This slow cooker creamy ravioli bake is one of those dependable dinners that helps busy evenings feel a little easier. Using frozen ravioli, pasta sauce, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella, it comes together with almost no prep and cooks into a rich, cozy meal the whole family can enjoy. It has that classic baked-pasta comfort, but the slow cooker does the work for you, which makes it especially handy on school nights or when you just want supper handled ahead of time.
Serve this creamy ravioli bake with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. If you want to stretch it a bit further, add roasted broccoli or a bowl of fruit on the side. For grown-ups, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the table adds a little heat, while the kids usually love it just as it is.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Creamy Ravioli Bake
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 bag (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray or a thin layer of oil to help prevent sticking.
2. Spread about 1/3 of the pasta sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add half of the frozen ravioli in an even layer.
3. Dollop half of the cream cheese over the ravioli, spoon over another 1/3 of the sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, remaining cream cheese, and the rest of the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the ravioli are tender and heated through.
5. Uncover, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese is melted. Gently stir before serving if you want a creamier, more blended sauce, or leave the layers mostly intact for a casserole-style serving.
Variations & Tips
Add a protein: If you want a heartier meal, stir in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken between the layers. Just make sure any meat is fully cooked before it goes into the slow cooker.
For picky eaters: Use cheese ravioli and a smooth marinara without vegetable chunks if your kids prefer a more familiar texture. You can also cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes so it melts more evenly into the sauce.
Make it extra cheesy: A little Parmesan on top right before serving adds nice flavor. If your family loves a gooey pasta dinner, you can increase the mozzarella by another 1/2 to 1 cup.
Watch the cook time: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so start checking around the 3-hour mark. You want the ravioli tender, but not overcooked, since frozen pasta can soften quickly once fully heated.
Easy vegetable add-in: Fresh spinach is an easy addition for this dish. Stir in a couple handfuls during the last 20 to 30 minutes so it wilts down without making the sauce watery.