Ravioli Alfredo Bake with Spinach and Bacon
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
297 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Ravioli Alfredo Bake with Spinach and Bacon
Description
This recipe uses packaged cheese ravioli coated in a white Alfredo-style sauce made by melting butter and garlic, blending in flour, and gradually whisking in milk or cream until smooth. Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper are stirred into the sauce, along with baby spinach leaves and cooked chopped bacon. The ravioli tossed in this sauce are placed in a greased casserole dish and topped with more Parmesan.
The dish is baked covered until bubbly and then broiled uncovered briefly to brown the cheese topping. This process creates a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping soft ravioli, contrasted by tender spinach and the smoky, salty flavor of bacon pieces. The broiling adds a slight crust and golden color to the top.
It serves as a rich main course with a combination of fresh greens and cured meat in a comforting cheese sauce. Garnishing with fresh basil or thyme adds herbal aroma and color.
The recipe notes that pre-made Alfredo sauces like Giovanni Rana can replace the homemade sauce to save time without changing the character of the dish. Using different brands of ravioli can work, but cheese-filled ravioli best match the sauce and balance.
Ingredients
- 2 ounce packages cheese ravioli
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoos garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk or heavy cream, (fat free half and half is my favorite for this recipe)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, shaved or shredded
- salt I used about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste
- black pepper I used about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach packed
- 4 trips Bacon cooked and chopped
- Parmesan Cheese for topping, grated
- basil optional, or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a medium casserole dish.
- In a large sauce pan melt butter over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle flour into the pan and stir. Gradually whisk milk into the pan until completely combined and mixture is smooth.
- Stir 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the sauce and stir until cheese is melted and combined with sauce. Stir in spinach and bacon and continue to stir until spinach is softened.
- Toss the ravioli in the sauce, then pour pasta and sauce into your prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining 1/3 cup parmesan cheese. (I added additional bacon for garnish, this is completely optional!)
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until sauce is bubbly and pasta is hot throughout. Switch oven to broil. Cook, uncovered, another 5 minutes until cheese on top begins to brown slightly.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh basil or thyme. Serve hot.
Notes
- Store-bought Alfredo sauce brands, like Giovanni Rana Alfredo, can be used as a convenient substitute for homemade sauce.
- Cheese ravioli varieties, such as Giovanni Rana Spinach and Ricotta, complement the sauce well.
- Additional bacon can be added as garnish before baking or after broiling according to preference.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 297kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 651mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 439mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1975IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 548mg | 55% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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