Name: How Trader Joe's Ricotta Ravioli Became My Dinner Hero
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package Trader Joe’s Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup spinach or arugula; 1/4 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half); 1 tbsp butter; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; Fresh basil for garnish

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Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 6 PM, completely out of dinner ideas and energy? That was me nearly every weeknight until I discovered my culinary lifesaver. As a food enthusiast who juggles a full-time job and side projects, I’ve made it my mission to find meals that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort. Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli has become my secret weapon for those nights when cooking feels impossible but takeout isn’t an option.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through why this simple pasta has earned permanent pantry status in my home, how to elevate it beyond the package instructions, and share the variations that keep it exciting week after week. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner solutions, budget-friendly meal ideas, or simply want to expand your pasta repertoire, you’ll find practical tips for making the most of this versatile supermarket gem.

Why This Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli Recipe Works

Ready in under 15 minutes from freezer to plate
Costs less than $4 for a meal that serves two
Provides a blank canvas for endless flavor combinations
Contains quality ingredients with no artificial preservatives
Perfect balance of pasta-to-filling ratio
Holds up well to various cooking methods (boiling, pan-frying)
Satisfies both simple and sophisticated palates

Choosing the Right Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli

Best Varieties for This Recipe

Trader Joe’s offers several ravioli options, but the classic ricotta stands out for its versatility. The subtle cheese filling complements rather than competes with whatever sauce or toppings you choose. The spinach and ricotta variety works beautifully too, adding a hint of vegetable goodness without overwhelming the dish.

Buying Tips

Look for packages with no visible ice crystals, which can indicate freezer burn. Check the expiration date and try to select from the back of the freezer section where temperatures remain more consistent. Each package contains approximately 2-3 servings, so plan accordingly for your household size.

Substitutions

If Trader Joe’s ricotta ravioli is unavailable, many grocery stores offer their own store-brand versions that work similarly. In a pinch, tortellini can substitute, though cooking times may vary. For a non-dairy option, many stores now carry vegan ravioli with plant-based fillings.

Ingredients & Prep for Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli

Tired of boring weeknight dinners? Learn how Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata transforms mealtime from bland to grand. Try now! — Tired of boring weeknight dinners? Learn how Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata transforms mealtime from bland to grand. Try now!

Ravioli Prep Essentials

No thawing necessary—these cook perfectly from frozen. Keep the package in your freezer until you’re ready to cook. A large pot with plenty of water ensures the ravioli won’t stick together during cooking.

Sauces & Additions

Olive oil + fresh garlic + red pepper flakes
Jarred marinara + fresh basil
Brown butter + sage + toasted walnuts
Pesto + cherry tomatoes
Lemon juice + olive oil + black pepper

Pantry Staples

Keep these on hand to transform your ravioli instantly:

Quality olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme)
Salt and pepper
Lemon (for zest and juice)
Garlic

Step-by-Step Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Trader Joe’s Ravioli Prep

Fill a large pot with water (about 4 quarts for one package)
Add 1-2 tablespoons salt to the water
Bring to a rolling boil before adding ravioli
Meanwhile, prepare your sauce ingredients

Cooking Method for Trader Joe’s Ravioli

Gently add frozen ravioli to boiling water
Stir once carefully to prevent sticking
Return to gentle boil and cook for 4-5 minutes
Test one ravioli for doneness—it should be tender but still have slight resistance

If you’d like to try something different, check out my Best Thai Basil Beef Mince Spring Rolls recipe for another quick weeknight favorite!

Doneness Check for Trader Joe’s Ravioli

Properly cooked ravioli will float to the surface and have a tender texture. The filling should be hot throughout. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta can become mushy and the filling may leak out.

Resting Trader Joe’s Ravioli

Drain carefully using a colander, but don’t rinse! The starchy water clinging to the pasta helps sauce adhere better. If your sauce isn’t quite ready, toss the drained ravioli with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli

Avoiding Tough/Dry Trader Joe’s Ravioli

Never overcook—test early and often
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining to thin sauces if needed
Add a splash of olive oil to the cooking water to prevent sticking
Gently toss ravioli with sauce rather than stirring vigorously

Tool Recommendations

Spider strainer for gentle removal from water
Wide, shallow pan for sauce finishing
Microplane for fresh garlic and cheese
Good quality olive oil dispenser

Storage & Reheating

Keep uncooked ravioli frozen until ready to use. Leftover cooked ravioli can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a sprinkle of water, or pan-fry in a little olive oil for a crispy texture.

Flavor Variations for Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli

Mediterranean Twist

Transform your ravioli with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of feta. Finish with fresh oregano and a drizzle of quality olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

For appetizer inspiration to serve before your ravioli main course, try my Three Cheese Tomato Bruschetta Dip – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Vegetable-Forward

Sauté seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then toss with the ravioli and a light lemon-butter sauce. Top with toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Herb-Infused

Create an herb oil by blending fresh basil, parsley, and chives with olive oil. Drizzle over cooked ravioli and finish with lemon zest and cracked black pepper.

Flavor Profile	Key Ingredients	Cooking Time	Difficulty
Classic Italian	Marinara, basil, Parmesan	10 minutes	Easy
Rustic Autumn	Brown butter, sage, walnuts	12 minutes	Medium
Fresh Spring	Peas, lemon, mint	15 minutes	Easy
Hearty Winter	Roasted squash, browned butter, pecans	20 minutes	Medium

Serving Suggestions for Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli

Elevate your ravioli meal with thoughtfully paired sides. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette helps capture every bit of sauce. For vegetable sides, consider roasted asparagus, sautéed broccolini, or a medley of roasted Mediterranean vegetables.

For beverage pairings, a light Italian Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon complements the delicate ricotta filling without overwhelming it. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice.

Looking for a refreshing side salad? My Burrata and Oven-Roasted Tomato Salad pairs perfectly with ravioli for a complete Italian-inspired meal!

FAQs About Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli

Can I cook Trader Joe’s ravioli from frozen?
Yes, and it’s actually recommended! No need to thaw, simply add the frozen ravioli directly to boiling water.

How do I know when the ravioli is done cooking?
The ravioli will float to the top of the water when nearly done. Test one piece by cutting it in half—the pasta should be tender and the filling hot throughout.

Can I bake this ravioli instead of boiling it?
Yes! For a different texture, try baking the frozen ravioli in a casserole. Layer with sauce and cheese, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.

How many servings are in one package?
One package typically serves 2-3 people as a main course, depending on appetite and what sides you’re serving.

My ravioli broke open while cooking. What did I do wrong?
This usually happens when the water isn’t at a full boil before adding the ravioli or if the pasta is stirred too vigorously. Ensure water is at a rolling boil and stir gently just once or twice.

Conclusion

Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli has revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine by providing a foundation for endless meal possibilities that deliver both convenience and satisfaction. Whether dressed up for a special occasion or quickly prepared on a hectic Tuesday night, this freezer staple has earned its place in my cooking repertoire.

I encourage you to experiment with your own flavor combinations and make this versatile pasta your own. Share your creations on social media or check out my Pinterest board for more inspiration and variations to keep mealtime exciting!

What started as a desperate dinner solution has become a beloved part of my cooking arsenal—proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients can deliver the most satisfying meals. Give Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli a try this week, and discover your own dinner hero.

How Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli Became My Dinner Hero