Imagine a dish that combines the irresistible comfort of cheese ravioli, tender shredded chicken, and a blanket of melted mozzarella that will make your family beg for seconds. This Cheesy Ravioli Bake is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours cooking, this Italian-inspired casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- If using frozen ravioli, do not thaw. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent ravioli from sticking.
- Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli across the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Distribute the shredded cooked chicken evenly over the ravioli layer, creating a uniform coverage.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken and ravioli, making sure to cover all ingredients completely.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Dust the top with grated Parmesan cheese for additional flavor and golden browning.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive cheese browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, portioning out equal amounts of ravioli, chicken, and cheese to each plate.
Tips
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile. Homemade is great, but a premium store-bought sauce works wonderfully too.
- Don't thaw the frozen ravioli - bake them straight from frozen to maintain their perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes between layers.
- Make sure to cover the dish with foil initially to prevent the cheese from burning before the ravioli is heated through.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve that golden, slightly crunchy cheese crust.
- Fresh basil isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
