Recipe Box, Last Minute Dinner

the Painted Apron

2 years ago

I try to keep pasta on hand for last minute, easy dinners

I love to throw it in a casserole with vegetables,

chicken, ham, sausage or bacon

The other night I thought it was just me for dinner,

it was a busy weeknight with sports practices for the boys,

but at the last minute HHjr asked

if I would make him something too

Hmmm…I only had one package of ravioli,

and knew it was plenty for me,

but he’s a big strong guy with a very healthy appetite

and I was worried it wasn’t enough…

I did have a package of gnocchi in the freezer,

and thought… why not!

I used Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Corn Ravioli from Trader Joe’s,

Yes, it is kind of a wacky combination~

but the vegetable flavors are very subtle

Any ravioli, tortellini and gnocchi would work

The combination of ravioli and gnocchi gives this baked pasta casserole

a new taste twist

Cook the ravioli and gnocchi per package directions

then build your casserole with a bottom layer of sauce

I used Rao’s Roasted Garlic Alfredo

Put the ravioli on top of the sauce layer in dish

and top with the gnocchi

Break off tough ends of asparagus,

rinse and wrap in a cloth or paper towel

Microwave on high for 2 minutes and unwrap immediately

to prevent further cooking

Cut into 1 inch pieces and place on top of gnocchi

Sprinkle with Parmesan

Cover with more sauce~

You can adjust the amount to taste, use a little or a lot!

Top with more Parmesan

Dish can be covered and refrigerated for baking later if desired

Bake at 350 degrees until hot and bubbling, 30-45 minutes

Time will depend on temperature of dish before baking

Serve it up

I decided not to put bacon in the dish before baking

Instead, add it on top after baking

so the bacon would remain crispy

Either way, with or without bacon, it’s delicious

Of course I opted for bacon 😋

An easy last minute meal!

Ravioli & Gnocchi Alfredo with Asparagus & Bacon

This dish is quick to put together with fresh or frozen ravioli and gnocchi, layered with asparagus, dressed with Alfredo sauce and topped with crispy bacon. Make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven later and you will have a wonderful dinner in no time!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Baked Ravioli, do ahead casserole, easy casserole, easy dinner, gnocchi casserole, ravioli and gnocchi Alfredo bake, weeknight dinner

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Servings 420

Ingredients

8 oz fresh or frozen ravioli I used Trader Joe's corn ravioli
14 oz gnocchi I used Trader Joe's sweet potato gnocchi
1 jar 15 oz Alfredo sauce I used Rao's roasted garlic Alfredo
1 bunch asparagus spears
6 slices bacon, cooked
3 oz grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare ravioli and gnocchi per package directions
Put a layer of Alfredo sauce into the bottom of a greased casserole dish, about 1/3 jar
Place drained ravioli on top of sauce and top with the gnocchi.
Break off tough ends of asparagus, rinse and wrap in a kitchen towel or paper towel. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Unwrap immediately to prevent further cooking. Cut into 1 inch pieces and place in casserole on top of gnocchi.
Cover with Parmesan cheese
Pour remaining sauce {or less to taste} over all and sprinkle with more Parmesan. Dish can be covered and refrigerated at this point for baking later if desired.
Bake at 350 degrees, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes until bubbling. Time will depend on temperature of dish when put in the oven
Garnish with crispy bacon pieces and serve