Cooking Frozen Ravioli is so easy and there are so many different ways you can use it! From boiled, to baked, to airfryed, below are my five favorite ways to cook frozen cheese ravioli for an easy meal or appetizer.
Frozen cheese ravioli is one of those freezer staples that I think everyone should have. It provides you with a simple way to make an endless variety of meals. Not only does it cook in minutes, but it’s incredibly versatile and can be used in so many ways to create a delicious dinner or appetizer.
I’ve used it on its own in a simple pasta sauce, breaded baked to use as an appetizer with some marinara dipping sauce, or even as an easy substitute for noodles and ricotta cheese in a Lazy Ravioli Lasagna.
The options are endless and if you’re a parent, or simply a last-minute kind of cook (I happen to be both), frozen cheese ravioli is something you’ll want to have on hand almost all of the time. (You’ll always find a package of it in my freezer!).
In This Post
Why Use Frozen Ravioli?
There are so many reasons this easy pasta has become a staple in our house:
- Cooks Fast. Sure, you can buy premade fresh ravioli, which probably tastes better, but if it’s speed you’re after, you can't beat frozen. Especially when you’re boiling it, frozen cheese ravioli cooks in less than 5 minutes. You can even cook the ravioli in a premade simmering sauce and you have a quick meal on the table in no time.
- Easy. Not only is this fast, but it’s a really easy way to make ravioli. No rolling out dough, no making your own cheese mixture, just plop it in some boiling water and you’re done. Or, use it as a shortcut to making a Lazy Lasagna With Ravioli recipe. Add some garlic bread and a simple salad and dinner is done!
- Delicious. Again, maybe homemade ravioli does taste a little bit better, but frozen is not far off, and once you add a sauce or some breading, the difference is minimal.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make frozen ravioli:
- A large pot of water
- Salt (for flavor)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (to prevent the ravioli from sticking together if boiling, or for crisping it up when baking or making it in the air fryer)
- Your favorite pasta sauce
Optional:
- Cheese if you’re making a casserole or want more to add to the top of your pasta dish.
- Breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and eggs, if you’re making a toasted ravioli.
The 5 Best Ways To Cook Frozen Cheese Ravioli
Okay, so hopefully I’ve sold you on why frozen ravioli is a must-have for easy dinners. But, what’s the best way to make it? And how do you know when it’s finished? There are a variety of different methods of cooking frozen ravioli. Here are 5 easy ways to make this classic Italian staple.
Boiled
This is probably the fastest and easiest way to cook frozen cheese ravioli. Simply bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a little bit of salt to the water for seasoning. Add some extra virgin olive oil to the water to prevent the ravioli from sticking together. Then, simply boil for about 4-6 minutes, or until the ravioli floats to the top of the pot.
For al dente ravioli (which basically means a pasta that is firm to the bite), remove immediately. Otherwise, the ravioli can continue cooking and may become a bit mushy and easily breakable. Add your favorite pasta sauce and you’ve got a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort - perfect for busy weeknights. (See the recipe below for a great take on this easy cooking method.
Baked
Baked ravioli, especially when crispy and toasted can serve as a delicious appetizer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. To make it, simply boil the ravioli for about 3 minutes to allow them to soften a bit. Then, create a breading with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in one bowl, and crack a couple of eggs in another. Dip the ravioli in the egg mixture, and then in the breadcrumbs mixture to coat. Then place the ravioli on a pan lined with parchment paper and bake until golden brown and crispy.
In the air fryer
You can make toasted ravioli in the air fryer too! Follow the instructions above for the breading, then arrange the ravioli in an even layer in your air fryer. Bake at 400 degrees for 3 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes until the breading is crispy.
To make the ravioli in the air fryer without the breading, simply brush the ravioli with some oil, place it in the air fryer, and cook as directed above. The ravioli will come out crispy and delicious!
In a lasagna
Frozen cheese ravioli is such a great cooking hack when making this classic frozen ravioli lasagna recipe and you can do it in just a few simple steps. Simply layer your favorite sauce at the bottom of a casserole dish, add the frozen ravioli directly on top of the sauce in a single layer, then add more sauce and Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers and bake the dish in the oven and you’ll have a delicious ravioli casserole in about an hour.
In the microwave
Don’t want to mess with your stove or oven? Ravioli can easily be made in the microwave too. Simply add the ravioli to a microwave save bowl filled with salted water and a teaspoon of olive oil, cover with plastic wrap be sure to cut a slit in the middle to allow it to vent, and cook the ravioli on high for about 5-6 minutes, checking it periodically to see if the ravioli is floating or not (you’ll know it’s done if it floats!). Then add to a sauce and serve for a tasty meal!
Variations
As you can see, there are lots of ways to prepare frozen ravioli. But what about serving it? Below are some ways to add different flavors to your dish.
- Vary your sauce. Sure, a classic tomato-based spaghetti sauce is a popular choice, but changing up your sauce can totally change the flavor of your meal. Add some ground beef or ground turkey to the sauce, incorporate some fresh garlic, or choose something totally different from tomato sauce, like a pumpkin sauce or alfredo sauce.
- Add some fresh herbs or spices. A little bit of oregano, thyme, or even marjoram can really amp up the flavor of your ravioli. Add it to the sauce, or simply sprinkle it a top of a simple butter sauce for some extra flavor. Even simply adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or a grind of black pepper can add some good flavor to your delicious meal.
- Vary the cheese. Parmesan cheese and mozzarella are two obvious choices when you’re choosing cheese, but you could also choose something like goat cheese to add a more creamy texture, or blue cheese or gorgonzola for a little more punch.
- Choose a different type of ravioli. I find cheese ravioli to be the most versatile type of ravioli to keep on hand, but you can easily find different variations at your local grocery store. Look for meat-based ravioli, butternut squash, or even spinach for some different options.
Helpful tips
No matter what your cooking method, there are a few things to remember if you want perfect ravioli. Consider the steps below for the best results:
1. Don't crowd the ravioli. If you're boiling your ravioli, make sure to use enough water so that the ravioli has room to spread out a bit. Otherwise, the ravioli may stick together when cooking. If baking or air frying, be sure to spread out in a single layer to ensure everything cooks evenly and the ravioli are allowed to get a bit crispy.
2. Use olive oil. When boiling, the olive oil can help prevent the ravioli from sticking together. And if baking or air frying, it can create a crispy exterior that's great for appetizers or for making a toasted ravioli recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cooking time will vary by the method you use. Frozen ravioli will boil in about 4-6 minutes. If you're making the ravioli in the air fryer, you'll need about 7 minutes, and if baking, you'll need roughly 10 minutes.
Yes! Frozen ravioli cooks easily without thawing which makes it a great way to make an easy meal quickly. It also makes it a good staple to keep on hand in your freezer.
As a general rule, frozen ravioli takes about 4-6 minutes to boil. But it's also a good idea to check your package instructions to make sure since different brands or types of ravioli may require a shorter or longer cook time.
You'll know the ravioli cooked through when they float to the top of the pan when boiling.
One common complaint with boiling ravioli is that they're easy to break. This often is a result of cooking the ravioli for too long, which can make it mushy. Don't let your ravioli sit in boiling water for too long to avoid this.
Yes! Cooking frozen ravioli in the air fryer is a delicious way to make toasted ravioli. Simply brush with oil, then air fry at 400 degrees F for about 7 minutes, flipping the ravioli halfway through. You can also add a breading to the ravioli for some extra flavor. Mix bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese in a small bowl, and crack three eggs in a second bowl. Dip the ravioli in the egg mixture, then again in the breadcrumb mixture, and then cook as directed above for a tasty appetizer.
Sure can! Boil the ravioli for about three minutes to soften them, then brush oil and arrange them in an even layer on a baking dish or tray and bake for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
For toasted ravioli, mix bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, and crack three eggs in a second bowl. Dip the ravioli in the egg mixture, then again in the breadcrumb mixture, and then cook as directed above.
Yes! Add the ravioli to a microwave-safe bowl filled with water (be careful not to crowd the ravioli!). Cover with vented plastic wrap and cook on high for about 7 minutes, or until the ravioli floats in the water.
A great way to prevent sticking when boiling ravioli is to add a small drop of olive oil to the water. This makes it easy for the ravioli to be separated if they happen to stick together slightly.
If you find yourself with leftover cooked ravioli, simply allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked ravioli will keep for about 4-5 days when stored in the fridge.
Easy Sides To Serve With Ravioli Dishes
- Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic Knots
- Roasted Elephant Garlic Dip
- Cheddar Cheese Straws
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Rosemary Parmesan Bread
- Easy Meatballs
If you try any of these methods for making frozen ravioli, let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me with a pic of your dish @frontrangefed on Instagram - I love to see your creations!
More Delicious Italian Meals
- Lazy Baked Ravioli Lasagna With Frozen Cheese Ravioli
- Chickpea Stew With Orzo And Greens
- Creamy Orzo With Rosemary Brown Butter
- Easy Lemon Salmon Pasta
- Tuscan Pasta
Recipe
Easy Recipe For Frozen Cheese Ravioli
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen cheese ravioli
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water. Add the salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil and bring to a boil.
- Add the ravioli to the large pot of salted water and continue boiling until the ravioli float to the top. Carefully remove the ravioli with a slotted spoon and place it onto a tray lined with a paper towel, or in a colander.
- While the ravioli is cooking, prepare the garlic butter. Melt 3 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and softened.
- Pour the garlic sauce over the cooked cheese ravioli and toss gently to combine, being careful not to break the ravioli pieces.
- Serve in individual bowls or plates and top with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Don't crowd the ravioli when boiling. Make sure that your pot has enough water that the ravioli is fully covered, and then some.
- Add a little bit of olive oil to your water to prevent the ravioli from sticking together.
- You'll know the ravioli is cooked once they all float to the top.
- Remove ravioli immediately so that it remains al dente and doesn't become mushy.
Teresa Minatogawa says
To recommend plastic wrap in a microwave is something one might reconsider. This is unhealthy.
Sarah Jenkins says
Actually, the USDA says that as long as plastic wrap is labeled as microwave safe and doesn't touch your food, it's safe to use in the microwave. https://www.thekitchn.com/is-it-safe-to-use-plastic-wrap-in-the-microwave-222348