There are nights when I walk into the kitchen and the last thing I want to do is spend an hour cooking. That’s when I’m so grateful for the bag of frozen ravioli sitting in my freezer—it’s my little secret weapon. No fussing with dough or fancy fillings, just straight into the pot and dinner is already halfway done.
I actually started keeping frozen ravioli on hand after one particularly long day when I came home starving and didn’t have the energy for much. I tossed a few into boiling water, added some jarred sauce, and in less than 15 minutes, I was twirling forkfuls of cheesy comfort. Since then, it’s become one of my go-to quick meals.
If you’ve got a busy schedule or just want something warm and satisfying without the effort, frozen ravioli is a lifesaver. Let me show you how I cook it up with almost no prep so you can have a comforting dinner ready in no time.
Key Points
-
No Need to Thaw: Cook frozen ravioli directly from the freezer for best texture and convenience.
-
Boiling Method: Boil a large pot of salted water, add ravioli, and cook until they float to the surface (typically 4–6 minutes).
-
Pan-Frying: After boiling, pan-fry ravioli in butter or oil for a crispy exterior.
-
Baking Option: Combine frozen ravioli with sauce and cheese, then bake for a delicious casserole-style dish.
-
Sauce Pairings: Serve with marinara, Alfredo, pesto, or browned butter sauces for varied flavors.
-
Avoid Overcooking: Monitor cooking time closely to prevent ravioli from becoming mushy or breaking apart.
What is Ravioli?
Ravioli is a traditional Italian pasta made with thin dough and filled with cheese, vegetables, or meat. It’s been enjoyed for generations in kitchens across Italy and beyond. Ravioli is typically served as a starter or main course and can be cooked in various ways, such as boiled, sautéed, baked, or fried. The filling and sauces used to make ravioli vary depending on the region, making it an incredibly versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Be sure to check out our list of suggested side dishes for your next home cooked Italian dinner.
Best Ways to Cook Ravioli
Cooking ravioli is simple and doesn’t take much effort. You can make a delicious dish with ingredients that delight your family or friends. Start by boiling fresh ravioli until they are cooked Ravioli. Then, top with a sauce and some grated cheese for the perfect meal. Or, if you prefer something more creative, try baking cheese ravioli in a creamy tomato sauce. Cook fresh ravioli in a buttery garlic sauce for an even simpler dish. Check out this blog post if you need a way to figure out how much pasta you should make for each person?
Bake Ravioli
Baking ravioli is one of the best ways to enjoy it! To start, thaw frozen ravioli in the refrigerator for 24 hours or in freezing water for 30 minutes. If you’re quick on time, you can cook frozen ravioli directly in the oven. Preheat your cookstove to 375°F and dwelling frozen Ravioli on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake it for 20-25 minutes or until light brown. When it’s completed cooking, operate a slotted spoon to help you remove the Ravioli from the baking sheet.
Cook Frozen Ravioli in the Microwave
If you’re short on time, you can microwave frozen ravioli for a quick and easy meal. You can transform an ordinary frozen ravioli into a tasty meal with simple efforts and ingredients. Start by drizzling olive oil in a superficial dish. Add your frozen ravioli and cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Microwave for about 2 minutes, and then flip the Ravioli. Persist microwaving for another 2 minutes or until cooked, and voila! Serve with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a perfect pasta dish.
Cook Frozen Ravioli in the Air Fryer
When you crave something delicious and nutritious meal and comforting, try cooking up some frozen ravioli in your air fryer. It’s elementary and yields fantastic results! You must place the frozen ravioli in the air fryer basket and set the timer. With a soft, cheesy center, you’ll have perfectly crispy Ravioli in just minutes. It’s a simple way to get crispy ravioli at home without using much oil.
Cook Frozen Ravioli on Stove
Cooking frozen ravioli on the stove may sound intimidating, but it’s easy! All you require is a pot of cooking water, some salt and oil to season the water, and a bag or two of frozen ravioli. Add the frozen ravioli to the boiling moisture and cook for 10 minutes. The stove is a great method to get perfectly cooked Ravioli every time. Once ready, top it with your favorite sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for the perfect meal.
Serve Ravioli in a Broth
Serving ravioli in a broth adds extra flavor and turns it into a heartier meal. Get creative and give your Ravioli an Asian twist by using ingredients like miso paste, soy sauce, and ginger in the broth. Add a splash of sesame oil for an extra depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, add spices like cumin and chili to spice things up!
Ravioli Vegetable Soup
Ravioli vegetable soup is a great option when you want a hearty, comforting twist on classic vegetable soup. This hearty soup is packed with tender Ravioli, fresh veggies, flavorful seasonings, and a savory broth. It is a great path for your family to enjoy their veggies! The Ravioli adds an extra layer of texture and taste, making every bite even more delightful.
Cooked in Béchamel Sauce
Ravioli pairs beautifully with a creamy béchamel sauce that adds richness without being too heavy. The creamy texture of the sauce is perfectly balanced with a hint of light white wine and broth for flavor. It is the perfect accompaniment to mushrooms, allowing their earthy taste to shine through. The subtle sweetness of Béchamel sauce and the savory richness of Parmesan cheese will have your mouth watering with every bite.
The Conclusion on Ravioli:
I’ve learned that when ravioli is cooked just right, it turns into one of those meals that feels far fancier than the effort it actually takes. Personally, I love topping mine with a silky béchamel when I want to treat myself, but even a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan can make it special.
What I enjoy most is how easy it is to throw together—pop it in the oven, let it bake, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like comfort on a plate. It’s one of those dishes I reach for when I want something warm, filling, and a little indulgent without a ton of work.
So next time you’re craving something hearty, grab that baking sheet and give this a try. I think you’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together—and how satisfying it is to dig into a plate of baked ravioli straight from the oven.
About the Author
William Chase is the creator of KitchenForBeginners.com, a site dedicated to helping new cooks build confidence in the kitchen. He has a passion for home-style cooking and enjoys making simple, comforting meals that anyone can master. William’s experience experimenting with quick and easy pasta dishes inspired him to share tips on perfectly cooking frozen ravioli every time.
More about me...
FAQs
Q: How Long Does it Take to Cook Ravioli?
Cooking Ravioli is a simple and delicious dish that can be prepared in no time, taking only twenty minutes (or less!) from start to finish. Boiling the noodles on the stovetop requires just four to six minutes of cook time, depending on the thickness of the noodles, whether they are fresh or frozen, and how much water is used in the pot. After boiling them for about four minutes or until cooked thoroughly, you’ll drain them and transfer them to your plate.
Q: How Do You Know if Ravioli is Overcooked?
Telling if your Ravioli is overcooked or not can be tricky, but there are a few simple things you can look out for. The first thing to pay awareness to is the texture of the pasta itself – while perfectly cooked Ravioli should have an al dente bite and be nice and soft in the middle without being too mushy; Another telltale sign that your dish has been overcooked is that some of the fillings might start coming out when you cut into it. Finally, an overly browned top surface on your finished dish could also be evidence of overcooking.
Q: How to Drain Ravioli Properly?
Knowing how to drain homemade ravioli perfectly is an essential skill any home cook should learn. It starts with having the right tools. Make sure you have a large colander or strainer and put it into a basin or sink with some cold water. To begin, open the packet of fresh ravioli and add them to the cold water – this helps to keep all their shapes intact without crumbling apart. Allow them to sit for roughly one minute to soften slightly before draining them properly.
Q: How to Prevent Ravioli from Sticking?
When preventing ravioli from sticking, you can take rare simple steps to confirm that your pasta turns into a manageable mess! First, ensure you’re cooking the Ravioli in plenty of water. Use at least four quarts for every pound of Ravioli. You desire the water to be at a complete boil before adding the pasta; this will not only prevent sticking but also help ensure that the center of each Ravioli is cooked correctly.
Q: Side Dishes That Taste Good With Ravioli?
Ravioli can be a delicious and comforting meal, but why not add some extra flavorful sides to make it even more enjoyable? Garlic bread is one of the most popular sides to serve with ravioli or other pasta dishes. Start by cubing Italian or French bread and placing it in a large bowl. This refreshing salad will add some nutrition to your meal while being flavorful enough to stand out on the plate next to your ravioli dish.
Q: How to Store Frozen Ravioli?
Storing frozen ravioli is a great way to maintain them fresh and prepared for when you need them! Make sure that your frozen Ravioli is sealed tightly in its original packaging. If it’s already been opened, repackage the Ravioli into an airtight container. Next, place the sealed package of Ravioli on a flat surface in your freezer. This will assist in preventing any harm to the box due to stacking or too much weight being placed on top of it.
Q: Tips for Cooking Frozen Ravioli?
Cooking frozen ravioli is a quick and convenient way to whip up a delicious meal. Here are tips on how to cook frozen Ravioli:
Start by heating your oven to 375 phases Fahrenheit. Place a cooking sheet in the center of the oven before you begin so your Ravioli has abundant space to crisp up nicely.
Spread a single layer of frozen ravioli onto the preheated baking sheet in an even pattern (avoiding overcrowding).
Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 20 minutes until golden brown; remove from oven, turn over carefully once halfway through cooking time if desired for added crunchiness!
Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my private policy page.
