Randy Chandler
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways and paired with a range of sides and sauces. The ravioli can be made from scratch or store-bought, and the fillings can vary from spinach and ricotta to a mixture of spinach and multiple types of cheese. The ravioli can be served with a simple butter sauce, a creamy tomato sauce, or even a garlic parmesan alfredo sauce. Sides can include a leafy green salad, crusty garlic bread, or even extra veggies like sautéed asparagus or artichoke hearts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sauce | Butter, Sage, Cream, Tomato, Carbonara, Bechamel, Vodka, Walnut, Romesco, Marinara, Pesto, Olive Oil, Indian Fusion, Chicken Stock |
| Vegetables | Spinach, Mushrooms, Asparagus, Artichoke Hearts, Sundried Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic, Onion, Peppers, Thyme, Grape Tomatoes, Yellow Tomatoes, Red Tomatoes |
| Meat | Chicken, Italian Sausage, Shrimp, Meatballs |
| Bread | Cheesy Garlic Bread, Challah Bread, No Knead Artisan Bread, Semolina Bread |
| Salad | Leafy Green Salad with Italian or Balsamic Dressing |
What You'll Learn
Bread
Focaccia
Rosemary focaccia is a classic Italian bread that goes well with ravioli. It has a soft and fluffy interior with a crusty exterior, and is often sprinkled with rosemary and flakey salt. It can be dipped in garlic or herb oils, or marinara sauce, for added flavour.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta is another type of Italian bread that can be purchased from a local bakery or made at home. It has a soft and spongy texture, perfect for soaking up the sauce from spinach and cheese ravioli.
Garlic Bread
A crusty baguette loaded with fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese is always a good choice to serve with ravioli. It's easy to prepare and can be made in the oven in just a few minutes.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread is another option, especially if you want to emphasise the cheese in your ravioli. This can be made with a baguette or other types of bread, such as challah or no-knead artisan bread.
Sourdough Rolls
Sourdough rolls with garlic butter can also be served alongside spinach and cheese ravioli. The tanginess of the sourdough pairs well with the garlic and complements the flavours of the ravioli filling.
When serving bread with spinach and cheese ravioli, it is recommended to provide a bread that can soak up the sauce and complement the rich and creamy flavours of the dish. These bread options will enhance your dining experience and make for a well-rounded Italian meal.
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Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
A refreshing Mediterranean cucumber salad can be a perfect side to spinach and cheese ravioli. This salad typically includes ingredients like cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing. It's a crisp and cool addition to the hearty ravioli.
Green Salad with Italian or Balsamic Dressing
A simple green salad with a zesty Italian or balsamic dressing can be a great companion to spinach and cheese ravioli. Mix together some leafy greens like romaine lettuce, arugula, or mixed greens with vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Toss it with your favourite dressing, and you have a refreshing side dish.
Apple Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Feta
This salad combines the sweetness of apples and candied pecans with the creaminess of feta cheese and the freshness of spinach. It's a delightful mix of flavours and textures that can complement the richness of the ravioli.
Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
A lemon Parmesan kale salad can be a tangy and nutritious side to your ravioli. Massage some lemon juice and olive oil into the kale, then top it with shaved Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon. This salad adds a bright and healthy touch to your meal.
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
For a heartier option, consider a spinach salad with a warm bacon dressing. Fry some bacon until crispy, then whisk in a tangy dressing with vinegar and sugar. Toss it with spinach, hard-boiled eggs, and sliced mushrooms for a savoury and satisfying salad.
These salad options offer a range of flavours and textures that can enhance your spinach and cheese ravioli meal. They provide a balance of freshness and heartiness to your dining experience.
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Meat
When it comes to meat, there are several options that pair well with spinach and cheese ravioli. Here are some ideas:
Tuscan Chicken
This creamy, tomatoey chicken is an excellent choice to pair with spinach and cheese ravioli. It adds protein and acts as a sauce, elevating the entire meal.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that goes well with ravioli. The crispy, garlicky tomato sauce of the chicken complements the spinach and cheese ravioli beautifully.
A hearty meat sauce, or ragu, is a delicious option to serve with spinach and cheese ravioli. It's a versatile sauce that can be made with ground beef, pork, or a combination of both.
Crispy Air Fryer Salmon
For a lighter option, consider pairing your ravioli with crispy air fryer salmon. It's a healthy and delicious way to add protein to your meal.
Shrimp
Shrimp is an excellent choice to elevate your spinach and cheese ravioli to date-night fancy. It adds a touch of sophistication and pairs well with the other flavors in the dish.
Ground Beef
If you're looking for a heartier option, ground beef is a great choice. You can cook the ground beef with the spinach and other ingredients to make a flavorful ravioli filling.
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Asparagus
Ravioli with Asparagus and Mushrooms
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try making ravioli with asparagus and mushrooms. Sauté asparagus and mushrooms in a lemon-butter sauce, and then toss them with cooked ravioli. Add some grated Parmesan cheese, and your meal is ready in less than 30 minutes! This dish is perfect for those busy evenings when you're tempted to order takeout.
Ravioli with Sautéed Asparagus and Walnuts
This recipe is another simple and fast option that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Cook your ravioli according to the package instructions, and then toss it with sautéed asparagus and walnuts in a light and flavorful butter lemon sauce. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, and crunchy walnuts takes this dish to the next level.
Baked Ravioli with Spinach and Cheese
If you're looking for a heartier option, try baking your spinach and cheese ravioli with asparagus. Prepare a creamy cheese sauce by cooking butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Wilt some spinach and add it to the sauce, along with your favourite ravioli. Top the dish with mozzarella cheese and red chilli flakes, and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Fresh Asparagus Tips
When using asparagus in your ravioli dishes, it's important to note that thinner asparagus works better, especially if you're aiming for a quicker cooking time. Additionally, rinsing the asparagus before chopping and adding it to the pan will help create a delicious sauce.
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Artichoke hearts
When using artichoke hearts in ravioli, it is important to ensure that they are chopped into small pieces to ensure they do not affect the texture of the ravioli filling. They can also be sautéed before being added to the ravioli filling to enhance their flavour and reduce their water content, which can affect the consistency of the filling.
- Chop the artichoke hearts into small pieces to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.
- Sauté the artichoke hearts before adding them to the ravioli filling to enhance their flavour and reduce water content.
- Combine artichoke hearts with spinach and a creamy sauce, such as an Alfredo sauce, to create a rich and indulgent ravioli dish.
- Layer the ravioli with the artichoke heart mixture and sauce, creating a visually appealing and tasty dish.
- Top the ravioli with shredded Italian cheese and broil until melted for a crispy and cheesy finish.
- Add other ingredients such as mushrooms or Italian sausage to create a heartier dish.
- Use fresh or frozen ravioli, depending on your preference and availability.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients you need are: flour, eggs, spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, nutmeg, butter, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
First, mix flour and salt in a bowl. Then, stir water and egg together in a separate bowl. Next, combine the flour mixture with the egg mixture and knead the dough until it is well-textured and firm. Finally, form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for about an hour.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add spinach, and cook until wilted. Chop the cooked spinach finely and mix it with Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and salt to taste.
Divide the ravioli dough into two equal halves and roll each half into a thin sheet with a rolling pin. Dust the working surface with flour as needed. Once the sheets are rolled out, fill them with the spinach and cheese filling, and use a ravioli mold or tray to shape and cut the ravioli.
