterol: 30mg

  • Sodium: 285mg

  • Potassium: 131mg

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 2g

  • Vitamin A: 459 IU

  • Vitamin C: 2mg

  • Calcium: 49mg

  • Iron: 1mg

The Comfort of Ravioli

Ravioli is a classic pasta that has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. These little pockets of pasta are often stuffed with a variety of fillings, from cheese to meat or vegetables, making them incredibly versatile. In Easy Ravioli Casserole, cheese ravioli takes center stage, providing a creamy and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce and sautéed vegetables. The ravioli also provides a satisfying texture, with the tender pasta enveloping the creamy cheese filling. Because ravioli is pre-made, it saves time in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on creating the flavorful sauce and sautéing the vegetables. Ravioli is a great choice for a casserole because it holds up well in the oven, and its flavors blend wonderfully with the creamy sauce and other ingredients.

The Creamy Sauce: The Heart of the Casserole

The sauce in Easy Ravioli Casserole is what truly makes the dish indulgent. Made with heavy cream, butter, and fresh sage, the sauce is rich and creamy, creating a velvety texture that coats the ravioli and vegetables. The cream adds a luscious, comforting element to the dish, while the butter provides richness and depth. Fresh sage leaves give the sauce an earthy, aromatic quality, perfectly complementing the creamy base and adding a hint of freshness. The addition of lemon salt brings a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the cream, balancing the dish and giving it a little brightness. Together, these ingredients create a sauce that’s both decadent and balanced, elevating the casserole into something truly special.

Flavorful Vegetables: Asparagus, Mushrooms, and Shallots

The vegetables in this casserole provide not only flavor but also texture and nutritional value. Asparagus, with its tender stalks and slightly sweet taste, adds freshness and crunch to the dish. When sautéed, the asparagus becomes tender but still maintains a bite, making it a perfect addition to the creamy casserole. Mushrooms, with their earthy flavor, add depth and umami to the dish. They soak up the rich sauce, contributing a savory note that balances the richness of the cream and cheese. Shallots, with their mild onion flavor, add a subtle sweetness that complements the other vegetables and enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole. These vegetables are not only delicious but also nutritious, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.

The Toppings: Parmesan and Toasted Walnuts

The toppings in Easy Ravioli Casserole provide the finishing touch that takes the dish to the next level. Shredded Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top before baking, creating a golden, bubbly crust that adds a salty, nutty flavor to the casserole. The cheese melts into the sauce, making each bite even more indulgent. After baking, toasted walnuts are added on top, providing a crunchy texture and a slightly bitter contrast to the creamy, rich casserole. The nuts add a layer of complexity and texture that enhances the overall experience of the dish. Walnuts also bring a boost of healthy fats, making them a nutritious addition. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy elements in the casserole creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy all of your cravings.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best things about Easy Ravioli Casserole is how quick and simple it is to prepare. Unlike traditional casseroles that require hours of prep work and baking, this dish can be made in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The ravioli is boiled and then layered with the creamy sauce and sautéed vegetables, making the entire process efficient and straightforward. The casserole is then baked in the oven until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Because the dish is made in one pot, there’s minimal cleanup involved, making it an ideal choice for those who want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatility: Customizing the Casserole

While this recipe is delicious as written, it is highly customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. You can easily swap out the vegetables for ones you prefer or have on hand. For example, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be great alternatives to asparagus and mushrooms. If you’re looking to add more protein to the dish, you can include grilled chicken, sausage, or even bacon for extra flavor. For a vegetarian version, you could add more vegetables or even try adding a plant-based protein, such as lentils or tofu. You can also experiment with different types of ravioli, such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom-filled ravioli, to change up the flavor profile. The flexibility of this casserole allows you to make it your own, whether you want to keep it simple or add more complex flavors.

A Comforting Dish for Any Occasion

Easy Ravioli Casserole is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal when you want something satisfying and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. The dish is also great for feeding a family or serving as a hearty side for a larger gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply want to impress your guests with a comforting meal, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its rich, cheesy flavors and the tender ravioli make it a universally appealing dish that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Plus, because the recipe is so easy to make, it can be prepared quickly, leaving you with more time to focus on other parts of your meal or spend time with your guests.

Nutritional Benefits of Easy Ravioli Casserole

While Easy Ravioli Casserole is undeniably indulgent, it also provides some nutritional value. The vegetables in the dish, including asparagus, mushrooms, and shallots, provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a balanced meal. Asparagus is rich in antioxidants and provides a good source of folate, while mushrooms offer vitamins B and D, as well as fiber. The ravioli provides carbohydrates and protein, especially if you choose a cheese-filled version, while the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese provide healthy fats that can support energy levels. However, due to the richness of the cream and cheese, the casserole can be high in calories and fat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For a lighter version, you can opt for reduced-fat cream or cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, cheesy flavors of ravioli with a creamy sauce and tender vegetables. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering both convenience and indulgence in one pot. The mix of cheese-filled ravioli, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a meal that is both satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this casserole is sure to impress. Its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavors make it a repeat favorite at your dinner table. Try this easy and comforting dish today, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe for any occasion.

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