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5 from 5 vote

Ravioli Filling

Ricotta and Spinach Filling (For Ravioli)is a delicious, creamy classic that adds rich flavor to homemade ravioli. Nonna's recipe is easy to prepare and versatile. It’s perfect for elevating your pasta dishes with a fresh, flavorful touch!
Prep Time10 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: ravioli filling, ricotta cheese
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 100kcal
Author: Lora

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the spinach and blanch for 30 seconds. Drain and completely squeeze all the liquid out of the spinach. Finely chop the spinach. Allow the spinach to totally cool down, do not add hot spinach to the filling.
  • If you are using a very liquidy ricotta brand, you will need to strain it. I recommend the Galbani brand (whole fat), as it does not need to be strained.
  • In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, spinach, and Parmigiano. Add in some grated nutmeg. Taste, and season with salt, if you like. The cheese is salty, so you may not need any salt or just a touch. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator while you continue on with making the ravioli. The filling can be prepped 1-2 days in advance.

Notes

  • Spinach: I like to use only fresh spinach for this ravioli filling. If all you have on hand is frozen, that's fine. It needs to thaw and you need to drain it very well. 
  • Ricotta Cheese: I always prefer to use Galbani whole milk ricotta. It does not to be strained. If you use another brand that is watery, it will need to be strained.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: I prefer Parmigiano or even pecorino, freshly grated. Sometimes the pre-grated cheeses have a coating that could change the filling texture. I do not recommend Parmesan cheese.
  • Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds an incredible flavor to the filling. Or you can use ground nutmeg. If you do not have it on hand, it's fine if you omit it.
  • Other recipes: You could use the filling in manicotti, stuffed shells, on top of a pizza, or stuffed in a calzone. 

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 286mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 1mg