Easy Homemade Ravioli
Learn how to make authentic homemade ravioli with spinach and ricotta filling. Easy step-by-step recipe for fresh pasta dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 pound whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Water for pasta dough and boiling
Instructions
- 1
Combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl, then create a well in the center with the back of a wooden spoon.
- 2
Crack 3 eggs directly into the well and gently beat them with a fork, then gradually incorporate flour from the edges into the eggs.
- 3
Knead the mixture with your hands for 8-10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms, adding small amounts of water if the dough feels too dry.
- 4
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
- 5
Sauté the finely chopped spinach in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the excess moisture evaporates completely.
- 6
Combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, minced garlic, nutmeg, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a bowl, mixing gently until well blended.
- 7
Divide the rested dough into two equal portions and roll each piece through a pasta maker or with a rolling pin until thin enough to see your hand through it.
- 8
Lay one sheet of pasta dough on a work surface and place teaspoon-sized dollops of the filling 2 inches apart in rows across the dough.
- 9
Lightly brush water around each mound of filling using your fingertip or a pastry brush to help seal the ravioli.
- 10
Place the second sheet of pasta on top of the filled first sheet and press down gently between each filling portion to remove air pockets.
- 11
Cut the ravioli into individual squares using a ravioli cutter, knife, or pasta wheel, ensuring each piece is sealed on all edges.
- 12
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then carefully add the ravioli in batches.
- 13
Cook the ravioli for 4-5 minutes after they float to the surface, stirring gently to prevent sticking, until they reach a tender but still firm texture.
- 14
Transfer the cooked ravioli to a serving platter using a slotted spoon, working gently to avoid tearing the delicate pasta.
- 15
Warm the marinara sauce in a separate saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- 16
Pour the warm marinara sauce over the ravioli and top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and additional cheese if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| all-purpose flour | whole wheat flour or a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat | Whole wheat flour contains more fiber and nutrients, promoting better digestion and sustained blood sugar control throughout the meal |
| whole milk ricotta cheese | part-skim ricotta cheese or a mixture of ricotta and silken tofu | Reducing dairy fat lowers saturated fat and calories while maintaining creaminess and protein content, making the dish more heart-friendly |
| marinara sauce with added salt and sugar | homemade marinara using San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs with minimal added salt | Controlling sodium and sugar intake supports better blood pressure management and reduces inflammation from processed foods |
| butter in the sauce | extra virgin olive oil | Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties instead of saturated fat |
| regular white eggs | omega-3 enriched eggs from pasture-raised chickens | These eggs contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support brain health |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 498 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 165mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 72g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 23g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
