Can you Saute Ravioli Instead of Boiling? Best How to Recipe

Have you ever wondered? Can you saute ravioli instead of boiling it? Imagine a world where crispy, golden pockets of pasta filled with delectable ingredients are just a sizzle away from landing on your plate. Welcome to the realm of pan-fried ravioli perfection, where culinary simplicity meets Mediterranean Italian flair. If you’ve ever yearned for a quick and scrumptious meal that’s bound to impress, you’re in for a treat! 

It’s no secret I grew up in an Italian household with lots of Italian food being prepared. Growing up in an Italian household was like being enrolled in Pasta 101 from the moment I could walk. 

The scent of simmering tomato sauce wafting through the air was my daily alarm clock. And as for spaghetti? It was practically a food group!

The scent of fresh herbs being picked from the garden and a slotted spoon next to a pot of homemade tomato sauce was also an everyday event.  

sauteed ravioli on plate with sundried tomatoes, artichokes and capers
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You don’t choose pasta: pasta chooses you!

My nonna (that’s Italian for grandma) would always say, ‘You don’t choose pasta; pasta chooses you!’ It was like a delicious destiny, and I happily accepted the role of the pasta aficionado, or the name my mom would come to call me growing up, aka, spaghetti girl! (She would say it was the only thing I would eat when I was little!)

Today, we’re diving into the delightful art of pan-frying ravioli, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can transform these humble pasta parcels into crispy, bite-sized wonders. 

So, put on your apron and get ready to dazzle your taste buds with the best pan-fried ravioli recipe you’ll ever come across!

Do you have to boil ravioli before pan frying?

Now, when it comes to the age-old debate of whether you have to boil ravioli before pan-frying, let me tell you, it’s a matter of passionate discussion in our household. There are many different ways to cook ravioli. Some argue that a quick dip in boiling water gives ravioli that perfect al dente texture, while others believe that direct pan-frying is the way to go for that crispy exterior. 

The truth is, it’s a personal preference, and my family is split right down the middle.

I, for one, lean toward the no-boil camp for that extra crunch, but you’ll find the boiling brigade holding their ground steadfastly.

The real question is, can you ever have too much fresh ravioli, whether it’s boiled or pan-fried? I think not!

Can you air fry ravioli instead of boiling?

Here are five top reasons why air frying ravioli over boiling is a fun alternative to boiling.

  1. Can you air fry ravioli? Absolutely!: Yes, you can air fry ravioli instead of boiling it. Air frying offers a fantastic alternative that yields crispy results without the need for boiling.
  2. Convenient and Quick: Air frying ravioli is not only convenient but also much quicker than boiling. You’ll have a batch of crispy ravioli in less time.
  3. Crispy Goodness: Air frying is a great way to give ravioli a delightful crunch that’s hard to achieve through boiling alone. It’s perfect for those who love that crispy texture.
  4. Customizable: Using an air fryer allows you to customize your ravioli with various coatings, like breadcrumbs or a light spray of oil, for different flavor profiles.
  5. Less Mess: One of the perks of air frying ravioli is the minimal mess compared to boiling. No more pots of boiling water to deal with—just pop them in the air fryer, and you’re good to go!
white waffle weave dish towel with artichokes on it
green checked waffle weave dish towels

Can you cook ravioli on a stove?

Yes, you absolutely can saute ravioli instead of boiling it on a stove without the traditional boiling method! This unconventional approach involves sautéing the ravioli directly on a hot skillet, and it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to add some crispy flair to their pasta experience. 

The process is not only incredibly convenient but also produces a delightful texture that’s a far cry from the usual boiled version.

Sautéed ravioli opens up a world of creative possibilities. You can season them with various spices, and herbs, and even add a layer of gooey cheese for extra indulgence.

Plus, it’s a quicker alternative, perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. 

Can you saute ravioli instead of boiling? Sizzling Steps for Perfectly Sauteed Ravioli

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Spinach or Cheese Ravioli (homemade ravioli or store-bought, your choice!)
  • Italian seasoning (because we’re feeling fancy)
  • Parmesan cheese (for that hint of Italian charm)
  • Olive Oil or Cooking spray (to keep things non-stick)
  • Capers
  • Sundried Tomatoes
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Garlic
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • A large pot of boiling water (just kidding, we won’t be needing this)
  • Garlic bread (because, well, garlic bread!)
  • Airtight container (for leftovers, if there are any!)
jars of spices in a semi circle
spice jars from amazon

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Workspace:
    • Clear your stove area and set it to medium heat.
    • Find your trusty skillet – this is where the magic happens!
  2. Spray and Sizzle:
    • Give your skillet a light coating of cooking spray or drizzle the pan with Olive Oil.
    • Tip: Not much olive oil is needed, this is not deep frying.
    • After a couple of minutes add the sundried tomatoes.
    • Next add the artichoke hearts, slightly chopped.
    • Add the capers.
    • Toss in your minced garlic.
    • For best results, cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until slightly soft and warm.
    • Slide the artichoke mixture to the side of your pan.
    • Place your cheese ravioli onto the skillet in a single layer, making sure the uncooked ravioli is not too crowded. We want them to have some space to crisp up.
  3. Sizzle Away:
    • Turn the stove to medium-high heat and let those ravioli sizzle in the hot oil!
    • As they cook, the best way to season this easy appetizer is to sprinkle some garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top. The aroma will make you feel like you’re in a little Italian village.
    • I make my own Italian seasoning by mixing 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, parsley, oregano, basil, and garlic salt.
sundried tomatoes and artichokes sauteed in frying pan
Saute Sun-dried Tomatoes and artichokes in Olive oil

Flipping Fun

  1. Flipping Fun:
    • After about 3-4 minutes of cooking time, flip your ravioli. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they’re crispy and golden brown on one side.
    • Add 1/4 cup of water just to steam slightly
  2. Cheese Galore:
    • Once both sides are perfectly crispy, sprinkle some parmesan cheese over your ravioli. (mozzarella cheese is optional)
    • Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or so until the cheese melts and becomes irresistibly gooey.
  3. Serving with Pizzazz:
    • Plate your sizzling ravioli and top with the artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and caper mixture.
    • Sprinkle more parmesan if desired.
    • Don’t forget to serve some garlic bread on the side for that extra Italian flair.
  4. Leftover Love:
    • If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They’ll make a fantastic next-day snack or lunch.
Garlic glove in hand over frying pan
  • I used three cloves of garlic.
small glass bowl with capers ready to go into frying pan
  • Capers add an explosion of flavor to every dish, with each bite delivering a burst of vibrant, tangy, and savory taste.
sauteed ravioli in frying pan with sundried tomatoes, artichokes and capers pushed to side
  • Once ravioli is browned and crispy on each side, add 1/4 cup of water to steam.
plate of sauteed ravioli with grated cheese on side, before sundried tomatoes are added

And there you have it, a cheesy ravioli masterpiece, cooked to perfection on your stove, no boiling water required! 

sauteed ravioli on dish with sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and capers

Easy Sauted Ravioli Recipe Without Boiling

Have you ever wondered? Can you saute ravioli instead of boiling it? Imagine a world where crispy, golden pockets of pasta filled with delectable ingredients are just a sizzle away from landing on your plate. Welcome to the realm of pan-fried ravioli perfection, where culinary simplicity meets Italian flair. If you've ever yearned for a quick and scrumptious meal that's bound to impress, you're in for a treat! 
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 10 oz package Spinach or Cheese ravioli (homemade ravioli or store-bought, your choice!)
  • 2 tbsp Capers
  • 1 cup Artichoke hearts (slightly chopped)
  • 6 oz Sundried Tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (because we're feeling fancy)
  • Salt & Black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for that hint of Italian charm)
  • 1 small loaf Garlic bread (because, well, garlic bread!)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Cooking spray (to keep things non-stick)
  • A large pot of boiling water (just kidding, we won't be needing this)
  • Airtight container (for leftovers, if there are any!)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Your Workspace: Clear your stove area and set it to medium heat. Find your trusty skillet – this is where the magic happens!
  • Spray and Sizzle: Give your skillet a light coating of cooking spray or drizzle pan with Olive Oil. Not much olive oil is needed, this is not deep frying.
  • After a couple of minutes add the sundried tomatoes.
  • Next add the artichoke hearts, slightly chopped.
  • Add the capers.
  • Toss in your minced garlic.
  • For best results, cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until slightly soft and warm.
  • Slide the artichoke mixture to the side of your pan.
  • Sizzle Away: Turn the stove to medium-high heat and let those ravioli sizzle in the hot oil!
  • Place your cheese ravioli onto the skillet in a single layer, making sure the uncooked ravioli is not too crowded. We want them to have some space to crisp up.
  • As they cook, the best way to season this easy appetizer is to sprinkle some garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top. The aroma will make you feel like you're in a little Italian village.
  • I make my own Italian seasoning by mixing 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, parsley, oregano, basil, and garlic salt.
  • Flipping Fun: After about 3-4 minutes of cooking time, flip your ravioli. You'll know they're ready to flip when they're crispy and golden brown on one side.
  • Add 1/4 cup of water just to steam slightly
  • Cheese Galore: Once both sides are perfectly crispy, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese (optional) or parmesan cheese over your ravioli.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or so until the cheese melts and becomes irresistibly gooey.
  • Don't forget to serve some garlic bread on the side for that extra Italian flair.
  • Leftover Love: If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They'll make a fantastic next-day snack or lunch.
    And there you have it, a cheesy ravioli masterpiece, cooked to perfection on your stove, no boiling water required! 
    Serving size will depend on whether serving as appetizer or a main meal
Keyword ravioli, sauteed ravioli
sauteed ravioli on plate with sundried tomatoes, artichokes and capers

When to serve sauteed ravioli

Sautéed ravioli is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings and occasions. It makes for an impressive appetizer when hosting a dinner party or a game day with friends. Pair it with a range of dipping sauces like marinara, pesto, or even a zesty aioli for a personalized touch that elevates your appetizer game.

For a quick and satisfying weeknight quick pasta dinner, sautéed ravioli also shines. Its speedy preparation time and simple steps are a lifesaver on busy evenings when you crave a cheese-filled ravioli homemade meal without the fuss. 

Alternatives to Capers & Artichokes

If pan-frying ravioli and you prefer it without the garlic, capers, and sundried tomatoes, another option is to pan-fry it in a little oil and dip it in marinara sauce.

  • Mozzarella cheese (for that ooey-gooey goodness) (optional)
  • Serve with a side of your favorite marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Dunk away!

Ravioli, these delightful pasta pockets, come in a wide array of flavors to suit every palate.

These are just a taste of the many ravioli flavors available, and you can find even more inventive variations at specialty pasta shops and Italian restaurants.

Here are 12 different kind of ravioli flavors:

  1. Cheese Ravioli: Classic and beloved, these are typically filled with a mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses.
  2. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli: A healthier twist, these ravioli are stuffed with a blend of spinach and creamy ricotta cheese.
  3. Mushroom Ravioli: Earthy and savory, these ravioli are filled with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and herbs.
  4. Lobster Ravioli: A luxurious option, these ravioli are often filled with lobster meat and a rich seafood sauce.
  5. Butternut Squash Ravioli: Perfect for fall, these ravioli feature a sweet and savory filling of roasted butternut squash, often paired with brown butter and sage.
  6. Meat Ravioli: Filled with ground meat such as beef, pork, or veal, these ravioli are hearty and flavorful.
  7. Pumpkin Ravioli: A seasonal delight, these ravioli are filled with a spiced pumpkin puree, often served with a creamy sauce.
  8. Artichoke and Lemon Ravioli: These ravioli offer a refreshing and tangy twist, filled with artichoke hearts and a burst of lemony flavor.
  9. Four Cheese and Herb Ravioli: An explosion of cheesy goodness, these ravioli often feature a blend of different cheeses and aromatic herbs.
  10. Chicken and Pesto Ravioli: Filled with tender chicken and a vibrant basil pesto, these ravioli bring a taste of Italy to your plate.
  11. Truffle Ravioli: For those who appreciate the finer things in life, truffle-infused ravioli offer a rich and earthy flavor.
  12. Sundried Tomato and Basil Ravioli: Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, these ravioli often contain sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil.

Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a comforting main dish that’s both effortless and indulgent. 

Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply treating yourself to a satisfying meal, sautéed ravioli proves that it’s a versatile and delightful dish for any occasion.

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green thumbtack
pinterest pin

In conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question, Can you saute ravioli instead of boiling, is a resounding yes!

It’s a culinary revelation that adds a delightful twist to your pasta experience. So, the next time you crave ravioli, don’t hesitate to embrace this sautéing technique, which not only saves time but also delivers that crispy, golden perfection that’s simply irresistible.

Say goodbye to the old boiling routine and say hello to a new world of sautéed ravioli delights!

Your taste buds will thank you for the crispy, flavorful adventure.

Buon appetito! 

Susan Signature with feather pen

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    We went to Italy for our honeymoon and I fell in love with Italian food. Your recipes always take me back to Florence! Pasta perfection! Thanks for a really great post!

  2. 5 stars
    This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it. I had no idea you could cook ravioli in the air fryer.

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