If you’re looking for cozy comfort food that’s also a breeze to make, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe. I stumbled upon this gem during chilly evenings when I craved something warming yet special, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen. Imagine cheesy ravioli swimming in a rich tomato broth with Italian sausage and fresh spinach—utter perfection! Stick with me because I’m going to share everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic soup right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet hearty: This soup brings all the comfort of Italian favorites without complicated steps.
- Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warming fast.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Everyone from picky kids to foodies will enjoy it.
- Cheesy and wholesome: The combo of cheese ravioli, parmesan, ricotta, and spinach hits all the right notes in flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients & Why They Work
This Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe masterfully balances rich, savory, and fresh flavors. Each ingredient plays a part to create a soup that’s truly satisfying without being fussy. When you shop, looking for fresh sausage and quality ravioli will make a noticeable difference.

- Ground Italian sausage: Adds robust, meaty flavor and some fat that enriches the broth beautifully.
- Diced onion: Provides a mild sweetness once softened, building a flavorful base.
- Minced garlic: Never underestimate garlic—it gives the broth a fragrant depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the soup’s Italian flair effortlessly.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
- Chicken broth: Light enough to let the ingredients shine but hearty enough to make a great soup base.
- Crushed tomatoes: Creates that classic tomato soup texture and tang.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The star of the show—try to get good quality cheese-filled ravioli for best melty bites.
- Heavy cream: Adds a silky smooth texture and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor both in the soup and as a garnish.
- Baby spinach: Freshness and nutrients that wilt perfectly into the hot broth.
- Ricotta cheese: I use it as a topping to add creamy, dreamy spoonfuls in every bite.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe is how versatile it is—don’t hesitate to tweak it based on what you have or what mood you’re in. I love making it just as is, but sometimes I add a little extra spice or swap the sausage for ground turkey to keep it lighter.
- Variation: I once added some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, which my family surprisingly loved—definitely try if you like a little heat.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version that’s just as comforting.
- Seasonal swap: Swap baby spinach for kale or swiss chard in cooler months for a different greens vibe.
- Cheese twist: Mixing in some shredded mozzarella with the parmesan gives it an extra gooey lift, perfect for cheese lovers.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Soften the Onion
Heat a large pot over medium-high and add the ground Italian sausage with diced onion. I like to break up the sausage with my spatula as it cooks so it crisps nicely in parts. Cook roughly 5-7 minutes until there’s no pink left and the onions are soft. This is such a key step because browning develops those deep flavors that give the soup its comforting soul. Add the minced garlic last and cook just about a minute, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base with Paste and Seasoning
Next, stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook about a minute so it caramelizes a little. This really intensifies the tomato flavor and prevents any bitterness. Then pour in your chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top. Cover and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Letting it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes helps concentrate the flavors, making that broth taste like you’ve been slow-cooking all day.
Step 3: Add Ravioli, Cream, Parmesan, and Spinach
Now for the fun part—stir in the frozen cheese ravioli along with the heavy cream and grated parmesan. The cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes and adds indulgence, while parmesan amps up the umami. Toss in the baby spinach last; it wilts quickly and brightens everything up. Let the soup simmer for about 2 minutes until the ravioli is tender and the spinach has just wilted but still feels fresh.
Step 4: Serve Hot with Ricotta and Extra Parmesan
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. The ricotta adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm broth and cheesy ravioli—it’s my favorite little finishing touch. Grab some crusty bread or garlic knots on the side and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe
- Don’t rush browning the sausage: Let it get a little crispy in spots for maximum flavor depth.
- Use good quality ravioli: Since ravioli plays a starring role, buying fresh or high-quality frozen makes all the difference.
- Add spinach last: It wilts quickly and keeps its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Watch the ravioli closely: Overcooked ravioli gets mushy fast, so simmer just until tender.
How to Serve Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe

Garnishes
I love adding a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese on top because it melts ever so slowly without losing its lovely creaminess. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper finishes it off perfectly. Sometimes I toss in a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil for an extra fresh layer.
Side Dishes
Crusty artisan bread or garlic knots are my go-to when serving this soup—they’re perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop. A simple green salad with an acidic vinaigrette balances the richness if you want lighter sides. For a more indulgent meal, I sometimes serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or cozy date nights, I like to serve this soup in mini crocks or individual cast iron skillets—that presentation feels extra homey and inviting. Adding little bowls of shredded parmesan, ricotta, and chili flakes on the side invites everyone to customize their bowl. It’s a fun touch that makes the meal feel interactive and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I usually let it sit uncovered for a bit to cool faster before sealing. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup a couple of times: use freezer-safe containers and leave a little room at the top for expansion. Because ravioli can get a bit soft after thawing, I recommend freezing the soup without ravioli if you plan for a long freezer stay—add fresh ravioli when reheating. However, frozen with ravioli works fine if you plan to use it within a month.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the stovetop over the microwave for best texture. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Ricotta topping is best added fresh after reheating for maximum creaminess.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen in this Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works wonderfully and usually cooks even faster. Just add it in during the last couple of minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on it because fresh ravioli tends to be more delicate.
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Is this soup suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can make it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free ravioli and ensuring the chicken broth you use has no gluten-containing ingredients. Also, double-check the Italian seasoning blend and tomato paste for any hidden gluten. This way, you’ll have a delicious, safe-to-eat gluten-free version.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms, extra veggies, or a plant-based sausage alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese and spinach keep it hearty and flavorful.
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How do I prevent the ravioli from getting mushy?
Add the ravioli at the very end of cooking and simmer only until tender—usually 2-3 minutes. Overcooking causes ravioli to break down and get mushy, so timing is key. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s pure comfort with a touch of elegance, but incredibly easy to throw together. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, it never fails to impress and satisfy. I really hope you give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over like I do. Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and cozy up with a bowl of this cheesy, spinach-packed goodness. You’ve got this!
Print
Cheesy Ravioli Soup with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Soup featuring Italian sausage, cheese ravioli, and a creamy tomato broth enriched with Parmesan and spinach, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Seasoning & Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Main Ingredients
- 1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for sprinkling
- 2 cups baby spinach
Garnish
- ricotta cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook sausage and onions: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground Italian sausage and diced onion. Cook for 7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and sprinkle the Italian seasoning. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Then cook uncovered until the soup slightly reduces, about 10 minutes.
- Add ravioli, cream, cheese, and spinach: Stir in frozen cheese ravioli, heavy cream, grated parmesan, and baby spinach. Simmer for 2 minutes more to heat through and wilt the spinach.
- Serve soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on preference.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted for baby spinach if unavailable.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth as needed to thin the soup.
- Microwave reheating should be done in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

