Chef Boyardee ravioli is a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be ready in minutes with the help of your microwave. However, nailing the microwave time can be tricky. Undercook the pasta and you are left with a mushy mess. Overdo it and your ravioli will turn rubbery.
Getting the Chef Boyardee ravioli microwave time just right takes some trial and error. Power levels vary across microwaves and the amount of ravioli matters too. This article will walk you through exactly how long to microwave Chef Boyardee ravioli based on various portions and wattages.
Here’s a quick answer: Microwave times for Chef Boyardee ravioli depend on microwave wattage, amount of ravioli, and whether it’s frozen or thawed. For a 15 oz can in a 1200 watt microwave, microwave 1 min. For a 24 oz can, do 1 min 30 sec. Frozen ravioli takes about 2x as long. Check doneness instead of relying only on times.
Factors That Impact Chef Boyardee Ravioli Microwave Time
Several key factors impact how long you need to microwave canned ravioli:
- Microwave wattage – Lower wattages need longer cooking times. A 1200-watt microwave will heat faster than a 700-watt model.
- Amount of ravioli – The more ravioli you are cooking, the longer the microwave time. A single serving cooks faster than a family-sized portion.
- Container material – Metal cans heat unevenly. Transfer ravioli to a microwave-safe bowl or dish.
- Altitude – Food cooks faster at higher altitudes. Adjust times accordingly if you live in the mountains.
- State of ravioli – Partially thawed or refrigerated ravioli takes less time than frozen.
- Doneness preference – Runny vs al dente vs soft changes cooking times.
With so many factors at play, it can be hard to nail down exact microwave times. The following tables provide microwave recommendations based on common scenarios.
How Long to Microwave Chef Boyardee Ravioli Based on Wattage
Use the microwave times in this table as a starting point when cooking Chef Boyardee ravioli:
| Microwave Wattage | 15 oz Can | 24 oz Can | 96 oz Can |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 watts | 1 min | 1 min 30 sec | 4 min |
| 1000 watts | 1 min 15 sec | 2 min | 5 min |
| 850 watts | 1 min 30 sec | 2 min 30 sec | 6 min |
| 700 watts | 1 min 45 sec | 3 min | 7 min |
| 600 watts | 2 min | 3 min 30 sec | 8 min |
| 500 watts | 2 min 30 sec | 4 min | 9 min |
For most microwaves, start with 1 to 1 1/2 minutes for a single can. Increase times incrementally for larger portion sizes and lower wattages.
Recommended Times for Partial Cans of Ravioli
Use these microwave times for smaller portions:
| Amount | Time |
|---|---|
| 1/4 can (around 4 oz) | 30 seconds |
| 1/3 can (around 5 oz) | 45 seconds |
| 1/2 can (around 7 oz) | 1 minute |
Stir thoroughly and add additional 10 to 15 second bursts until heated through.
Microwave Times for Frozen vs Thawed Ravioli
Frozen ravioli takes significantly longer to heat than thawed.
| State | 15 oz Can | 24 oz Can | 96 oz Can |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen | 2 min | 3 min | 8-10 min |
| Partially Thawed | 1 min 30 sec | 2 min | 5-7 min |
| Thawed | 1 min | 1 min 30 sec | 3-4 min |
Defrost first for shorter microwave times. For frozen, start with 2 minutes and add time in 30 second increments.
Tips for Microwaving Canned Ravioli
Follow these tips to get ideal results when microwaving canned ravioli:
- Before heating, remove the metal lid and transfer ravioli to a microwave-safe dish. The metal can causes uneven cooking.
- Arrange ravioli in a single layer spread out for even cooking. Do not overcrowd.
- Cover the dish loosely with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid to prevent splatters.
- Microwave at full power for best results. Lower powers result in uneven cooking.
- Stir thoroughly halfway through and again at the end to distribute heat.
- Allow the ravioli to rest 1 to 2 minutes before serving. This finishes the cooking process.
- Check internal temperature with a food thermometer. It should reach 165°F for food safety.
- Add pasta sauce or desired toppings after heating. Microwaving melts cheese topping unevenly.
Doneness Cues
Use these visual and texture cues to identify when Chef Boyardee ravioli is perfectly microwaved:
- Pasta is softly cooked through without hard, crunchy spots
- Filling is heated with steam visibly rising
- Sauce has reduced slightly and appears thickened
- Cheese filling is completely melted and creamy
Err on the side of slightly undercooked. The ravioli will continue cooking during the standing time.
Storage and Reheating
Properly stored, leftover canned ravioli keeps 4-5 days in the fridge. Reheat using the microwave times for thawed ravioli. Or, cover with sauce and reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 375°F oven until warmed through.
Troubleshooting Microwave Ravioli
Having trouble getting the timing right? Here are some common microwaving mistakes and how to fix them:
Mushy ravioli – Cooked too long. Use lower times or stir more frequently.
Cold spots – Need to stir and rotate bowl. Arrange ravioli in a thinner layer.
Tough, chewy pasta – Cook longer, adding time in 15-30 second increments.
Scorched cheese – Use lower power and stir. Cover with damp paper towel.
Watery filling – Piercing ravioli can cause water to leak out. Cook more gently.
Uneven heating – Transfer from can into microwave-safe dish first.
Microwaving Leftover Ravioli
For leftover ravioli stored in the refrigerator, slash microwave times in half. A half portion of cold ravioli only needs 30-60 seconds to reheat. Stir frequently and watch closely to prevent overcooking.
Add a splash of water or sauce to leftovers before heating to add moisture. This prevents dried out pasta.
FAQs
Get answers to common questions about microwaving canned ravioli:
Is it safe to microwave ravioli in the can?
No, always transfer to a microwave-safe dish first. Metal cans can arc and cause sparks.
Should ravioli be covered while microwaving?
Yes, use a paper towel or lid. This prevents splattering.
What power level is best?
Use full power (10) for fastest, most even cooking.
How do you tell when it’s done heating?
Check that pasta is tender, cheese is melted, and filling is steaming hot.
Why does my microwave time differ from directions?
Many factors like wattage and amount affect timing. Follow doneness cues.
Can you overcook ravioli in the microwave?
Yes, it can turn mushy and rubbery if cooked too long. Start with less time.
The Takeaway
Mastering the microwave times for ravioli takes some trial and error. Follow the recommendations in this article for your portion size and microwave wattage. But ultimately, allow taste tests, texture checks, and cooking doneness to be your guide. With a little practice, you’ll be able to perfectly microwave Chef Boyardee ravioli for a quick weeknight dinner any time.
