Ravioli is a type of Italian pasta comprising a filling enveloped in thin pasta dough. It’s a popular dish around the world and it’s easy to prepare (once the ravioli themselves are already made). You can easily cook ravioli by boiling it, but the trick is knowing how long to boil ravioli. In this guide, we’ve outlined why boiling ravioli is the best method for beginners, the basic steps of boiling ravioli and how long to boil ravioli once you’ve made it.
Why Boil Ravioli?
While you can also cook ravioli by baking or frying it in a pan, boiling it perfectly cooks the pasta, making it soft and supple with just the right amount of chewiness. It also doesn’t require adding any extra oil and is an incredibly accessible method for cooking ravioli, because it only requires heat and water. Boiling is one of the easiest methods of cooking, making it perfect for beginners in the kitchen!
How to Boil Ravioli
Boiling ravioli is incredibly easy to do. Here are the basic steps you’ll follow:
- Fill a medium or large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Gently add the ravioli to the boiling water, one at a time, using a slotted spoon so as not to splash yourself with boiling water. If you’re boiling a large amount of ravioli, you may have to boil them in batches to prevent crowding and sticking.
- Boil them for the recommended amount of time (see below for details).
- Remove from the boiling water with a slotted spoon or drain into a colander.
- Serve with desired garnishes!
How Long to Boil Ravioli
Store-bought Ravioli
If you’re using store-bought ravioli, boil for 4-6 minutes.
Homemade Ravioli
Homemade ravioli should be boiled for 3-4 minutes if it’s fresh.
How Long to Boil Ravioli by Size
Small Ravioli
Small ravioli is around 1-2 square inches in size and should be boiled for 2-4 minutes. Check after a few minutes to make sure you’re not overcooking.
Large Ravioli
Ravioli over 2 square inches in size is considered large and can be boiled for 4-6 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.
How Long to Boil Ravioli by Temperature
Fresh Ravioli
Boil room-temperature ravioli for 3-4 minutes.
Refrigerated Ravioli
Cold ravioli that has been stored in a refrigerator should be boiled for 4-7 minutes.
Frozen Ravioli
Boil frozen ravioli for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.
Table: How Long to Boil Ravioli
| Type of Ravioli | How Long to Boil (in minutes) |
| Store-bought | 4-6 |
| Homemade | 3-4 |
| Small | 2-4 |
| Large | 4-6 |
| Fresh | 3-4 |
| Refrigerated (cold) | 4-7 |
| Frozen | 4-5 |
