There are many types of stuffed pasta. Fillings also vary widely, ranging from cheese and ground meat such as lobster and pheasant to pureed vegetables, including mushrooms, spinach and potato. Even nuts and fruits are found in stuffed pasta. Some kinds of stuffed pasta are boiled first and then baked, usually in a bed of sauce. You may already be familiar with some common Italian stuffed pasta, such as ravioli and tortellini. Other stuffed pasta from around the world include the Slavic potato-stuffed pierogi, and manti, a stuffed dumpling originating from Turkey.
Boiled Stuffed Pasta
Step 1
Add 4 qt. of water to a large pot for each pound of uncooked ravioli, tortellini, cappelletti, pierogi or other type of stuffed pasta suitable for quick cooking in boiling water. Add salt to taste.
Step 2
Bring the water to a rolling boil and drop in the pasta. Bring the water back to the boil and occasionally stir while the pasta cooks, to prevent sticking.
Step 3
Follow package instructions for cooking times, which will vary according to the size of the pasta shape and the filling. Pasta should be cooked until "al dente," or tender to the bite but still firm. However, if you're preparing stuffed pasta for a dish that will undergo further cooking, reduce the boiling time by 1/3 of what is called for in the directions.
Step 4
Drain the pasta. Do not rinse the pasta unless using for a recipe that will be served cold, such as pasta salad.
Step 5
Continue with the next step in your recipe, if appropriate, or serve the cooked pasta with broth or your favorite sauce.
Baked Stuffed Pasta
Step 1
Boil the pasta, if required. Refer to package directions, but note that some frozen pasta, such as stuffed shells, can go straight to the oven. If boiling first, cook as directed and drain.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the package or in your recipe. While the oven is heating, spread 1 cup of prepared sauce evenly into the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed pasta in the baking dish, taking care to separate stuffed shells, manicotti and other large pieces so they all cook evenly. Pour additional sauce over the pasta until completely covered.
Step 3
Bake as directed. Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the pasta to set.
Microwave Method
Step 1
Check the package to see if the pasta can be cooked in the microwave. Some types of frozen pasta, such as pierogi and ravioli, can be prepared this way.
Step 2
Place the pasta in a microwave-safe container. Sprinkle with water and loosely cover with plastic wrap.
Step 3
Microwave the pasta according to package directions. Let the covered pasta rest for 2 to 3 minutes before removing the plastic wrap. Stir before serving.
Tips and Warnings
- Cooked stuffed pasta freezes well.
- Use caution when adding frozen stuffed pasta to a pan of boiling water to avoid getting splashed. Be careful when removing plastic wrap from pasta cooked in the microwave; the steam will be very hot.
Things You'll Need
- Large pot
- Salt, to taste
- Water
- Baking dish
- Sauce
- Microwave-safe container
- Plastic wrap
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