This Italian Ravioli with Spinach, Artichokes, Capers, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in minutes. Tender ravioli are tossed in a garlicky olive oil sauce with tangy artichokes, briny capers, earthy spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes for a pasta dish that feels like a vacation in Italy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes store-bought ravioli and transforms it into something truly special. The combination of flavors is fresh yet savory, with just the right balance of tangy, sweet, and salty. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests—and I only need one pan plus a pot of boiling water.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fresh or frozen cheese or spinach ravioli
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Olive oil
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Garlic, minced
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Fresh spinach
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Marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
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Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), sliced
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Capers, drained
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Salt and pepper
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Parmesan cheese, for serving
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions
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I cook the ravioli according to package directions until al dente, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. I cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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I add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
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I toss the cooked ravioli into the skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if I need to loosen the sauce.
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I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
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I finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cooking takes another 10 minutes, so total time is roughly 20 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the ravioli for tortellini for extra richness. If I want more protein, I add grilled chicken or shrimp. I’ve also made a creamy version by adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before tossing the pasta.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. The microwave works too, but the pasta can get softer, so I prefer the stovetop.
FAQs
Can I use dry ravioli?
Yes, but fresh or frozen ravioli cook faster and have a softer texture. If using dry, follow the package cooking time.
Do I have to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
Oil-packed tomatoes add richness, but I’ve used dry ones after soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes.
What kind of ravioli works best?
I like cheese or spinach ravioli for this recipe, but mushroom or butternut squash ravioli also pair beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, I use vegan ravioli and skip the Parmesan, or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Is this dish saucy?
It’s lightly coated in olive oil and the flavors from the ingredients—if I want more sauce, I add extra olive oil or a splash of white wine while cooking.
Conclusion
This Italian Ravioli with Spinach, Artichokes, Capers, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is one of my favorite quick pasta dishes. It’s fresh, colorful, and layered with bold Mediterranean flavors that make every bite exciting. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just myself, this recipe always feels like a little plate of Italy at home.
PrintItalian Ravioli with Spinach, Artichokes, Capers, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This Italian Ravioli with Spinach, Artichokes, Capers, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that transforms store-bought ravioli into a flavorful, elegant meal. Bursting with briny, tangy, and savory ingredients, it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (9–12 oz) package fresh or frozen cheese or spinach ravioli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ravioli according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Add cooked ravioli to the skillet, tossing gently to combine. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Top with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use tortellini or mushroom ravioli for a variation.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- A splash of heavy cream or half-and-half makes a creamy version.
- To make vegan, use vegan ravioli and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
- Dry sun-dried tomatoes can be used if soaked in hot water first.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg