Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with White Sauce

Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with White Sauce is a decadent yet comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta pockets filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and cheese, served in a luscious, velvety white sauce. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors — the mild, earthy taste of spinach complements the richness of ricotta and Parmesan, while the creamy sauce enhances the overall indulgence.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal. Homemade or store-bought ravioli works beautifully, and the white sauce can be customized with herbs or spices for added flavor. It’s a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is comforting, flavorful, and versatile. The spinach and cheese filling provides a fresh, vibrant taste, while the creamy white sauce makes it indulgent and satisfying. It’s a perfect blend of health and indulgence — the greens add nutrients, and the cheese adds richness without being overpowering.

It’s also a fun dish to make with family, as assembling ravioli or tossing pasta in the sauce feels special and celebratory. The aroma of the sauce simmering in the kitchen is absolutely irresistible, making it one of my favorite weeknight or weekend dishes.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Deliciously creamy: White sauce perfectly coats tender ravioli.
• Healthy twist: Spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals.
• Quick and easy: Ready in 30–40 minutes if using store-bought ravioli.
• Elegant and versatile: Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

If you love creamy pasta dishes with a balance of fresh greens and cheese, this Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with White Sauce is a must-try.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 3–4 servings
• Calories: ~400–450 per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Ravioli (if homemade)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1–2 tbsp water (if needed)
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and lightly sautéed
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

For the White Sauce (Alfredo-style)

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream or milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Directions Overview

1. Prepare ravioli dough or use store-bought ravioli.
2. Mix filling and assemble ravioli if making from scratch.
3. Boil ravioli until cooked.
4. Prepare white sauce in a skillet.
5. Toss cooked ravioli in sauce.
6. Serve hot with optional garnish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make or Prepare Ravioli

1. If using homemade dough, combine flour, eggs, and salt, knead until smooth, and roll out thinly.
2. Place small spoonfuls of spinach and cheese filling on one sheet of pasta, cover with another sheet, and seal edges. Cut into individual ravioli.
3. Alternatively, use store-bought ravioli for a quicker version.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta, sautéed spinach, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
2. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Cook the Ravioli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Gently cook ravioli for 3–5 minutes (or according to package instructions) until they float to the surface.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 4: Make the White Sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.

Step 5: Combine Ravioli and Sauce

1. Add cooked ravioli to the skillet with white sauce.
2. Gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to break the pasta.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the ravioli and drizzle with extra sauce if desired.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh spinach for a bright, vibrant filling.
• Lightly sauté spinach to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy ravioli.
• Don’t overcook ravioli — they should be tender but intact.
• Adjust sauce thickness with more cream or milk as needed.

Variations

• Mushroom and Cheese Ravioli: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
• Pesto Twist: Stir a spoonful of pesto into the white sauce.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based ricotta, milk, and butter substitutes.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Herbed Filling: Mix in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme with spinach and cheese.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked ravioli in an airtight container with sauce for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked ravioli on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Boil from frozen, then toss in freshly prepared white sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling ravioli
• Slotted spoon
• Skillet or saucepan for white sauce
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin and pasta cutter (if making homemade ravioli)

FAQ

1. Can I use store-bought ravioli?
Yes — store-bought ravioli works perfectly and saves time.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes — reheat gently before adding cooked ravioli.

3. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but squeeze out excess water before mixing with cheese to avoid watery filling.

4. Can I freeze the entire dish with sauce?
It’s best to freeze ravioli separately and make sauce fresh for best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with White Sauce is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality Italian cuisine to your kitchen. With tender pasta, a rich cheese and spinach filling, and velvety white sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions. Easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious, it’s a must-try for pasta lovers seeking a hearty yet elegant meal.