Instant Pot Frozen Cheese Ravioli: Perfect Timing

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, look no further than Instant Pot frozen cheese ravioli. With just a few simple steps and a couple of minutes, you can have a tasty and hearty dish on the table that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect for busy parents or workers who want a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss. So, get your Instant Pot ready and let's dive into the world of pressure-cooked ravioli!

How long to cook frozen cheese ravioli in an instant pot

Overview

Cooking frozen cheese ravioli in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal with minimal prep work. This method is ideal for busy parents or workers who want a hearty and flavoursome dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients and Equipment

To cook frozen cheese ravioli in an instant pot, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:

• Frozen cheese ravioli
• Water
• Instant pot or pressure cooker
• Colander
• Oven mitts
• Your choice of pasta sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Add one cup of water to your instant pot or pressure cooker.
• Place the desired amount of frozen cheese ravioli into the pot. You can cook any amount, from a single serving to a family-sized portion, without changing the cooking time.
• Secure the lid on your instant pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
• Set the instant pot to pressure cook on high for 2-4 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. For a firmer ravioli, opt for a shorter cooking time (2-3 minutes), and for a softer ravioli, go for the full 4 minutes. It is important to note that the instant pot will take a few minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking time begins.
• Once the cooking time is complete, release the steam using the quick release method. Be careful when opening the lid, as the instant pot will still be hot.
• Using oven mitts, drain the ravioli water through a colander.
• Return the cooked ravioli to the instant pot and add your favourite pasta sauce, if desired. The residual heat from the pot and ravioli will warm the sauce without the need for additional cooking.
• Stir to combine, and your easy dinner is ready to serve!

Tips and Tricks

• You can use any type of frozen cheese ravioli for this recipe, whether it's a large bag from the grocery store or a smaller amount from the freezer section.
• Frozen ravioli with meat filling may require an extra minute of pressure cooking time.
• While the ravioli is cooking, you can prepare a sauce or side dish to serve with your meal. Some suggested sides include air fryer sweet potato fries, air fryer roast beef, or instant pot broccoli.
• If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add the sauce directly to the instant pot after cooking the ravioli, eliminating the need to drain the water. However, this may result in a thinner sauce due to the frozen pasta not absorbing much water during cooking.
• If you want to add sauce directly to the instant pot, avoid using a thick jarred sauce as it may trigger a "BURN" warning and prevent the ravioli from cooking through. Instead, thin the sauce with water or layer it with water in the pot.
• To prevent the ravioli from sticking to the bottom of the pot, you can spray the pot with olive oil before adding the ravioli and water.
• Always use the quick release function to prevent overcooking the ravioli, which can lead to a mushy texture.
• If you notice starchy water spewing from the valve during the pressure release, use an intermittent pressure release to avoid making a mess.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have any leftover cooked ravioli, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The dish will thicken as it sits in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can use the pot-in-pot method in your instant pot or simply warm it up in a frying pan over low heat.

What type of ravioli can be cooked in an instant pot?

Instant Pots are a great way to cook ravioli, whether you're making a quick meal for yourself or a big dinner for your family. You can use both fresh and frozen ravioli in an Instant Pot, but frozen ravioli is generally easier to work with and less likely to turn to mush.

Fresh ravioli is quite delicate, so it's best to avoid using it in the pressure cooker unless you're willing to risk it turning to mush. If you do want to try cooking fresh ravioli in your Instant Pot, stick to a cook time of 0 or 1 minute.

Frozen ravioli, on the other hand, is a great option for the Instant Pot. There are many different types of frozen ravioli available, including cheese, spinach, and meat-filled varieties. Frozen ravioli is usually flash-frozen in individual pieces, making it easy to cook just a portion of the package if you're cooking for one or a small family.

When cooking frozen ravioli in an Instant Pot, it's important to note that the cook time will depend on the size of the ravioli. Most standard-sized frozen ravioli will need 2 minutes at high pressure to cook to tenderness. If you're using mini ravioli, you may need to reduce the cook time to 1 minute.

In addition to the classic cheese ravioli, you can also experiment with different fillings for your ravioli when using an Instant Pot. Some popular options include ricotta and spinach, meat, or a combination of four cheeses. You can also add vegetables to the broth, such as carrots, celery, or onions, for added flavour.

So, whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and tasty dinner option or a foodie looking to experiment with different flavours and fillings, cooking ravioli in an Instant Pot is a great option that combines convenience, flavour, and ease.

What kind of sauce goes with instant pot ravioli?

There are many different sauces that can be paired with instant pot ravioli. Here are some ideas:

Marinara Sauce

A traditional tomato-based sauce, marinara is a classic choice for ravioli and other types of pasta. It is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices. You can make your own marinara sauce from scratch or use a store-bought option.

Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a creamy, white sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with ravioli, especially those filled with cheese or spinach. You can make your own Alfredo sauce or purchase a jarred version.

Roasted Pepper and Cherry Tomato Sauce

This sauce combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the freshness of cherry tomatoes. It adds a burst of flavour to ravioli and can be made by blending roasted red peppers and cherry tomatoes together, along with some olive oil, garlic, and seasonings.

Creamy Garlic Sauce

A creamy garlic sauce is a delicious option for ravioli. It is made with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is cooked until it becomes thick and creamy, and it pairs well with ravioli, especially those filled with cheese.

Meat Sauce

If you want to add some extra protein to your ravioli dish, consider making a meat sauce. You can use ground beef, sausage, or a combination of meats. Sauté the meat with onions, garlic, and herbs, and then add crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, and then serve it with your instant pot ravioli.

Pesto Sauce

For a fresh and flavourful option, consider making a pesto sauce. Pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It can be blended into a smooth sauce or left slightly chunky. Pesto pairs well with ravioli, especially those filled with cheese or vegetables.

How is cooking ravioli in an instant pot different from boiling?

Cooking ravioli in an instant pot is a convenient and quick method that yields delicious results. Here are some key differences between cooking ravioli in an instant pot and boiling it on a stovetop:

Time Savings

The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, especially when compared to the traditional stovetop method of boiling frozen ravioli. This is because the Instant Pot can cook frozen ravioli directly from the freezer, eliminating the need for defrosting.

Flavor Retention

The instant pot method also allows your frozen ravioli to absorb more flavor from the sauce and seasonings. This is because the instant pot builds up steam with only a small amount of liquid, infusing the ravioli with flavor without overcooking it.

Convenience

With an instant pot, there is no need to boil a large pot of water, freeing up space on your stove. Additionally, you don't need to worry about the sauce burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot, as the sauce is added after cooking the ravioli.

Customization

The instant pot method offers flexibility in terms of ingredients. You can experiment with different sauces, seasonings, and additional ingredients such as vegetables or meat. It's easy to adjust the cooking times of these add-ins to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Texture Control

The instant pot cooking method allows for precise control over the texture of your ravioli. Depending on your preference, you can set the cooking time for a firmer or softer ravioli. However, it's important to release the pressure as soon as the timer goes off to prevent overcooking and maintain the desired texture.

What to serve with instant pot ravioli

Instant Pot ravioli is a quick and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's a tasty, comforting dish that can be adapted to suit your preferences.

If you're serving up a bowl of instant pot ravioli, you might want to add a simple side salad and some French bread to make it a full meal. You could also try one of these serving suggestions:

• Bake it: Spread the cooked ravioli in a baking dish and cover with mozzarella. Bake in the oven until bubbling and lightly browned.
• Pesto: Mix the hot ravioli with purchased pesto and top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and/or red pepper flakes.
• Nut butter: Melt butter in a pan and add walnuts, pecans or pine nuts. Pour over the ravioli and season with ground black pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Pasta salad: Cool the ravioli and add crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, red onion, sugar snap peas, broccoli or cauliflower. Toss with creamy Italian dressing.
• Simple toppings: Serve the ravioli with your topping of choice, such as marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil and shaved parmesan.

You can also adapt the ravioli recipe itself by adding different ingredients. Try adding sliced fresh mushrooms, or extra ricotta and mozzarella to reduce the soupiness. You could also swap the Italian sausage for mini meatballs, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or leave it out altogether for a vegetarian option.

Frequently asked questions