I absolutely love pasta, and one of my favorites has to be ravioli. The best part? You don’t need to start from scratch to enjoy a delicious meal; frozen ravioli is a fantastic way to whip up a fabulous dish in minutes. Today, I’m walking you through how to cook frozen ravioli to perfection, adding a few twists to elevate your dining experience!
When it comes to cooking frozen ravioli, many might think it’s as simple as boiling water, but there are a few tricks to making sure those little pockets of joy come out just right. Stick with me, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Total Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before we jump into the cooking, make sure you have the following tools on hand. Having the right equipment can make the process of cooking frozen ravioli smoother and more enjoyable:
- Large pot for boiling
- Colander
- Skimmer or slotted spoon
- Large skillet (for sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Frozen ravioli | 1 pound |
Salt | 1 tablespoon |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 ounces) |
Fresh basil, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
Crushed red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon |
Did you know? Ravioli originated in Italy; its name likely comes from the old Italian word “riavvolgere,” which means ‘to wrap’.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Boil the Ravioli
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add frozen ravioli to the boiling water.
- Cook according to package instructions, usually 4-6 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
Note: Don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Prepare the Sauce
- While the ravioli cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil.
Warning: Keep the heat moderate to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 3 – Combine and Serve
- Using a skimmer, transfer cooked ravioli directly from the pot to the skillet with the sauce.
- Gently toss the ravioli in the sauce to coat.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Note: Tossing the ravioli gently is key to keeping them intact.
Additional Tips
- If you prefer a creamy sauce, add a splash of cream to the tomato sauce before adding the ravioli.
- For a golden finish, sprinkle the cooked ravioli with mozzarella and broil for 3-4 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.
Pairing Suggestions
Pairing your cooked frozen ravioli with the right side dishes can turn a simple meal into a feast. Here are some of my favorites:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A light red wine, such as a Chianti
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 495 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 53 g |
Protein | 18 g |
Fat | 23 g |
Sodium | 1256 mg |
Fiber | 4 g |
Approximation Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Dietary Information
This cook frozen ravioli recipe is terrific for vegetarians. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ravioli and check all other ingredients for compliance.
FAQs about Cook Frozen Ravioli
What is the best way to store leftover cooked ravioli?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Can you cook frozen ravioli in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook frozen ravioli in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with water, and cook on high for about 4-5 minutes.
What sauces go well with ravioli?
Beyond tomato sauce, creamy alfredo or a buttery sage sauce makes great alternatives for dressing your ravioli.
How can you tell when frozen ravioli is cooked?
Frozen ravioli is ready when they float to the surface of the boiling water and are tender to the bite.
Can you bake frozen ravioli instead of boiling?
Absolutely! Lay them in a single layer in a baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
Are there any tricks to preventing ravioli from sticking together?
Adding a bit of oil to the boiling water and stirring gently during cooking can help prevent them from sticking.
What are some common mistakes when cooking frozen ravioli?
Overcooking is a common mistake which can cause the ravioli to become mushy. Always check doneness a minute or two before the package recommends.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen ravioli is quick, simple, and utterly satisfying. With these tips and steps, you’re set to create a fantastic meal that feels gourmet with minimal effort. Remember, the quality of your ingredients plays a huge part in the final taste, so choose wisely!
Feel free to leave your comments, questions, or feedback about this recipe below. I love hearing from you, and I’m eager to see how your ravioli turns out!
Check out some more delicious main dish recipes:
- Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- 3 Ingredient Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker Recipe
- Does Gochujang Go Bad Recipe
- Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe
- Pistachio Crusted Fish Recipe
- Chuck E Cheese Pizza Recipe
Cook Frozen Ravioli Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling
- Colander
- Skimmer or slotted spoon
- Large skillet (for sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound Frozen ravioli
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 can 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1 – Boil the Ravioli
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add frozen ravioli to the boiling water.
- Cook according to package instructions, usually 4-6 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
- Note: Don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Prepare the Sauce
- While the ravioli cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil.
- Warning: Keep the heat moderate to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 3 – Combine and Serve
- Using a skimmer, transfer cooked ravioli directly from the pot to the skillet with the sauce.
- Gently toss the ravioli in the sauce to coat.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Note: Tossing the ravioli gently is key to keeping them intact.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamy sauce, add a splash of cream to the tomato sauce before adding the ravioli.
- For a golden finish, sprinkle the cooked ravioli with mozzarella and broil for 3-4 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.
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