6-Ingredient Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 25 ounces frozen 3-cheese ravioli
• 6 ounces baby spinach leaves
• 1 (24-ounce) jar vodka sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) jar basil pesto
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Step 2: Crumble the sausage into a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 3 minutes. Once cooked, drain the excess fat.

Step 3: While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook for 2 minutes. Drain the ravioli once done.

Step 4: Spread the drained sausage evenly at the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish. Top with the ravioli.

Step 5: Layer the spinach leaves over the ravioli.

Step 6: Pour the vodka sauce evenly over the spinach, followed by spooning the pesto on top.

Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dish.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the ravioli is heated through.

Step 9: Once baked, let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains:

• Calories: 591
• Total Fat: 45g (58% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 16g (78% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 71mg (24% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1100mg (48% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 17g (6% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 27g (55% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 16mg (17% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 403mg (31% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 776mg (17% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind 6-Ingredient Ravioli Casserole

The 6-Ingredient Ravioli Casserole is a modern take on classic Italian comfort food. While ravioli itself dates back to the 14th century in Northern Italy, casseroles as we know them became popular in mid-20th century America as a convenient way to combine pasta, cheese, and sauces in a single dish. This recipe exemplifies the evolution of Italian cuisine abroad, blending traditional pasta with accessible, ready-to-use ingredients to create a hearty, weeknight-friendly meal.

Regional Variations and Specialties

Ravioli casseroles are most commonly found in Italian-American households, particularly in the Northeastern United States, where Italian immigrants popularized pasta-based baked dishes. In Italy, similar dishes might be prepared with fresh pasta and regional cheeses, while in the U.S., frozen ravioli and jarred sauces make the dish quicker and more practical. Some variations incorporate regional cheeses such as Fontina in the north or sharp provolone in the south, highlighting subtle local differences in flavor.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

While this casserole resembles lasagna or baked ziti, it stands out for its simplicity and focus on pre-made ravioli. Unlike lasagna, which requires layering sheets of pasta, this recipe uses individual ravioli parcels, which reduces prep time and ensures even cooking. The combination of vodka sauce and basil pesto adds a unique depth of flavor, setting it apart from standard tomato-based casseroles or meat-and-cheese pasta bakes.

Where It Is Typically Served

6-Ingredient Ravioli Casserole is often served in casual home dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings where ease and taste are equally important. Its approachable preparation makes it ideal for weeknight meals, yet it is hearty and flavorful enough to feature at larger celebrations. In restaurants, it may appear on the menu in Italian-American bistros or diners that specialize in baked pasta dishes.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The concept of combining ravioli with a casserole is largely American; in Italy, ravioli is traditionally boiled and served immediately with a simple sauce.
• Using frozen ravioli drastically reduces cooking time, allowing the dish to be ready in under 45 minutes.
• The pairing of vodka sauce with pesto is a modern innovation, adding both creaminess and herbaceous complexity to a straightforward casserole.
• This casserole exemplifies a trend in comfort food: using minimal ingredients to maximize flavor and convenience, a hallmark of mid-century home cooking.
• Because of its versatility, it can be customized for dietary preferences, such as swapping the sausage for plant-based protein or adding seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition.

FAQ about 6-Ingredient Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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