Cheesy Ravioli Bake

I feel like this could be a contestant for Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade, but a better version!  You’re using help from the store with some store-bought fresh cheese ravioli so this doesn’t take long to put together.  My only “complaint” was that although it comes together very quickly, it uses three different pans.  So, I feel like this would be a great meal to make in bulk, for example, when you’re feeding a crowd, because you could essentially just double or triple (using a larger pan of course) and it would feel more “worth it” to me if that makes any sense.  It’s so simple to put together that it seems like it should only take one or two pots if that’s clearer!  (clear as mud.)

Nonetheless, it’s a super easy weeknight meal, and I’ve been making a concerted effort to put more of those on the menu.  Sometimes the tasks I give myself, coupled with everything else, are just a little too much at times!

Cheesy Ravioli Bake

• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (I used half and half.)
• 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh basil
• Salt
• 2 (8-ounce) packages fresh cheese ravioli
• 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzerella cheese

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.  Meanwhile, adjust oven rack to center position and heat oven to 450 degrees.  Grease shallow 2-quart baking dish with 1 Tbsp. butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Melt remaining butter in large skillet over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Add tomatoes, increase heat to high, and cook until thickened and almost dry, about 10 minutes.  Stir in cream and basil and simmer until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.  Season with salt.

While tomato sauce is cooking, add 1 tablespoon salt and ravioli to boiling water and cook until al dente.  Add spinach to pot with pasta and stir until wilted, about 30 seconds.  Drain pasta and spinach, return to pot, and stir in tomato sauce.  Transfer mixture to baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until top is golden, about 10 minutes.  Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe source: America’s Test Kitchen Best Simple Recipes