Costco sells Kirkland Signature Fresh Spinach and Cheese Ravioli in 28-ounce packages for $6.99, providing a high-quality frozen pasta option with simple ingredients, 18 grams of protein per serving, and versatile preparation methods. This product delivers exceptional value at approximately $0.88 per serving compared to supermarket alternatives costing $1.50-$2.50 per serving.
Everything You Need to Know About Costco's Spinach Cheese Ravioli
When you're looking for convenient, high-quality frozen pasta that doesn't compromise on taste or ingredients, Costco's Kirkland Signature Fresh Spinach and Cheese Ravioli stands out as a smart choice for home cooks. This popular item has become a staple in many households due to its balance of quality, convenience, and value. Unlike many mass-market frozen pasta products that contain preservatives and artificial ingredients, this ravioli features a straightforward ingredient list that reads like something you might prepare yourself.
Product Overview and Availability
Costco's spinach cheese ravioli comes in a 28-ounce package containing approximately 16 servings. You'll typically find it in the frozen foods section near other Kirkland Signature pasta products. The packaging features clear labeling with cooking instructions and nutritional information. Unlike some specialty grocery stores that rotate frozen pasta selections, Costco maintains consistent availability of this product across most warehouse locations throughout the year.
Ingredient Quality Analysis
What sets Costco's spinach cheese ravioli apart from supermarket alternatives is its clean ingredient profile. The pasta contains:
- Fresh spinach (not dehydrated)
- Three-cheese blend (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan)
- Wheat flour
- Eggs
- Salt
Notably absent are common additives found in many frozen pasta products like xanthan gum, cellulose, and preservatives. The product contains no artificial colors or flavors, making it suitable for those seeking minimally processed frozen meal options. According to USDA food composition data, fresh spinach retains more nutrients than dehydrated versions commonly used in budget pasta products.
| Product Feature | Costco Spinach Cheese Ravioli | Typical Supermarket Brand|
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Fresh spinach, three-cheese blend, wheat flour, eggs | Dehydrated spinach, cheese powder, modified starches |
| Preservatives | None | Common (citric acid, sodium tripolyphosphate) |
| Protein per Serving | 18g | 10-12g |
| Price per Serving | $0.88 | $1.50-$2.50 |
Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations
Each 3.5-ounce serving (about 4 ravioli) provides:
- 280 calories
- 18g protein
- 8g fat (5g saturated)
- 36g carbohydrates
- 3g fiber
- 500mg sodium
The higher protein content compared to standard frozen ravioli makes this product more satisfying and nutritionally balanced. While not certified gluten-free, the product uses simple wheat flour without unnecessary additives that often trigger sensitivities. For those monitoring sodium intake, the 500mg per serving falls within acceptable limits for a prepared frozen meal according to FDA dietary guidelines.
Optimal Cooking Methods and Timing
Costco's instructions recommend boiling the ravioli for 4-5 minutes from frozen, but culinary testing reveals better results with these refined techniques:
- Boiling method: Use a large pot with plenty of salted water. Add frozen ravioli directly to boiling water and cook for exactly 4 minutes for perfect al dente texture
- Pan-searing option: Boil for 2 minutes, then finish in a hot skillet with olive oil and garlic for enhanced flavor development
- Baking application: Layer in a baking dish with sauce and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes for a convenient baked pasta dish
Avoid overcooking, which causes the delicate pasta to break and the filling to leak. The fresh spinach content means these ravioli cook slightly faster than cheese-only varieties.
Taste and Texture Evaluation
Professional culinary assessment reveals why this product has maintained popularity. The pasta dough has the right thickness—not so thin that it breaks during cooking, but thin enough to provide that delicate fresh pasta mouthfeel. The cheese filling strikes an ideal balance between ricotta's creaminess, mozzarella's meltability, and Parmesan's savory notes. The spinach provides subtle earthiness without overpowering the cheese flavors or creating a watery filling.
Compared to higher-end restaurant versions, the Costco option maintains structural integrity better than many fresh pasta alternatives that fall apart during cooking. The texture remains consistent whether boiled, baked, or pan-fried, making it versatile for various recipe applications.
Value Comparison and Cost Analysis
At $6.99 for a 28-ounce package (approximately 16 servings), the cost per serving calculates to $0.88. This represents significant savings compared to:
- Trader Joe's fresh spinach ravioli ($5.49 for 12.5 ounces = $1.96 per serving)
- Whole Foods 365 brand ($4.99 for 9 ounces = $2.22 per serving)
- Fresh pasta shop offerings ($12-15 per pound = $1.50-$1.88 per serving)
The savings become even more pronounced when considering preparation time. Unlike dried pasta alternatives that require longer cooking, these ravioli cook in under 5 minutes, making them comparable to premium frozen options in convenience while costing significantly less.
Creative Recipe Applications
Beyond simple boiling with marinara, this versatile product works well in numerous preparations:
- Ravioli bake: Layer with roasted vegetables and béchamel for a sophisticated casserole
- Pan-fried appetizers: Sear until golden, top with prosciutto and arugula for elegant bites
- Salad addition: Toss cooked ravioli with vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil
- Soup enhancement: Add to minestrone during the final minutes of cooking
The high cheese content means these ravioli melt beautifully when baked, creating cohesive dishes without falling apart—a common problem with lower-quality frozen pasta.
Storage and Shelf Life Guidelines
Proper storage maintains quality and food safety:
- Keep frozen at 0°F or below
- Use within 12 months of purchase date for best quality
- Once cooked, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
- Cooked ravioli keeps for 3-5 days in airtight container
- Do not refreeze after thawing
The product maintains quality through multiple freeze-thaw cycles better than many competitors due to the absence of water-binding additives that crystallize and degrade texture.
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