Name: Best Trader Joe's Ricotta Ravioli Hack: A Burrata Burst Feast!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package Trader Joe’s Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli (or similar); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup marinara or tomato basil sauce; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 burrata ball (about 4 oz); Fresh basil leaves, torn; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan, for serving

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Tired of serving the same old pasta dishes that leave your taste buds yawning? Trader Joe’s ricotta ravioli is a convenient weeknight staple, but sometimes it needs that special something to transform it from basic to breathtaking. This burrata burst feast hack will revolutionize how you serve store-bought ravioli forever!

As a culinary enthusiast who’s spent years perfecting the art of elevating simple ingredients into restaurant-worthy meals, I’ve discovered that the secret to magnificent ravioli isn’t complicated sauces or hours in the kitchen—it’s the magic of creamy burrata.

In the following sections, I’ll guide you through selecting the perfect ravioli, preparing a simple yet elegant burrata topping, and assembling a dish that will have everyone convinced you spent hours in the kitchen. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to serving suggestions and troubleshooting tips.

Why This Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli Hack Works

Uses affordable, pre-made ravioli that saves time without sacrificing flavor
Transforms in just 15 minutes from package to gourmet feast
Perfect for impromptu dinner parties or luxurious weeknight meals
Combines hot and cold elements for an exciting textural experience
Customizable with seasonal ingredients for year-round enjoyment

Choosing the Right Trader Joe’s Ravioli

Best Ravioli Varieties for This Hack

Trader Joe’s offers several ravioli options, but the classic ricotta works best for this hack. The mild, creamy filling provides the perfect canvas for the burrata’s richness. Their Organic Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli also pairs beautifully with this treatment.

Buying Tips

Look for packages with intact seals and check the expiration date. The ravioli should feel soft but firm, not stuck together. For best results, use fresh ravioli rather than frozen, though both will work.

Substitutions

No Trader Joe’s nearby? Any quality store-bought ricotta ravioli will work. Even tortellini or other stuffed pasta makes a worthy substitute. Just avoid ravioli with strong flavors like seafood that might compete with the delicate burrata.

Ingredients & Prep for Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli Hack

Craving a restaurant-worthy pasta dish in minutes? Elevate Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli with burst tomatoes and creamy burrata for a gourmet meal. *Discover*! — Craving a restaurant-worthy pasta dish in minutes? Elevate Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli with burst tomatoes and creamy burrata for a gourmet meal. *Discover*!

Ravioli Prep Essentials

Before cooking, gently separate any stuck-together ravioli and inspect for tears. Have a slotted spoon ready for lifting the cooked pasta from water to preserve its delicate texture.

Burrata Burst Components

1 package Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli
2 balls fresh burrata cheese
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, thyme, or oregano)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Pantry Staples

High-quality olive oil makes all the difference in this simple dish. If possible, use a fruity, cold-pressed variety. Fresh herbs are strongly recommended, though dried can work in a pinch.

Love simple yet impressive Italian-inspired dishes? Check out my Three Cheese Tomato Bruschetta Dip for another crowd-pleasing favorite!

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

Pre-Cooking Ravioli Prep

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
Add 1-2 tablespoons salt to the water (it should taste like seawater)
Remove burrata from refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature
Chop herbs and prepare lemon zest while water heats

Cooking Ravioli Method

Carefully add ravioli to boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking
Cook according to package directions, usually 3-4 minutes for fresh ravioli
Test one piece for doneness—it should be tender but still slightly firm
While ravioli cooks, place room-temperature burrata on a plate and drizzle with a little olive oil

Ravioli Doneness Check

The ravioli should float to the surface when done. Avoid overcooking, as it can cause the pasta to burst. The texture should be al dente—with a slight resistance when bitten.

Resting Ravioli

After draining, toss the ravioli with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let rest for 1 minute before plating to allow the pasta to firm slightly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli

Avoiding Tough/Dry Ravioli

Never rinse cooked ravioli—this washes away the starchy coating that helps sauce adhere. If not serving immediately, toss with a bit of olive oil and cover loosely to keep warm.

Tool Recommendations

A large, wide pot allows ravioli to cook without crowding. A spider strainer or slotted spoon is gentler on delicate pasta than dumping into a colander.

Storage & Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftover ravioli can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in simmering water for 1-2 minutes or in a covered microwave-safe dish with a splash of water.

Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli Flavor Variations

Spicy Burst Twist

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil or incorporate spicy honey for a sweet-heat combination that contrasts beautifully with the creamy burrata.

Mediterranean Variation

Add halved cherry tomatoes, capers, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version that’s perfect for summer dinners.

Seasonal Flavor Adaptations

Season	Flavor Additions	Herb Recommendations
Spring	Peas, asparagus, lemon	Mint, chives
Summer	Cherry tomatoes, zucchini	Basil, oregano
Fall	Roasted butternut squash, sage	Fried sage leaves
Winter	Roasted mushrooms, truffle oil	Thyme, rosemary

For more inspiration with creamy cheese, try my Best Burrata and Oven Roasted Tomato Salad – it’s absolutely divine!

Serving Suggestions for Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli Hack

Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a complete meal
Serve as a starter for an Italian-themed dinner party with crusty bread
Add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes
For beverage pairings, try a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon

Looking for more Asian-inspired recipes to expand your weekly menu? Check out my Best Thai Basil Beef Mince Spring Rolls for a completely different flavor profile!

FAQs About Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli

Can I make this hack ahead of time?

The ravioli is best prepared just before serving, but you can have all ingredients ready to go. Cook the pasta and assemble with burrata just before serving.

What if I can’t find burrata?

Fresh mozzarella makes a good substitute, though it won’t have the same creamy center. Stracciatella cheese (the creamy inside of burrata) is another excellent option.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This is a vegetarian-friendly dish, making it perfect for mixed dietary preferences at gatherings.

Find more inspiration for quick and delicious meals on my Pinterest page where I share new recipe ideas every week!

Conclusion

This Trader Joe’s ricotta ravioli hack transforms an everyday pasta into a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal effort. The contrast between the warm, tender ravioli and cool, creamy burrata creates a textural and flavor sensation that will impress even the most discerning palates.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—quality ingredients allowed to shine without fuss. Try this burrata burst feast tonight and discover how a simple store-bought ravioli can become the foundation for a truly memorable meal.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this elevated yet effortless approach to ravioli will earn a permanent place in your culinary repertoire. Share your results and variations in the comments below!

Best Trader Joe’s Ricotta Ravioli Hack: A Burrata Burst Feast!