Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a delightful Italian dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Chicken Ravioli with Pesto and Veggies! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and friends alike. With tender chicken-filled ravioli enveloped in a vibrant pesto sauce and complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, this recipe is a celebration of taste and color on your plate. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple ingredients can create a masterpiece worthy of any occasion!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package of chicken ravioli
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all ingredients: wash and halve cherry tomatoes, measure out pesto sauce, and have Parmesan cheese ready for garnishing.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance flavor.
- Carefully add the chicken ravioli to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions, typically 4-6 minutes, until the ravioli float to the surface and are tender.
- While ravioli are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes bright green.
- Drain the cooked ravioli using a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Transfer the drained ravioli directly into the skillet with tomatoes and spinach. Gently toss to combine.
- Pour pesto sauce over the ravioli and vegetables, stirring carefully to coat everything evenly. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Plate the ravioli, ensuring an even distribution of tomatoes and spinach. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and prepare your vegetables before you start cooking. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make your cooking experience more enjoyable.
- Salt the Water: Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water before cooking the ravioli. This small step enhances the flavor of the pasta and makes a big difference in the overall taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: Keep a close eye on the cooking time. Ravioli are done when they float to the surface, which usually takes about 4-6 minutes. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus can make great additions.
- Adjust the Sauce: If your pesto sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the perfect consistency to coat your ravioli and veggies evenly.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory touch to your dish. Consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
- Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve your Chicken Ravioli with Pesto and Veggies right away while it’s hot. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
