Are you craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home? Look no further than Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata. This bright, citrusy pasta combines the convenience of pre-made ravioli with fresh ingredients for a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The delicate balance of creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, sweet burst tomatoes, and indulgent burrata creates a symphony of flavors you’ll want to experience again and again.
Why Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli is a Game-Changer
The pairing of ricotta cheese and lemon zest creates a truly magical flavor combination. What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels luxurious. The burst tomatoes form a delicate, naturally sweet sauce that enhances the lemon flavor without overpowering it. And the crowning glory? Creamy burrata that melts slightly when placed atop the warm pasta, creating pockets of rich, milky goodness throughout the dish.
This recipe is perfect for:
- Perfect for weeknights when you’re craving something quick yet a little extra special.
- Impressing dinner guests with minimal effort
- A light but satisfying meal that leaves you full without feeling heavy.
- Celebrating the bright flavors of spring and summer
The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
What sets this Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli apart is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each bite offers something different:
- Bright and Zesty: The lemon zest provides a refreshing citrus note that cuts through the richness
- Creamy and Indulgent: Both the ricotta filling and burrata topping offer luxurious creaminess
- A perfect blend of sweet and tangy: Burst tomatoes bring natural sweetness along with a hint of acidity.
- Tender and Satisfying: The pasta itself has the perfect al dente texture
This dish is ready in just 20 minutes, yet has the flavor of a gourmet Italian restaurant creation. It’s a wonderful example of how quality ingredients, treated simply, can create extraordinary meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this delightful dish, gather these simple ingredients:
- One package of Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest-filled ravioli.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
- 4 oz burrata cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Essential Kitchen Tools
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward and requires minimal equipment:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining
- Wooden spoon (preferably wooden to gently burst the tomatoes)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
A great feature of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some suggestions to customize it to your taste:
Can’t find Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli? Try any cheese ravioli and add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to your sauce.
No burrata available? Fresh mozzarella or even dollops of ricotta make excellent substitutes.
Want to add more vegetables? Try adding:
- Baby spinach (add in the last minute of cooking)
- Zucchini (sauté with the tomatoes)
- Asparagus tips (blanch separately and add at the end)
Need more protein? Consider adding:
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Sautéed shrimp
- White beans for a vegetarian option
Herb variations: Basil is classic, but mint, thyme, or oregano would also work beautifully with the lemon notes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating this impressive dish is remarkably simple:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to create the sauce base. Add minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This creates an aromatic foundation for your sauce.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and let them cook until they begin to burst. Cook for 4-5 minutes, gently pressing with a wooden spoon to encourage bursting. As they cook, the tomatoes will soften and release their sweet juices, creating a natural sauce. The aroma at this stage is absolutely incredible!
Cook the pasta: While the tomatoes are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook – the pasta should remain al dente.
Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the ravioli and gently add them to the skillet with burst tomatoes. Toss carefully to coat the pasta with the tomato sauce. The delicate pasta may break if handled too roughly, so use a gentle folding motion.
Season the dish by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
Plate and finish: Transfer to serving plates. Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and spoon generous amounts over the ravioli. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy sauce that mingles with the tomato juices.
Garnish and serve: Finish with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil for richness and visual appeal.
What to Serve With Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli
This vibrant pasta dish pairs beautifully with:
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
- Roasted asparagus or broccolini
For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with an antipasto platter and finish with fresh berries and whipped cream for dessert.
Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection
- Don’t overcook the ravioli: Fresh ravioli cooks quickly and continues to soften slightly when added to the hot sauce.
- Use the best tomatoes you can find: Since this sauce is so simple, the quality of your tomatoes matters. In-season cherry or grape tomatoes will have the best flavor.
- Temperature matters for burrata: Take your burrata out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.
- Pasta water is your friend: Reserve a small cup of pasta cooking water before draining. If your sauce needs thinning, this starchy water is better than plain water.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: While dried herbs work in many recipes, the fresh basil here provides both flavor and visual appeal that’s worth seeking out.
Storage Instructions
This dish is at its absolute best when served immediately after preparation, when the burrata is freshly torn and the pasta perfectly tender. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water and warm gently over low heat, being careful not to overcook the pasta. Note that the texture of the burrata will change once refrigerated, becoming more similar to regular mozzarella.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 3 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
Treat yourself to this bright, flavorful pasta dish tonight – your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes! This is a completely vegetarian meal that still offers plenty of protein from the cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best prepared right before serving, but you can prepare the burst tomato sauce in advance and reheat it gently before adding freshly cooked ravioli.
How spicy is this dish?
Without red pepper flakes, it’s not spicy at all. You can adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner
Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Lemon Zest Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes and Burrata proves that exceptional meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated techniques. In just 20 minutes, you can create a dish that celebrates fresh flavors and satisfies your craving for restaurant-quality pasta.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component shines while complementing the others perfectly. It’s the ideal balance of convenience and culinary delight – impressive enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night.
Looking for more delicious pasta inspirations? Try our Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta for another quick and flavorful option!
We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and let us know how you enjoyed this delightful dish.