What Meat Goes with Spinach Ravioli? 11 Best Kinds of Meat

If you’re trying to figure out what meat to serve with spinach ravioli, you’re in the right place.

Some of the best types of meat to pair with spinach ravioli include chicken, shrimp, and sausage. For a heartier dish, try serving the ravioli with short ribs or steak. If you want to keep it vegetarian, try pairing the ravioli with tofu, tempeh, or seitan.

Below, I’ve rounded up 11 of the best kinds of meat to pair with this delicious pasta dish.

Whether you are looking for a light and healthy option or something a little heartier, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these meats a try the next time you make spinach ravioli!

What Meat Goes with Spinach Ravioli? 11 Best Kinds of Meat

But, there are so many delicious options out there, and it can be tough to decide what to choose.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Here are 11 of the best kinds of meat to pair with spinach ravioli:

1. Chicken

Chicken is the most popular meat in any recipe, and for good reason.

It’s versatile, it’s affordable, and it pairs well with just about anything.

In this case, I would recommend a simple grilled chicken breast.

The spinach ravioli will be the star of the show, so you don’t want to overshadow it with a heavy or complex sauce.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can always use pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store.

Just make sure to add it in at the end so it doesn’t dry out.

2. Sausage

Sausages come in many different varieties, so it really depends on what type of ravioli you’re making.

If you’re making a spinach and cheese ravioli, I would recommend a mild sausage like chicken or turkey.

If you’re making a more robust ravioli, like one with a meat filling, I would go for a stronger sausage like chorizo or Italian sausage.

Pro Tip: Sausage is also delicious with gnocchi!

3. Shrimp

Shrimp is easy to work fast, fast to cook, and is a perfect match for the light spinach ravioli.

I would keep the shrimp simple by just seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic.

You could also give them a little bit of color by pan searing them before adding to your dish.

Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.

4. Steak

Who doesn’t like a big, juicy steak?

And when you pair it with something like spinach ravioli, you’ve got a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy.

The key with this pairing is to find a good quality steak that’s been properly cooked.

You don’t want it to be too rare or too well done, because then the ravioli will either be dry or fall apart.

Pro Tip:

1. Season your steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.
2. Then, once it’s cooked to your liking, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it.

This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat so that they don’t all spill out when you cut into it.

5. Short Ribs

If you’re feeling fancy, give short ribs a try.

They’re rich and flavourful, and pair perfectly with the earthy taste of spinach ravioli.

I like to keep the rest of the dish simple, so I’ll usually just add some sautéed mushrooms and a touch of garlic.

Pro Tip: To save time on cooking short ribs, ask your butcher to do it for you.

They can usually cook them sous-vide style, which results in tender and juicy meat every time.

6. Pork

Pork is also super popular in Italian cuisine, so it only makes sense that it would pair well with spinach ravioli.

I like to keep things simple when it comes to this dish and just top the ravioli with some browned butter and sage.

The pork tenderloin is a great cut of meat to use for this because it’s lean and cooks quickly.

7. Crab Meat

If you have a few cans of crab meat in your pantry, you’re in luck!

This is an excellent option to pair with spinach ravioli.

I would recommend a simple garlic and butter sauce to let the delicate flavour of the crab meat shine through.

You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness.

Pro Tip: If you want to fancy things up, top your dish with some crispy fried shallots.

8. Tuna

I bet you have a can (or two) of tuna in your pantry right now.

And I bet you also have a package of spinach ravioli in your freezer.

Well, it’s time to put those two ingredients to good use and make this amazing dish!

The key to making this dish great is all in the sauce.

I like to use a simple tomato sauce, but feel free to get creative with it.

Add some garlic, onion, or even some cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tip: If you want a really quick meal, cook the ravioli according to package instructions and then top with the canned tuna (drained) and tomato sauce.

9. Ground Beef

Ground beef isn’t super cheap, but oh boy is it delicious.

I like to think of spinach ravioli as a more sophisticated mac and cheese, so I would definitely go for a heartier meat with this dish.

Ground beef has a great flavor that can stand up to the creamy sauce and cheesy ravioli.

Plus, it’s easy to cook and pairs well with just about anything.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an even cheaper option, ground turkey works just as well in this dish.

10. Turkey

Turkey is a little similar to chicken (if you’re looking for a poultry option), but it has a milder flavor that won’t overwhelm the delicate spinach ravioli.

I like to keep things simple when pairing these two together and just do a little sage butter and Parmesan cheese.

But, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try doing a cranberry-balsamic reduction or even a creamy pumpkin sauce.

Pro Tip: If you want your turkey to stay juicy, cook it until it’s just about done and then let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it.

11. Lamb

Lastly, if you want to impress your dinner guests, try pairing spinach ravioli with lamb.

The two go together surprisingly well, and the contrast in flavors is sure to delight your taste buds.

I like to keep things simple when it comes to this dish and just use a little bit of olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper to season the lamb.