If you are craving a comforting Italian dish that combines simplicity with bold flavors, this Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagined as a cozy weeknight meal or a casual dinner for friends, the layers of tender ravioli swimming in rich marinara and topped with golden, melted Parmesan cheese make every bite irresistible. This recipe is easy to assemble yet feels like a special treat, bringing warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy with this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and appearance, keeping the recipe straightforward yet delightfully luscious.
- Ravioli (10-ounce package, fresh or frozen): Choose your favorite filling for a personalized touch; cheese or spinach works wonderfully.
- Marinara sauce (25 ounces): A robust, flavorful marinara brings acidity and sweetness that complement the ravioli perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (1 1/4 cups, grated): Freshly grated Parmesan adds that irresistible nutty, salty crust once baked.
- Fresh parsley (1 teaspoon, chopped): A sprinkle of parsley brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note to finish.
How to Make Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish ensures the ravioli won’t stick and makes cleanup much easier. This small prep sets the stage for perfectly baked layers.
Step 2: Layering the Magic
This step is where the Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan Recipe truly comes together. Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish – this acts as a flavorful base and prevents sticking. Then arrange half of your ravioli in a single, neat layer, giving each piece enough space. Next, sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the ravioli. Cover this with the remaining marinara and ravioli layers, topping it all off with the rest of the Parmesan. The layers will meld beautifully when baked.
Step 3: Baking Perfection
Cover your layered creation with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 20 minutes. This ensures the ravioli cooks through while the sauce simmers gently. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes to let that Parmesan cheese brown and crisp into a delightful crust.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This simple garnish adds a pop of color and an herbaceous brightness that lifts the entire plate. Now your Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond parsley, consider adding a few torn basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the appearance and taste. A crack of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a little heat and complexity, making the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This baked ravioli shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can provide a zesty contrast, balancing the richness with its peppery bite and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, bake your ravioli in individual ramekins for single servings. Layer the cheeses and sauce in clear dishes to showcase each colorful component. Adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking adds a crunchy texture that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making it a perfect next-day lunch or easy dinner.
Freezing
This dish freezes well before baking. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, extending the baking time slightly to ensure it cooks through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating this way can affect the texture of the ravioli and sauce.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ravioli or should I make it fresh?
Both work great! Store-bought ravioli is convenient and tasty, while homemade adds a special personal touch. Fresh ravioli tends to be more tender, but frozen or refrigerated works well for this baked recipe.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil during baking?
Yes, covering with foil traps moisture so the ravioli cooks evenly and stays tender. Removing the foil near the end allows the cheese on top to brown and crisp nicely.
Can I substitute the marinara sauce for another type?
Definitely! A spicy arrabbiata, creamy tomato basil, or even a meat sauce can be delicious alternatives, depending on your preference.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal because it melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty flavor. Pre-grated versions are fine in a pinch but may not melt as evenly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian option, ensure your ravioli filling is meat-free and use a vegetarian marinara. For vegan, use dairy-free ravioli, plant-based cheese, and vegan marinara sauce. The layering and baking process remains the same.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. It combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor in a way that always impresses without stress. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch it become a beloved staple in your home, perfect for any occasion that calls for delicious simplicity.
Print
Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and comforting baked ravioli recipe layers fresh or frozen ravioli with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, then bakes it until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a warm Italian classic.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 1 10-ounce package ravioli (fresh or frozen, approximately 25 raviolis)
Sauce & Cheese
- 25 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 1/4 cups parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Sprinkle half of the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the ravioli. Then, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese layer. Finally, arrange the remaining ravioli on top and sprinkle with the rest of the parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the cheese to brown slightly and the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a fresh herbal garnish. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use either fresh or frozen ravioli depending on availability; cooking times remain the same.
- For a different flavor, try substituting mozzarella cheese or adding Italian seasoning.
- Let the baked ravioli rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- You can prepare it ahead up to step 3, then refrigerate and bake when ready.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure your ravioli and marinara sauce do not contain meat.
