Romantic Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

Name: Romantic Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped and sautéed; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love making Romantic Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli because it's the perfect dish for a cozy dinner date. The combination of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta wrapped in delicate pasta is a match made in heaven. Not only is it impressive to serve, but it also bursts with flavor and warmth. The best part is that I can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for easy, romantic meals later. Trust me, this dish will have you and your loved one coming back for seconds!

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:10:16.850Z

When I first attempted to make Ravioli from scratch, I was immediately drawn to the romantic essence of this dish. My secret? A blend of sautéed spinach mixed with rich, creamy ricotta cheese. The delicate balance is what elevates it beyond your typical pasta meal. I also recommend using fresh pasta to give it that genuine restaurant-quality feel.

One time, I served these ravioli during a candlelit dinner, and the reaction was priceless. It’s moments like these that inspired me to perfect my recipe. Always remember, the key is to ensure your dough is rolled out thinly for a tender and flavorful bite. You’ll absolutely love it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate, homemade pasta filled with vibrant spinach and rich ricotta
A romantic dish perfect for date nights or special occasions
The ability to make it ahead of time makes it stress-free

      

Mastering the Dough

The dough for your ravioli is crucial to the final product’s success, so don’t rush the process. When combining the flour and eggs, the goal is to create a homogenous mixture. If you find the dough too sticky, don’t add flour right away; instead, knead it for a little longer. Sometimes moisture from the egg needs time to incorporate fully. If it’s still tacky after about 10 minutes of kneading, a dusting of flour can help.

Resting the dough is also essential. By wrapping it in plastic and letting it relax for at least 30 minutes, you're allowing the gluten to develop and become more elastic, which makes rolling it out easier. If you can, let it rest longer; it's a good time to prepare your filling or sauce.

Perfecting the Filling

When preparing your filling, aim for balance among the flavors. Sautéing the spinach not only reduces its volume but also enhances its flavor profile, making it less bitter. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture after sautéing; this prevents the filling from becoming watery, which could lead to soggy ravioli. If you're in a pinch, you can use frozen spinach; just thaw and drain it well before mixing.

For a richer taste, consider adding an additional cheese, like a dollop of mascarpone or goat cheese, to the ricotta mixture. This can add creaminess and complexity to the flavor. Additionally, feel free to incorporate herbs like chopped thyme or parsley for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your romantic ravioli, the sauce can make a significant difference. While a simple olive oil and garlic sauce complements theSpinach and Ricotta Ravioli beautifully, you can also experiment with a light cream sauce or a lemon-butter sauce for a tangy twist. For each option, remember to sauce the ravioli gently to keep the filling intact.

Presentation is key for a special occasion. Arrange the ravioli on a plate with a good drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil or microgreens for a pop of color. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan can elevate the dish, making it not just delicious but visually stunning as well.

Ingredients

Gather everything you need to create this delightful dish.

For the Ravioli Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped and sautéed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients, you can start making the ravioli.

Instructions

Now let’s dive into creating these delicious ravioli!

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, then make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and gradually mix the flour into the eggs until a dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth, then wrap in plastic and let it rest.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, sauté the chopped spinach until wilted. In a bowl, mix cooked spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.

Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough into four portions. Roll each portion thinly with a pasta machine or rolling pin on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/16-inch thickness.

Form the Ravioli

Cut the rolled dough into squares. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of half the squares, then top with remaining squares. Seal edges firmly with your fingers or a fork.

Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli for about 4-5 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Prepare the Sauce

In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic. Add cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tomatoes are tender.

Combine and Serve

Toss the ravioli with the sauce and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

That's it! You're ready to enjoy these luscious ravioli.

Pro Tips

Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat or using other herbs like oregano for a different flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing these ravioli in advance is a great time-saver, especially for date nights. After forming the ravioli, lay them out on a floured baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag for up to two months. Just remember to cook them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.

Another tip is to make the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This not only allows the flavors to mingle but also saves time on the evening you plan to serve the dish.

Variations on the Theme

Feel free to get creative with the filling! For a different flavor profile, try substituting the spinach with sautéed mushrooms or roasted butternut squash. Both options bring unique textures and tastes to the dish. If you're looking for a vegan alternative, replace ricotta with a blend of cashews or tofu mixed with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and a splash of lemon juice for that creamy texture.

Consider serving your ravioli alongside a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs especially well, complementing the richness of the ravioli with a refreshing crunch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your ravioli are bursting during cooking, it often means the filling was too wet or the edges weren't sealed tightly enough. To prevent this, ensure you thoroughly drain and pat dry any spinach or other moist ingredients before mixing. Additionally, using a fork to seal edges, rather than just your fingers, creates a firmer closure and aesthetic detail.

If the dough seems difficult to roll out, it might be too dry. A little olive oil, or water can be added, but work it in gradually. Conversely, if it's overly sticky, dust with flour in small amounts. Remember, the goal is a silky, elastic dough that doesn't cling to your work surface.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

→ Can I freeze the uncooked ravioli?

Absolutely! Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as mushrooms, butternut squash, or even a meat filling!

→ How do I know when the ravioli are cooked?

The ravioli are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water, typically in about 4-5 minutes.