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How To Store Ravioli & Prevent Them From Going Soggy

If you’ve ever made ravioli, you’ll know just how delicate and intricate they can be.

Despite not being the best candidate for the refrigerator, ravioli can be perfectly preserved with the right know-how.

In this article, I share my tried and tested methods for keeping ravioli fresh for as long as possible. Be it homemade, leftover, or even canned.

Let’s jump right in.

What’s the best way to store ravioli? The best way to store ravioli is in the freezer. Lay your ravioli on a baking tray and put them in the freezer for half an hour. Transfer the frozen ravioli to a heavy-duty freezer bag. The ravioli will last 2 months. Storing ravioli in the refrigerator can make it soggy.

The best way to store fresh ravioli [in the freezer]

The best way to store fresh ravioli for any amount of time is in the freezer, even if it’s just for a few hours.

The freezer preserves the ravioli’s freshness and stops it from going soggy. In the refrigerator, ravioli can quickly turn soggy.

And don’t worry about freezing them ruining the quality. I did a taste test on fresh and frozen ravioli and couldn’t tell the difference. 

Fresh pasta is a great candidate for freezing, and ravioli is no different. 

How to freeze fresh ravioli

To freeze ravioli you should first flash freeze the pasta and then transfer it to a proper container.

Flash freezing the ravioli prevents them from sticking together
  1. Cover a baking tray with semolina or parchment paper
  2. Lay a single layer of ravioli on the baking tray making sure they don’t touch
  3. Put the tray in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or until the ravioli are frozen solid
  4. Transfer the frozen ravioli to a heavy-duty freezer bag and squeeze the air out
  5. Put the ravioli in the freezer

The frozen ravioli will maintain its quality for 1-2 months but will remain safe to eat indefinitely. Frozen ravioli doesn’t become unsafe to eat as long as it’s kept below 0°F, but it can get freezer burnt which will give the ravioli an unpleasant taste and texture.

The flash-freezing prevents the ravioli from sticking together when you put them in a bigger container. If you don’t flash freeze them, the ravioli will turn into one big clump that will be impossible to prise apart without breaking the ravioli. 

For added protection against the ravioli sticking together, you can sprinkle the individual pieces with semolina or cornmeal before freezing.

Unfortunately, ravioli is susceptible to freezer burn just like any other food. 

If you’re planning on freezing the ravioli for more than a month I would double-wrap the ravioli to prevent freezer burn. Instead of just using a freezer bag, wrap the ravioli in saran wrap before putting it in the freezer bag. Or you could wrap the freezer bag in aluminum foil, or put the freezer bag in an airtight container.

Either way, the aim is to get and keep as much air out of the container as possible. 

If you have a LOT of ravioli and a small freezer you can stretch to doing two layers at a time (separated by parchment paper). But I don’t advise doing more than two because more layers increase the risk of the bottom ravioli being squished.

They’re delicate beings.

Do you need to air dry ravioli before freezing?

You might see some advice telling you to leave your ravioli to air dry for 15-30 minutes before transferring it to the freezer.

But air drying your ravioli before freezing it is totally optional.

Partially drying fresh pasta stops it from sticking together in the freezer. However, because we’re flash-freezing, this doesn’t matter.

Air drying can come in useful if your ravioli is quite wet. Air drying wetter ravioli for half an hour can help strengthen the pasta and make it easier to transfer to a baking tray for freezing.

Can you cook ravioli from frozen?

You can cook the ravioli straight from frozen, there’s no need to thaw it. You just need to adjust the cooking times. Homemade frozen ravioli will take 2-3 minutes to cook in boiling water, around 30 seconds more than fresh ravioli.

You can also cook frozen ravioli in the microwave. 

Put the ravioli in a microwave-safe bowl and cover the pasta with water. Cover the container, making sure to leave an escape route for steam, then heat the ravioli on high for 10 minutes. Give the pasta a quick stir and make sure it’s hot all the through before you eat it. 

Lastly, you can also cook the frozen ravioli straight into a sauce. Simmer the sauce in a pan and add the frozen ravioli. The heat from the sauce will thaw the ravioli and after a few minutes, it’ll be completely cooked through. No need for separate boiling. 

Can you refrigerate fresh ravioli?

Refrigerating fresh ravioli isn’t recommended because the pasta can become sticky and soggy. This will likely result in your ravioli breaking when you try to cook them. The sogginess can seep into the pasta from the filling, or the pasta can absorb residue moisture in the fridge.

Even if you’re only storing the ravioli for a few hours, I recommend freezing it.

However, if you can’t freeze your ravioli then it needs to refrigerated. 

Fresh ravioli shouldn’t sit out on the counter for any longer than 2 hours due to the filling. The filling may start to grow harmful bacteria if left at room temperature for too long.

How to refrigerate ravioli 

To stop ravioli from becoming soggy in the fridge, it’s best to pick a dry filling. Alternatively, you can add some breadcrumbs to your filling to soak up any excess moisture.

Ravioli ready for refrigeration
  1. Sprinkle the ravioli with semolina, rice flour, or cornmeal
  2. Put the ravioli on a wax paper-lined baking tray (only have a single layer and make sure none of the ravioli are touching)
  3. Cover the tray with saran wrap 

Another clever trick is to put some dry rice on the baking tray after you’ve placed the ravioli. The rice will absorb moisture from the air before the pasta has a chance to absorb it.

The ravioli will last 1-2 days in the fridge. After this (if it hasn’t gone soggy) the pasta will start to go hard and chewy. The USDA recommends not eating fresh pasta if it’s been in the fridge for more than 2 days.

After a day you might see the pasta turning grey. This is the eggs in the pasta oxidizing. It’s still safe to eat but doesn’t look very appetizing. You’ll want to avoid this if you’re serving the pasta to guests. 

To avoid the ravioli oxidizing and turning gray, you can freeze it.

How to store cooked ravioli 

Drizzling cooked ravioli with olive oil will help prevent them from clumping together

Ravioli is always best fresh.

But if you’re not going to eat it right, away drizzle it with oil immediately after draining it. This will stop the ravioli from sticking together. Wait for the ravioli to cool, then place them in a shallow airtight container and store in the fridge. 

Cooked ravioli will last 3-5 days in the fridge. 

While you need to wait for the ravioli to cool before putting it in the fridge, don’t leave it out at room temperature for longer than two hours. After two hours, dangerous levels of bacteria can start to build up.

I always cook my ravioli for 30 seconds less than normal if I know I’m going to store it. That way, I can reheat it by dropping it in boiling water for 30 seconds without worrying about overcooking it. 

If you’re storing leftover ravioli in a sauce, you don’t need to worry about the olive oil. The sauce should be enough to stop the pieces from sticking together. Simply wait for the dish to cool and put it in an airtight container in the fridge. 

You can reheat ravioli in a sauce in the microwave or on the stove. 

The microwave will be fastest. The ravioli should only need 1-2 minutes.

Reheating cooked ravioli on the hob will be slower and it may take 5-10 minutes before the sauce and the ravioli are heated through.

You can also eat the ravioli cold, but I wouldn’t personally choose this option.

Hot ravioli is a million times better.

Can you freeze cooked ravioli?

If you want to keep the cooked ravioli for longer than a few days, it’s best to freeze it. Cooked ravioli freezes best when it’s in a sauce, dry ravioli (without sauce) can become mushy after it’s thawed.

To freeze the cooked ravioli wait until it’s completely cooled and place it in a freezer-safe container. If there’s a lot of space at the top of your container then cover the ravioli with a layer of saran wrap. Put the container in the freezer. The ravioli will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

The saran wrap will help protect the ravioli from freezer burn. Too much air contact is a risk factor for freezer burn.

The best way to thaw the cooked ravioli is to leave it in the fridge overnight.

A slower thaw helps to preserve the texture of the pasta better than a quick thaw. But if you need to thaw the pasta quickly you can use the microwave. 

You can also reheat the ravioli in the oven straight from frozen. Put the frozen ravioli in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat the pasta for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

How long does ravioli last?

Here’s a useful table summarizing how long ravioli lasts.

Pantry (best quality)FridgeFreezer (best quality)
Fresh1-2 days1-2 months
Cooked3-5 days1-2 months
Store-bought (unopened)2-3 days after ‘sell-by’ date1-2 months
Store-bought (opened)3-4 days1-2 months 
Canned (unopened)2 years
Canned (opened)– 3-4 days1-2 months
Shelf life of ravioli

Fresh, homemade ravioli has the shortest shelf life. It’s always best to consume homemade ravioli right away. But if you need to store it, fresh ravioli will last 1-2 days in the fridge (but may go soggy), and 1-2 months in the freezer in an airtight container. 

Once cooked, fresh ravioli will last 3-5 days in the fridge and stay at the best quality in the freezer for 1-2 months. Cooked ravioli freezes much better if it’s in a sauce rather than dry. Dry ravioli can go mushy when you thaw it.

Store-bought ravioli normally comes packaged in a protective atmosphere that prolongs its life. Unopened, it can last 2-3 days past the sell-by date on the package. You can also freeze it in its package. Unopened store-bought ravioli will last 1-2 months in the freezer.

Once opened, you should consume store-bought ravioli within 3-4 days. After this, the pasta will start to dry out and go hard. To extend the shelf life of the ravioli, you can put it in the freezer where it will last 1-2 months. 

Canned ravioli will last for years unopened. For best quality, you’ll want to eat it within 2 years or before its ‘best before date’. However, it can remain safe to eat far beyond that date if it’s properly stored. 

Once you open canned ravioli, you need to store it in a covered glass or plastic container in the fridge. The ravioli will last 3-4 days in the fridge. To store it for longer you can use the freezer. Canned ravioli will last 1-2 months in the freezer in an airtight container. 

Does ravioli go bad?

Fresh ravioli can go bad since it contains water in both the pasta and the filling. The presence of water means bacteria can grow and spoil the ravioli. Check your ravioli for signs of mold, a slimy texture, or an off smell. These are surefire indicators that it’s gone off.

Can homemade ravioli be made in advance?

Fresh assembled ravioli can be made a few hours in advance and then left to rest in the fridge, but any longer and you should freeze the ravioli to stop them from going soggy. Or you can make the filling and the dough but keep them separate until you want to cook them. 

How to store ravioli filling

You can fill your ravioli with all sorts of things, but pretty much all of the fillings will need to be refrigerated. To store ravioli filling, simply place it in a covered, airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. Most fillings will be good for at least 2 days.

Remove the filling from the fridge 30 minutes before you plan on filling the ravioli. This allows it to come up to room temperature and prevents any ‘sweat’ from making your pasta soggy.

A positive of refrigerating your filling is that it can help firm it up and make it easier to work with. 

You can also freeze most ravioli fillings if you have a lot leftover. The filling should last 3-6 months in an airtight container. 

How to store ravioli dough

Ravioli dough can be made up to two days in advance of shaping. Wrap the ball of dough tightly in at least two layers of plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can also freeze it for up to four months.

You don’t want to store shaped ravioli (without filling) because the pasta can dry out which makes it harder to get a good seal. 

If you’ve already shaped the pasta for your ravioli it’s best to fill them straight away then store them. 

Can you eat ravioli without cooking it?

The only ravioli you can eat raw is canned ravioli. Canned ravioli is pre-cooked so you can eat it straight out of the can without cooking it or heating it up. Of course, you can also heat it up if you prefer. 

Can you vacuum seal ravioli?

Ravioli is not a good candidate for vacuum sealing. Ravioli are very delicate and you risk squashing them in the process. Also, if there’s any air left inside the ravioli, this may cause the ravioli to burst when being vacuum sealed.

How To Store Ravioli

If you’ve ever made ravioli, you’ll know just how delicate and intricate they can be.
Despite not being the best candidate for the refrigerator, ravioli can be perfectly preserved with the right know-how.
In this recipe, I share my tried and tested methods for keeping ravioli fresh for as long as possible. Be it homemade, leftover, or even canned.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: how to store fresh ravioli, ravioli
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 187kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 portion fresh ravioli
  • 1 tbsp semolina or cornmeal

Instructions

How to freeze fresh ravioli

  • The best way to store ravioli for any amount of time is in the freezer, even if it’s just for a few hours.
  • Cover a baking tray with semolina or parchment paper.
  • Lay a single layer of ravioli on the baking tray making sure they don’t touch.
  • Put the tray in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or until the ravioli are frozen solid.
  • Transfer the frozen ravioli to a heavy-duty freezer bag and squeeze the air out.
  • Put the ravioli in the freezer.
  • The frozen ravioli will maintain its quality for 1-2 months but will remain safe to eat indefinitely. Frozen ravioli doesn’t become unsafe to eat as long as it’s kept below 0°F, but it can get freezer burnt which will give the ravioli an unpleasant taste and texture.

How to refrigerate ravioli 

  • To stop ravioli from becoming soggy in the fridge, it’s best to pick a dry filling. Alternatively, you can add some breadcrumbs to your filling to soak up any excess moisture.
  • Sprinkle the ravioli with semolina, rice flour, or cornmeal.
  • Put the ravioli on a wax paper-lined baking tray (only have a single layer and make sure none of the ravioli are touching).
  • Cover the tray with saran wrap.
  • Another clever trick is to put some dry rice on the baking tray after you’ve placed the ravioli. The rice will absorb moisture from the air before the pasta has a chance to absorb it.
  • The ravioli will last 1-2 days in the fridge. After this (if it hasn’t gone soggy) the pasta will start to go hard and chewy. The USDA recommends not eating fresh pasta if it’s been in the fridge for more than 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 242g | Calories: 187kcal

1 thought on “How To Store Ravioli & Prevent Them From Going Soggy”

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you! I gotta say, that was one of the most useful, articulate cooking write-ups I’ve seen in a long time. 🙂 I came here wanting to learn about storing homemade ravioli, and now I feel like an expert.

    -Ryan

    Reply

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