How to Cook Costco Lobster Ravioli

Giovanni Rana’s Maine Lobster Ravioli from Costco is a refrigerated stuffed pasta filled with Maine lobster meat, ricotta, and mascarpone cheese.

It sits in the deli section near other fresh pasta products like Kirkland tortellini and spinach ravioli.

The ravioli cooks in just 4 minutes on the stovetop. No thawing required if you freeze it yourself, just add an extra minute.

This article covers the stovetop boiling method, pan-frying option, and sauce pairings. Total prep time runs about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Product Details

Product: Rana Maine Lobster Ravioli

Type: Refrigerated fresh pasta (not frozen)

Package Size: 26 oz total (2 x 13 oz trays), 7 servings

Price: $13.99 at Costco, sometimes on sale for $9.79 (Updated December 2024)

Storage: Keep refrigerated at 40F or below

Calories per Serving: 250 calories per 1 cup serving

Main Ingredients: Maine lobster meat, ricotta cheese, mascarpone, heavy cream, butter, durum wheat flour, eggs, garlic, lemon zest

Item Number: 1378919 or 1785461

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Stovetop boiling for the fastest results and authentic pasta texture.

Method 1: Stovetop Boiling (Recommended)

Stovetop boiling takes 4 minutes and produces tender ravioli with al dente pasta edges. This method works for both trays at once, giving you 7 servings.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Ravioli?

Remove the ravioli from the refrigerator. Do not separate the pieces if they stick together.

Instructions:

1. Take ravioli out of packaging
2. Leave stuck pieces together (they separate during cooking)
3. Have your colander ready near the stove

Equipment: Large stockpot (6 quart minimum), colander, slotted spoon

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Boil 4-6 quarts of water first. Then reduce to a gentle boil before adding the pasta.

Instructions:

1. Fill pot with 4-6 quarts of water
2. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat
3. Add a pinch of salt once boiling
4. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer

Temperature: Start with high heat, reduce to medium-low after adding ravioli

Time: 4 minutes for refrigerated, 5 minutes if cooking from frozen

Step 3: When Do You Check the Ravioli?

Watch for floating. The ravioli will rise to the surface when they get close to done.

Instructions:

1. Drop ravioli gently into simmering water
2. Do not stir aggressively (pasta is delicate)
3. Check at 3-minute mark for floating

Checkpoint: At 3 minutes, most pieces should be floating

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The pasta should be tender but slightly firm at the edges. Filling should be hot throughout.

Instructions:

1. Test one ravioli at 4 minutes by cutting it open
2. Filling should be hot and creamy
3. Edges should have slight firmness (al dente)
4. Drain immediately using a colander or slotted spoon

Target Temperature: 160F internal

Visual Indicator: Ravioli floating, edges slightly translucent, steam rising when cut

Method 2: Pan-Seared (After Boiling)

Pan-searing gives the ravioli a crispy golden exterior. This takes about 2 extra minutes after boiling but adds restaurant-style presentation.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Pan-Searing?

Boil the ravioli first using Method 1. Drain and set aside briefly.

Instructions:

1. Boil ravioli for 3 minutes (slightly underdone)
2. Drain and pat gently with paper towel
3. Do not rinse with cold water

Equipment: Large non-stick skillet, spatula, butter or olive oil

Step 2: What Temperature and Time for Searing?

Use medium heat with butter or olive oil. Too hot and the pasta will burn before the filling heats through.

Instructions:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil in skillet
2. Add drained ravioli in single layer
3. Cook 1-2 minutes per side

Temperature: Medium heat (setting 5 out of 10)

Time: 2-3 minutes total, flipping once

Step 3: When Do You Flip?

Flip when the bottom turns golden brown. Listen for a gentle sizzle.

Instructions:

1. Check underside at 1-minute mark
2. Flip when golden spots appear
3. Cook other side for 1 minute

Checkpoint: At 1 minute, lift edge to check color

Step 4: How Do You Know When Pan-Searing Is Done?

Both sides should have golden brown spots. The ravioli should feel firm but not hard.

Instructions:

1. Check for golden brown color on both sides
2. Cut one open to verify filling is hot
3. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking

Visual Indicator: Golden brown spots, crispy edges, steaming filling

Method 3: Cooking From Frozen

If you froze your ravioli at home, cook straight from the freezer. Do not thaw first or the pasta gets mushy.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare Frozen Ravioli?

Take ravioli directly from freezer to boiling water. No defrosting needed.

Instructions:

1. Remove from freezer
2. Do not thaw at room temperature
3. Drop directly into simmering water

Equipment: Large stockpot, colander

Step 2: What Is the Adjusted Cooking Time?

Add 1-2 extra minutes to the standard cooking time.

Instructions:

1. Bring 4-6 quarts water to gentle boil
2. Add frozen ravioli
3. Cook for 5-6 minutes total

Time: 5-6 minutes from frozen

Step 3: When Do You Check Frozen Ravioli?

Start checking at 4 minutes. Frozen pasta needs more time to float.

Instructions:

1. Watch for floating around 4-5 minutes
2. Test one piece at 5 minutes
3. Continue if center still feels cold

Checkpoint: At 5 minutes, test center temperature

Step 4: How Do You Know Frozen Ravioli Is Done?

The filling must reach 160F. Cut one open to verify no cold spots remain.

Instructions:

1. Cut one ravioli in half
2. Check for even heat throughout
3. No cold or firm spots in center

Target Temperature: 160F internal minimum

Visual Indicator: Steam from center, creamy melted filling

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety:

• Internal Temperature: 160F minimum
• Steam Check: Product should steam when cut open
• Thawing: Never thaw at room temperature. Thaw in fridge if needed, or cook from frozen

Quality Indicators (Done Properly):

• Color: Pasta turns slightly translucent at edges
• Texture: Tender with slight firmness (al dente)
• Temperature: Hot throughout, filling melted
• Appearance: Ravioli floating, edges intact, no splitting

Signs of Overcooking:

• Ravioli splitting open and losing filling
• Mushy, soggy pasta texture
• Filling leaking into water (milky water)

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 1 cup per serving (about 5-6 ravioli), 7 servings per package

Serving Ideas:

• Toss with brown butter and fresh sage leaves
• Top with garlic butter sauce and parmesan cheese
• Pair with a light cream sauce and parsley garnish

Sauce Pairings That Work:

• Lemon butter sauce with fresh herbs
• Tomato cream sauce (not plain marinara)
• White wine garlic sauce
• Alfredo sauce for a richer meal
• Lobster bisque sauce if you want more seafood flavor

Side Dishes:

• Caesar salad
• Costco garlic bread
• Roasted Costco frozen vegetables
• Crisp white wine

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days
• Keep sauce separate if possible

Freezing Uncooked Ravioli:

• Freeze on cookie sheet for 2-3 hours first
• Transfer to freezer bag
• Lasts 2-3 months in standard freezer bag
• Lasts 2-3 years if vacuum sealed

Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Briefly dip in simmering water for 30-60 seconds
• Skillet: Pan-fry in butter over medium-low heat for 2 minutes
• Target Temperature: 165F for reheated leftovers

Avoid microwaving. It makes the pasta rubbery and the filling can explode.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Ravioli splitting open during cooking

Cause: Water boiling too vigorously

Solution: Reduce heat to gentle simmer. Never boil pasta at a rolling boil.

Issue: Filling tastes cold in center

Cause: Undercooked, especially if cooking from frozen

Solution: Add 1-2 more minutes. Test by cutting one open before serving all.

Issue: Pasta is mushy and falling apart

Cause: Overcooked or thawed improperly before cooking

Solution: Cook for exactly 4 minutes from refrigerated. Never thaw at room temperature.

Issue: Bland lobster flavor

Cause: Cheese filling dominates the lobster taste by design

Solution: Pair with lemon butter or lobster bisque sauce to boost seafood flavor. Add cooked Costco shrimp for extra seafood.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Pasta Products:

• Kirkland Signature Spinach and Cheese Ravioli – vegetarian option, similar cook time
• Costco ravioli lasagna – baked casserole style
• Costco chicken alfredo – creamy pasta alternative
• Costco spinach ravioli – cheese-based filling

Other Costco Seafood Options:

• Costco lobster tails – for pure lobster
• Costco langostino lobster – smaller pieces for pasta
• Crab legs from Costco – another shellfish option
• Costco scallops – pairs well with similar sauces

Cooking Time Adjustments:

• Kirkland tortellini: 3-4 minutes (smaller pieces)
• Spinach ravioli: 4-5 minutes (same as lobster)
• Cheese tortelloni: 4-5 minutes

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Lobster Ravioli

How Long Do You Cook Costco Lobster Ravioli?

Cook Giovanni Rana lobster ravioli for 4 minutes in gently boiling water.

If cooking from frozen, add 1-2 extra minutes. The pasta floats when nearly done.

Total meal prep takes about 20 minutes including boiling water and preparing your sauce.

Can You Cook Costco Lobster Ravioli From Frozen?

Yes. Drop frozen ravioli directly into simmering water without thawing.

Cook for 5-6 minutes instead of 4. Never thaw at room temperature since bacteria grows quickly on dairy-filled pasta.

Refrigerator thawing works but is unnecessary.

What Temperature Should the Water Be for Lobster Ravioli?

Bring water to a rolling boil first. Then reduce to a gentle simmer before adding the stuffed pasta.

Aggressive boiling causes ravioli to split and lose their ricotta and lobster filling into the water.

How Do You Know When Lobster Ravioli Is Done?

The ravioli float to the surface when nearly ready. Cut one open to check.

Filling should be hot and creamy with no cold spots. Pasta edges should have a slight firmness, what Italians call al dente.

What Sauce Goes Best With Costco Lobster Ravioli?

Brown butter with sage produces excellent results. Lemon butter sauce and white wine garlic sauce also pair well.

Avoid heavy marinara. It overpowers the subtle Maine lobster flavor.

Cream sauce or alfredo adds richness for a gourmet meal at home.

Can You Microwave Costco Lobster Ravioli?

No. Microwaving ruins the pasta texture completely.

The filling can explode and the durum wheat pasta turns rubbery. Stovetop boiling takes only 4 minutes anyway, so skip the microwave.

How Many Calories Are in Costco Lobster Ravioli?

One cup serving contains 250 calories with 9 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of protein.

The two-pack has 7 total servings. Add calories from your butter sauce or parmesan cheese topping separately.

How Do You Store Leftover Lobster Ravioli?

Refrigerate cooked ravioli within 2 hours. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days maximum.

Keep sauce separate when possible. Reheat by dipping briefly in simmering water or pan-frying in butter over medium-low heat.

Why Does My Lobster Ravioli Split Open When Cooking?

Your water is boiling too hard. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer after adding the pasta.

Also avoid stirring aggressively. The fresh pasta and cheese filling are delicate. Use a slotted spoon to move pieces gently.

Can You Pan Fry Lobster Ravioli for Crispy Edges?

Yes. Boil for 3 minutes first, then drain.

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook ravioli 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear. This adds restaurant-style presentation to your seafood pasta dinner.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook Costco lobster ravioli perfectly every time. Four minutes in gently boiling water. That’s it.

The Giovanni Rana stuffed pasta works for quick weeknight dinners or dressed-up date nights with a lemon butter sauce.

Pan-searing after boiling adds crispy edges if you want that gourmet touch.

Pair with fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.

At $13.99 for 7 servings, this seafood pasta delivers solid value from your local Costco warehouse.