Stuffed pasta represents a pillar of the Italian culinary tradition. Among the most popular variations, ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach stand out, now present on the shelves of any supermarket. Faced with the wide range of offers on the market, which products really deserve preference?
Gambero Rosso conducted an in-depth investigation, subjecting 22 industrial fresh pasta brands to the judgment of a group of professional tasters. The experts analyzed various parameters: the texture of the pastry, the quality of the filling, the behavior during cooking and the overall balance of flavours. The objective was to identify products with pasta with the right consistency and filling with a recognizable and pleasant taste.
Of the 22 brands tested, only 7 achieved ratings above passing. Let’s see what they are.
The 7 most popular ricotta and spinach ravioli
Sfogliavelo – Pastificio Rana
The first position goes to Giovanni Rana’s ravioli, characterized by an extremely thin sheet. The abundant filling combines ricotta, spinach and mascarpone, creating a mixture with a balanced and pleasant flavour. Despite presenting a pastry that could be slightly pale and delicate, the harmony of the taste and the velvety texture convinced the tasters.
Cost: €4 – Weight: 250g
Ravioloni with ricotta and spinach – Nonna Rina
Generously filled stuffed pasta, with a deep green filling and visible pieces of spinach. The flavor offers a pleasant contrast between vegetal and dairy components. The only aspect that could be perfected concerns a slight loss of structure after cooking, a detail which does not however compromise the excellent overall quality.
Cost: €3.40 – Weight: 250g
Maremmani – Zucconi tradition
Ravioli with a generous shape and an appearance that recalls artisanal production. Ricotta emerges as the main ingredient, accompanied by spicy hints of nutmeg and pepper. The semolina pastry has a slightly higher chewiness than the softness of the filling, creating an interesting contrast.
Cost: €1.80 – Weight: 200g
Sfogliagrezza – Pastificio Rana
Dumplings with a rustic character, wrapped in a firm pastry that contains a filling with delicate notes. The aromatic profile ranges from dairy products, eggs and vegetables. Chewing is satisfactory, although some areas of the pasta may have a stickier consistency.
Cost: €3.89 – Weight: 250g
Raviolo with ricotta from Latteria Sorrentina and spinach – Garofalo
Medium-large sized pastry with a shiny surface, filling with a soft texture with evident notes of ricotta and an unusual presence of garlic that gives it character. The spinach remains whole pieces and the overall creaminess is very pleasant.
Cost: €4.50 – Weight: 230g
Ravioli with Colfiorito ricotta and spinach – La Pasta di Camerino
Square format with a pale yellow tone. The filling stands out for its aromatic complexity: nutmeg, Parmigiano Reggiano and citrus touches intertwine with eggs and spinach, giving a layered and balanced taste experience.
Cost: €2.50 – Weight: 250g
Tortelloni with ricotta and fresh spinach – Soverini
Traditional shape of Emilian cuisine, with fine but resistant pastry. The filling shows a good balance, although the ricotta prevails over the spinach. It holds up well during cooking and the combination of flavors is well calibrated.
Cost: €3.20 – Weight: 250g
