Easy Baked Ravioli: Your Ultimate One-Skillet Dinner Solution

Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of Baked Ravioli, a culinary delight that effortlessly combines tender, cheese-filled ravioli with a robust marinara sauce and a generous topping of gooey, melted cheese. This incredible recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of convenience and flavor, designed to be an easy, one-skillet wonder. Utilizing clever store-bought shortcuts, you can achieve a dish that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in mere minutes of hands-on preparation. It’s the perfect answer for busy weeknights when you crave something deeply satisfying and utterly delicious without the fuss.

Author’s Insight

Baked Ravioli: Restaurant-Quality Taste with Just 20 Minutes of Hands-On Work!

I absolutely adore a classic, homemade lasagna. It’s truly a labor of love – from meticulously cooking the pasta sheets and simmering the rich sauce to grating pounds of cheese and enduring a long bake time. While the result is always worth it, sometimes life simply doesn’t allow for such an extensive cooking project.

That’s precisely why I’m thrilled to share this Baked Ravioli recipe with you. It has been a total game-changer in my kitchen! It delivers all the rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness you crave from a hearty Italian meal, tasting as if it came straight from a gourmet restaurant. Yet, it respects your precious time and energy.

The true beauty of this dish lies in its incredible ease and speed. You’ll spend less than 20 minutes on hands-on preparation, and the entire meal comes together in just one oven-safe skillet. Forget boiling ravioli in a separate pot – everything bakes right in the same pan, infusing every piece of pasta with flavor and minimizing cleanup. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend treat!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Ravioli

This baked ravioli recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a culinary hack for busy individuals and families. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Unbeatable Convenience: This is the definition of a one-pan meal. Less prep, less cooking, and significantly less cleanup, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
• Speedy Preparation: With only 20 minutes of hands-on time and a quick bake, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Incredible Flavor: Layers of rich marinara, savory Italian sausage, creamy Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked ravioli create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children, offering comforting flavors everyone enjoys.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Swap the meat, add extra veggies, or experiment with different ravioli fillings.
• No Boiling Required: The ravioli cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors and eliminating an extra pot to wash. This shortcut alone saves valuable time and effort.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Baked Ravioli

Crafting this incredible baked ravioli dish relies on a few high-quality, yet easily accessible ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile that makes this recipe a true standout. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how to make the best choices:

How To Master Baked Ravioli in One Skillet

Preparing this baked ravioli is a straightforward process, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these simple steps for a truly effortless and delicious meal:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your skillet is ready for baking as soon as the sauce is prepared.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes beautifully golden and softened, usually about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Brown the Italian Sausage: Push the cooked onion and garlic to the edges of the skillet. Add the Italian sausage to the center, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to brown the sausage thoroughly, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, if there is a significant amount of excess grease, carefully drain it (see “Recipe Notes” for a helpful tip on draining). Return the browned sausage to the pan with the onion and garlic.
4. Build the Rich Sauce: To the skillet, add your chosen marinara sauce, pepper, Italian seasoning, and water. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. This forms the flavorful base for your ravioli bake.
5. Incorporate Ravioli (No Pre-Boiling Needed!): Gently stir the fresh (unboiled) ravioli directly into the sauce in the skillet. Make sure to press the ravioli down into an even layer, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid as much as possible. This allows them to cook perfectly and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
6. First Bake: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial bake starts to soften the ravioli and meld the flavors.
7. Creamy Cheese Layer & Final Bake: Remove the skillet from the oven. Give the ingredients a gentle stir and spread them back into an even layer. Evenly drop spoonfuls of Boursin cheese over the entire dish – this is where the incredible creaminess comes from! Finally, sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden-brown.
8. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or ribboned basil for a burst of freshness. Serve your glorious Baked Ravioli immediately and enjoy!

Delicious Variations and Customizations for Your Baked Ravioli

One of the best aspects of this easy baked ravioli recipe is its incredible versatility. Feel free to adapt it to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the Italian sausage entirely. Instead, you can add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce. Consider using a plant-based ground crumble for a heartier, meatless option.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you add the seasonings for an extra kick.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by stirring in fresh spinach (it will wilt down beautifully), chopped bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms along with the marinara sauce.
• Cheese Swaps: While Boursin is fantastic, you can also experiment with other creamy cheeses like goat cheese or a dollop of cream cheese for a different flavor profile. For the topping, consider a blend of provolone, fontina, or even a smoked mozzarella for added depth.
• Different Ravioli Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to cheese ravioli! Try spinach and ricotta, mushroom, butternut squash, or even lobster ravioli for a more gourmet twist. Adjust cooking time slightly if your ravioli variety is thicker or thinner.
• Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs make a huge difference. In addition to parsley or basil, try incorporating fresh oregano or thyme into the sauce for an aromatic boost.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked Ravioli Every Time

• The Cheese Upgrade is Real: Always take the extra minute to shred mozzarella from a block yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the cheese melt unevenly and result in a slightly gritty texture. Freshly shredded mozzarella guarantees a smooth, creamy, and wonderfully gooey topping.
• Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Marinara sauces can vary widely in flavor. Some can be quite tangy or acidic. Always taste your sauce before adding the ravioli. If it tastes a bit too sharp, a small pinch of sugar (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) can help balance the acidity and enhance the overall flavor.
• Prevent Mushy Ravioli: While the no-boil method is convenient, overbaking can lead to mushy ravioli. Stick to the recommended baking times. The ravioli will continue to absorb liquid as it cools, so serving it promptly ensures the best texture.
• Even Layering: When adding the ravioli and then the cheeses, try to create as even a layer as possible. This ensures that the ravioli cooks uniformly and that every serving gets a good amount of that glorious melted cheese.
• Don’t Skimp on the Skillet: A good quality, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) with proper heat distribution is key for this recipe. It helps achieve those desirable crispy edges on the bottom and sides while keeping the center perfectly tender.

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Easy Baked Ravioli

By
Chelsea Lords

This Baked Ravioli is the ultimate easy, one-skillet meal featuring tender, cheesy ravioli, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese—made even simpler with smart store-bought shortcuts! It’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner.

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Yields:
6 servings

Recipe Video

Watch the video above for a visual guide on how to make this delicious Easy Baked Ravioli!

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet or 9×13-inch casserole dish (see note 1)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, see note 2)
• 1 (24-ounce) container marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 18 ounces fresh cheese-filled ravioli (not frozen, see note 3)
• 1 (5.3-ounce) package Boursin cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (canned is too salty, see note 4)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (or ribboned basil, optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Push the onion and garlic to the edges of the skillet. Add the Italian sausage to the center. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned, about 7-10 minutes.
4. If necessary, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet (refer to note 5 for a helpful tip). Return the browned sausage to the pan with the onion and garlic.
5. Add the marinara sauce, pepper, Italian seasoning, and water to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Carefully stir the fresh ravioli directly into the sauce. Gently press the ravioli into an even layer, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid as much as possible to cook evenly.
7. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
8. Remove the skillet from the oven. Stir the ingredients once more and spread them back into an even layer. Evenly drop spoonfuls of Boursin cheese over the dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
9. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden-brown.
10. If desired, top with finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve your Easy Baked Ravioli immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1 (Equipment): If you do not own a large oven-safe skillet, you can still make this recipe! Prepare the meat sauce mixture in any large skillet on the stovetop. Once combined, transfer all ingredients, including the ravioli, into a 9×13-inch casserole dish before baking.

Note 2 (Sausage Choice): You have the option to choose between sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your personal preference. If you are using Italian sausage links, remember to remove the casings before browning the meat.

Note 3 (Ravioli Selection): For the best texture and cooking results in this recipe, it is crucial to use fresh (refrigerated) ravioli, not frozen. Brands like Rana’s® Mozzarella Cheese Ravioli are highly recommended for their quality and consistent performance.

Note 4 (Parmesan Cheese): For a superior flavor and melt, it’s always best to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Grate a block of Parmesan using the small holes of a cheese grater. Pre-grated or canned Parmesan can often be too salty and lacks the rich depth of fresh cheese.

Note 5 (Draining Grease): To efficiently drain excess grease from the cooked sausage, line a small heat-safe bowl with aluminum foil and place a fine-mesh strainer on top. Pour the contents of the skillet into the strainer. The fat will collect in the foil-lined bowl and can be safely discarded once cooled.

Storage Advice: This baked ravioli dish is truly at its peak when served immediately after baking, with warm, bubbly cheese and perfectly tender ravioli. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 days. Please note that the ravioli will soften considerably as it absorbs the sauce, altering its initial texture. Freezing and thawing are not recommended, as the pasta’s texture deteriorates significantly.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 844kcal |
Carbohydrates: 51g |
Protein: 37g |
Fat: 55g |
Saturated Fat: 24g |
Cholesterol: 156mg |
Sodium: 2205mg |
Potassium: 691mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 962IU |
Vitamin C: 13mg |
Calcium: 297mg |
Iron: 12mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an approximation only. It may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Love this Easy Baked Ravioli? Share your thoughts below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Baked Ravioli

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making and enjoying this delicious baked ravioli:

Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?

While fresh (refrigerated) ravioli is highly recommended for its optimal texture and quicker cooking time, you can use frozen ravioli in a pinch. If using frozen, do not thaw it first. You may need to increase the initial baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure the ravioli cooks through and becomes tender. Keep an eye on the sauce to ensure it doesn’t dry out; add a splash more water or broth if needed.

Do I really not need to boil the ravioli beforehand?

That’s right! One of the fantastic shortcuts of this recipe is that the fresh ravioli cooks directly in the marinara sauce within the oven. This not only saves you an extra pot to wash but also allows the ravioli to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce, making for an even more delicious dish.

How can I make this baked ravioli vegetarian?

Making this recipe vegetarian is very simple! Just omit the Italian sausage. You can replace it with a plant-based ground meat alternative, or increase the amount of vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or a handful of fresh spinach added to the sauce are excellent choices.

What if my sauce seems too thick or too thin?

The consistency of marinara sauce can vary by brand. If your sauce seems too thick, you can add an extra splash of water or vegetable broth (1/4 to 1/2 cup) to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer on the stovetop for a few extra minutes before adding the ravioli, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh from the oven. If you want to prepare ahead, you can cook the sausage and onion mixture, and even combine it with the marinara sauce. Store this sauce mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, add the fresh ravioli, Boursin, and mozzarella/Parmesan, then bake as directed. This helps prevent the ravioli from becoming too soft or mushy.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Unfortunately, this baked ravioli recipe is not ideal for freezing. The delicate texture of the ravioli pasta tends to break down and become mushy upon freezing and thawing, which greatly diminishes the quality of the dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Final Thoughts on Your Next Favorite Weeknight Meal

This Easy Baked Ravioli truly embodies the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a meal that feels special and tastes utterly fantastic. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this one-skillet wonder is designed to make your life easier and your dinner table more delicious. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, savory, and incredibly satisfying meal that your whole family will adore. Happy cooking!