We’ve always been fans of Trader Joe’s ravioli for its unbeatable convenience and fresh flavors that capture the essence of Italian comfort food. These pre-made gems make it easy to whip up meals that feel gourmet without the hassle of homemade pasta.
In our kitchen we’ve explored endless ways to elevate these affordable finds turning them into crowd-pleasing dishes perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Join us as we share simple recipes that’ll inspire your next dinner adventure.
Ingredients
When we prepare dishes with Trader Joe’s ravioli, we focus on fresh, simple ingredients that elevate its authentic Italian flavors. Below, we’ve organized the ingredients for two popular variations—our classic cheese ravioli marinara and a spinach ravioli with pesto twist. These lists are ordered by how we use them in the recipe steps, with prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Cheese Ravioli Marinara
We start with the base for a quick, gourmet weeknight meal using Trader Joe’s Cheese Ravioli. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Trader Joe’s Cheese Ravioli: 1 package (9 oz), fresh from the refrigerated section—boil for 3-4 minutes until al dente.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin for sautéing vegetables.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for adding aromatic depth early in cooking.
- Onion: 1 medium, diced finely for building the sauce base.
- Canned Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) of Trader Joe’s Crushed Tomatoes, drained to reduce excess liquid.
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped roughly for stirring in at the end for a burst of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated—reserve some for topping just before serving.
- Salt and Pepper: ½ teaspoon each, to taste—add during seasoning of the sauce.
Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist
For a vibrant, nutrient-packed option, we turn to Trader Joe’s Spinach Ravioli. Ingredients are listed in the order we incorporate them:
- Trader Joe’s Spinach Ravioli: 1 package (9 oz), cook according to package for 4 minutes until tender.
- Pesto Sauce: ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Basil Pesto, store-bought for convenience—stir in gently to coat the ravioli.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved for adding a fresh, juicy element midway through assembly.
- Spinach Leaves: 2 cups, fresh and washed—wilt quickly in the pan before mixing.
- Pine Nuts: ¼ cup, toasted lightly in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to enhance crunch and nutty flavor.
- Lemon: 1 whole, zest and juice from half for brightening the dish at the final stage.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, for a subtle heat—sprinkle in during pesto integration.
| Nutrient | Cheese Ravioli Marinara (per serving) | Spinach Ravioli with Pesto (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450 | 480 |
| Protein (g) | 15 | 18 |
| Carbs (g) | 55 | 50 |
| Fat (g) | 20 | 25 |
| Fiber (g) | 4 | 6 |
Required Equipment
To bring our Trader Joe’s ravioli recipes to life—from the hearty Cheese Ravioli Marinara to the vibrant Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist—we rely on a few key kitchen essentials. These tools ensure efficient preparation while maintaining the fresh, authentic flavors of Italian-inspired dishes.
Essential Tools for Both Recipes
We’ll start with the core equipment that streamlines cooking for either variation. Here’s a breakdown to help you set up your kitchen:
- Large Stock Pot: Ideal for boiling the ravioli to achieve that perfect al dente texture. We recommend one with at least a 4-quart capacity to handle a full package without overflow.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A 10-12 inch non-stick skillet works best for sautéing ingredients like garlic and onions in the marinara or toasting pine nuts for the pesto twist.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping fresh produce such as onions, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. Opt for a sturdy wooden or plastic board paired with a sharp 8-inch knife for precise, safe prep.
- Colander or Strainer: Crucial for draining boiled ravioli without losing any pieces. A medium-sized mesh colander prevents water from diluting your sauces.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for seasonings and ingredients—use a set that includes 1-cup, ½-cup, and various spoon sizes to keep recipes balanced.
Specialized Equipment by Recipe
Depending on the recipe, you might need a few extras to elevate your results:
- For Cheese Ravioli Marinara:
- Grater: A box grater or microplane for freshly grating Parmesan cheese, adding that authentic, nutty finish to your sauce.
- Saucepan: If you’re simmering the marinara separately, a 2-quart saucepan provides even heating and prevents splattering.
- For Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist:
- Zester or Microplane: Perfect for zesting lemons to infuse bright, citrusy notes into the pesto—we love how it enhances the fresh spinach’s flavor.
- Small Mixing Bowl: Handy for combining pesto ingredients quickly, ensuring a smooth, cohesive sauce before serving.
By gathering these tools, we make preparing our Trader Joe’s ravioli recipes straightforward and enjoyable, turning simple ingredients into gourmet meals with minimal effort.
Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools for Trader Joe’s ravioli, let’s walk through the steps to create our Cheese Ravioli Marinara and Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist. We’ll use straightforward techniques to turn these affordable staples into gourmet meals bursting with Italian flavors.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together smoothly. For Cheese Ravioli Marinara, begin by finely chopping 1 medium onion and 3 garlic cloves, which will infuse the sauce with aromatic depth. Dice 1 can (28 ounces) of tomatoes for a chunky texture, and tear 10 fresh basil leaves to release their vibrant, herbaceous scent.
For Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist, wash and roughly chop 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves to add a crisp, earthy element. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst of sweetness, toast ¼ cup of pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes), and zest 1 lemon to yield 1 teaspoon of zesty brightness—be sure to juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon to enhance the pesto’s tang.
Cooking the Ravioli
First, bring a large stock pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat—aim for 4 quarts of water to prevent the ravioli from sticking. Add 1 package (about 9 ounces) of Trader Joe’s cheese ravioli for the marinara version, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they float to the top and achieve a tender, al dente bite with a satisfying chew.
In a separate skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic from the prep work for 2 minutes until softened and releasing a savory aroma. Stir in the diced tomatoes, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, simmering for 10 minutes to create a rich, bubbling sauce that coats the ravioli perfectly.
For Trader Joe’s spinach ravioli, boil another package (9 ounces) in the same pot for 4-5 minutes until plump and tender. In another skillet, warm ½ cup of pesto sauce over low heat, then mix in the chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and juice, cooking for 3 minutes until the ingredients wilt and blend into a vibrant, nutty sauce that evokes fresh garden flavors.
Assembling and Serving
To assemble Cheese Ravioli Marinara, drain the cooked ravioli using a colander and gently toss them with the simmering tomato sauce in the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in the warm, tangy mixture that releases an irresistible aroma of garlic and basil. Grate ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top for a nutty, melty finish, then divide into bowls for a comforting dish that highlights the creamy filling of the ravioli.
For Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist, drain the ravioli and fold them into the pesto mixture, stirring until the pasta absorbs the bright, herbaceous flavors and the tomatoes release their juices for a fresh, lively contrast. Sprinkle with additional toasted pine nuts and a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, then serve immediately to savor the vibrant colors and zesty tang that make this a standout weeknight favorite.
We recommend plating these dishes with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bite, ensuring your meal with Trader Joe’s ravioli feels both effortless and impressive.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To keep our Trader Joe’s ravioli dishes like Cheese Ravioli Marinara and Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist fresh and flavorful, we offer these practical strategies for preparing ahead and storing properly. This ensures you can enjoy gourmet meals with minimal effort, even on busy days.
Make-Ahead Strategies
Planning ahead maximizes convenience without compromising taste. We suggest focusing on components that hold up well, such as sauces and prepped ingredients.
- For Cheese Ravioli Marinara: Prepare the marinara sauce up to 3 days in advance. Start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil, then add canned tomatoes and simmer until thickened. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a richer base for when you boil the ravioli fresh.
- For Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist: Make the pesto sauce ahead and store it for up to 2 days. Blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, then mix in lemon zest and juice for a vibrant twist. Keep it refrigerated to preserve its bright, herbaceous notes, and add cherry tomatoes and spinach just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
- General Tips: Boil ravioli no more than 1–2 hours before serving to avoid sogginess. If making a full meal, assemble all ingredients the night before and refrigerate them separately—reheat the sauce gently on the stove while cooking the ravioli al dente for optimal results.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage extends the shelf life of your dishes while keeping them safe and delicious. We prioritize food safety and quality to help you minimize waste.
| Item to Store | Storage Method | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooke ravioli dishes | Refrigerate in an airtight container | Up to 3 days | Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water for even heating. |
| Marinara sauce | Refrigerate in a sealed jar or container | Up to 5 days | Stir well before reheating; freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags for longer storage. |
| Pesto sauce | Refrigerate in a glass container with a layer of olive oil on top | Up to 4 days | The olive oil acts as a barrier against oxidation; avoid freezing pesto as it may alter its texture. |
| Leftover ravioli | Freeze in portion-sized containers | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to retain the tender, chewy bite of the pasta. |
Always check for signs of spoilage, such as off odors or mold, before consuming. By following these make-ahead and storage practices, we help you turn Trader Joe’s ravioli into effortless, weeknight-friendly meals that stay as appealing as the day you prepared them.
Conclusion
We’ve loved diving into Trader Joe’s ravioli recipes and how they turn simple ingredients into memorable meals. These dishes show that great food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
It’s rewarding to experiment in the kitchen and make weeknights feel special. We’re confident you’ll enjoy creating your own twists and sharing them with us—happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Trader Joe’s ravioli so appealing?
Trader Joe’s ravioli stands out for its convenience, fresh flavors, and affordable price, capturing the essence of Italian comfort food. These pre-made options allow for quick, gourmet-feeling meals perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, with simple recipes that elevate everyday cooking into impressive dishes.
What are the ingredients for Cheese Ravioli Marinara?
The main ingredients include fresh cheese ravioli, olive oil, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and basic seasonings. This combination creates a hearty, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the ravioli, making it an easy-to-prepare meal.
What ingredients are in Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist?
Key ingredients are spinach ravioli, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest and juice, and red pepper flakes. This recipe offers a fresh, vibrant twist on traditional ravioli, balancing flavors for a nutritious and tasty dish.
What kitchen equipment is needed for these recipes?
Essential tools include a large stock pot for boiling ravioli, a skillet for sauces, a cutting board, chef’s knife, colander, and measuring tools. A grater for Parmesan and a zester for lemons are recommended to enhance preparation and achieve the best results.
How do I cook Cheese Ravioli Marinara?
Start by prepping ingredients: chop garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Boil the ravioli until tender, then sauté garlic and onion in olive oil, add tomatoes and seasonings to make the marinara sauce. Combine with ravioli, top with basil and Parmesan, and serve hot for a quick, delicious meal.
How do I prepare Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Twist?
Begin with prep: wash spinach, halve cherry tomatoes, and toast pine nuts. Boil the ravioli, then mix pesto with spinach, tomatoes, pine nuts, lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes in a skillet. Toss in the cooked ravioli and serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful dish.
How can I store Trader Joe’s ravioli dishes?
Prepare marinara sauce up to three days ahead and pesto up to two days; store in airtight containers in the fridge. Boil ravioli fresh to avoid sogginess, and assemble ingredients the night before. For leftovers, refrigerate cooked dishes for up to 3 days, ensuring food safety to maintain quality and minimize waste.