Best Trader Joe’s Ricotta & Lemon Zest Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes Recipe

Crafting a delightful trader joe’s ricotta and lemon zest ravioli becomes an effortless culinary adventure.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet elegant dish.

Fresh ingredients create magic on your plate.

Burst tomatoes add vibrant color and intense flavor to every bite.

Mediterranean-inspired comfort emerges through each carefully prepared serving.

Quick preparation meets gourmet satisfaction in this remarkable recipe.

You cannot resist the temptation of these harmonious flavors that dance together.

Savor every moment of this delectable gastronomic experience.

Ricotta Ravioli Qualities People Notice

• Whip Up Quick Gourmet Meal: This recipe transforms simple Trader Joe's ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving elegant flavors.
• Burst with Fresh Flavors: Cherry tomatoes naturally caramelize and burst, creating a vibrant sauce that complements the creamy ricotta ravioli and rich burrata cheese beautifully.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Anyone can master this recipe with basic kitchen techniques like boiling pasta and sautéing tomatoes, making it incredibly beginner-friendly and foolproof.
• Zero Complicated Cleanup: Using just one skillet and minimal ingredients means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, gourmet-style meal without stress.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad Pantry List

Main Ingredients:

• Trader Joes Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli: Delicate pasta filled with creamy ricotta and zesty lemon.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy small tomatoes that burst with flavor when cooked.

• Burrata: Soft, creamy cheese with a rich and luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese for added flavor.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the dish's overall taste.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds freshness.

• Olive Oil, Pasta Water: Help create a light, silky sauce for the ravioli.

Building a Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Step 1: Boil Ravioli

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the ravioli into the bubbling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the pasta reaches perfect al dente texture. Drain the ravioli, but keep a half cup of pasta water on the side.

Step 2: Create Tomato Magic

Grab a large skillet and pour olive oil. Heat the pan over medium temperature. Add halved cherry tomatoes and let them sizzle. Stir occasionally and watch the tomatoes burst and caramelize for 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance With Aromatic Garlic

• Fresh garlic cloves
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Stir the ingredients and let the garlic become fragrant for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Merge Ravioli With Sauce

Gently slide the cooked ravioli into the skillet. Pour a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Softly toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Add Creamy Finishing Touches

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish. Top with luxurious torn burrata pieces.

Step 6: Serve With Flourish

Transfer the ravioli to serving plates. Dust with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the incredible flavors.

Orzo Salad Tips for a Mediterranean Fresh Finish

• Quick Pasta Water Trick: Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats the ravioli without being too dry.
• Tomato Bursting Secret: Use medium heat and avoid stirring too frequently to allow cherry tomatoes to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior and release their natural sweetness.
• Garlic Flavor Boost: Add minced garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and maintain its aromatic, fresh flavor profile.
• Gentle Tossing Technique: Carefully mix ravioli with sauce to prevent delicate pasta from breaking, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with burst tomatoes and seasonings.
• Fresh Herb Enhancement: Tear basil leaves just before adding to preserve their vibrant color and release maximum fresh, aromatic oils into the dish.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad Storage Guide

• Store leftover ravioli in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place cooled ravioli in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or olive oil. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating. Cook on low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
• Add a tablespoon of water, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to avoid overheating.

Salad Pairings for Mediterranean Orzo

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of burrata and complement the lemon zest in the ravioli.
• Fresh Herb Complement: Scatter fresh basil leaves and chopped parsley over the dish to enhance the bright, summery flavors and add a vibrant green color contrast.
• Crispy Side Crunch: Serve with toasted garlic crostini or a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide textural balance and additional zesty notes.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: Finish with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil from Italy to amplify the Mediterranean profile and add a luxurious sheen to the ravioli and burst tomatoes.

Ricotta Ravioli Dinner Combos

• Gluten-Free Variation: Swap Trader Joe's ravioli with gluten-free ricotta ravioli from specialty stores or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegan Version: Replace burrata with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast-based cream sauce. Use plant-based ravioli filled with tofu and herbs.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp to boost protein content. Incorporate pan-seared white beans for vegetarian protein boost.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning for added Mediterranean flair.

FAQs

• What makes Trader Joe's Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli unique?

These ravioli are pre-filled with a delicate blend of ricotta cheese and bright lemon zest, creating a refreshing and light pasta option that stands out from traditional ravioli fillings.

• Can I use other types of tomatoes if cherry tomatoes aren't available?

Yes, you can substitute with grape tomatoes or even diced roma tomatoes. The key is to choose sweet, ripe tomatoes that will burst and create a delicious sauce.

• How do I know when the tomatoes are perfectly burst?

The tomatoes are ready when they start to soften, split open slightly, and release their juices, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes over medium heat. They should look slightly collapsed and glossy.

• Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight meal?

Absolutely! This recipe comes together in about 15-20 minutes, making it an excellent option for a fast, delicious dinner that looks and tastes like you spent much more time preparing it.

Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Trader Joe’s ricotta and lemon zest ravioli dance with juicy burst tomatoes in this quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Creamy pasta meets tangy roasted cherry tomatoes, creating a simple yet elegant meal that brings Italian countryside flavors to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (9 ounces / 255 grams) Trader Joes Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli
• 1 ball burrata cheese, torn into pieces
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

Herb and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the ricotta and lemon zest ravioli, cooking until they float to the surface and reach a tender al dente texture, approximately 3-4 minutes. Carefully extract the pasta, preserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid.
2. Simultaneously, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to sizzle and gradually rupture, developing caramelized edges and releasing their vibrant juices.
3. Introduce finely minced garlic to the tomato landscape, stirring continuously to prevent burning. The aromatics will bloom and intensify, creating a fragrant base for the sauce. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Gently transfer the cooked ravioli into the tomato-infused skillet, incorporating a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky, light emulsion that coats each delicate pasta pillow.
5. Terminate the cooking process and fold in freshly torn basil leaves, their verdant essence complementing the dish’s Mediterranean spirit. Artfully distribute the ravioli across serving plates.
6. Crown each portion with luscious torn burrata, its creamy interior cascading over the pasta. Dust with delicate shavings of Parmesan cheese, providing a final layer of savory complexity. Serve immediately to capture the dish’s optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Cook ravioli exactly 3-4 minutes to maintain delicate ricotta filling’s texture and prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
• Reserved starchy pasta water helps create silky sauce and helps ingredients cling perfectly to ravioli.
• Medium heat allows cherry tomatoes to naturally burst and release sweet juices without burning or becoming too dry.
• Replace Trader Joe’s ravioli with gluten-free ricotta ravioli to make dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg