Chef Boyardee mini ravioli is a popular canned pasta meal that many people enjoy as a quick and convenient option. However, with increased focus on nutrition and healthy eating in recent years, some consumers may be wondering just how many calories are actually in a can of this classic pasta favorite.
In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the calorie and nutrition information for Chef Boyardee mini ravioli. We will look at the calorie count for different can sizes, flavors, and types of mini ravioli from Chef Boyardee. We will also compare the calories to other common pasta meals and dishes. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the calories and nutrition in a can of Chef Boyardee mini ravioli!
Calories in Chef Boyardee Original Mini Ravioli
First, let’s start by looking at the calorie count for Chef Boyardee’s original mini ravioli flavor. This is the classic mini ravioli flavor made with beef and a tomato and cheese sauce.
Here is the nutrition information for a 15 oz can of original Chef Boyardee mini ravioli:
| Serving Size | 1 can (15 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 1360mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 73g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Total Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 20g |
As you can see, one 15 oz can of original Chef Boyardee mini ravioli contains 510 calories. It also contains 73g of carbohydrates, 20g of protein, 16g of fat, and 1360mg of sodium.
Calories in Different Can Sizes
Chef Boyardee mini ravioli also comes in different can sizes. The calorie count will vary depending on the size of the can:
- 15 oz can – 510 calories
- 7.5 oz can – 255 calories
- 12.5 oz microwavable cup – 380 calories
The 15 oz can is the standard full size can. The 7.5 oz can is a smaller portion, with about half the calories. Chef Boyardee also makes single serve microwaveable cups in a 12.5 oz size, which contain 380 calories.
Calories in Other Flavors of Chef Boyardee Mini Ravioli
In addition to the original flavor, Chef Boyardee makes mini ravioli in several other delicious flavors. Here is the nutrition information for some of the other popular varieties:
Cheese Ravioli
| Serving Size | 1 can (15 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 1150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 69g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 17g |
Beef Ravioli
| Serving Size | 1 can (15 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Total Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 1190mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 63g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Total Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 21g |
Mini Cheese Tortellini
| Serving Size | 1 can (15 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 1150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 69g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 17g |
As you can see from the nutrition information, the calorie count does vary slightly between flavors, but a 15 oz can ranges from about 460-510 calories for the different mini ravioli varieties.
Comparing Calories to Other Common Pasta Meals
To put the 510 calories in a 15 oz can of Chef Boyardee mini ravioli in context, let’s compare it to some other common pasta dishes and meals:
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
A 2 cup serving of spaghetti with tomato sauce contains around 500-600 calories, depending on ingredients. So it’s very comparable to the calories in Chef Boyardee mini ravioli.
Lasagna
A portion of homemade lasagna can range from 500-800 calories depending on ingredients and preparation. So lasagna may be slightly higher in calories compared to mini ravioli.
Macaroni and Cheese
A serving of homemade macaroni and cheese generally provides 350-550 calories. Some boxed mac and cheese is lower, with about 250 calories per serving. So mini ravioli is on the higher end for pasta dishes.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Rich, creamy fettuccine alfredo can contain 700-1,000 calories or more per serving. The high fat and cheese content makes it much higher in calories than mini ravioli.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Like fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti carbonara is very high in calories at around 800-1,200 per serving. The eggs, cheese, and pork greatly increase the fat and calorie content compared to tomato-based pasta dishes.
In general, a can of Chef Boyardee mini ravioli provides a medium to high amount of calories compared to other common pasta dishes. Very cheesy or creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo or carbonara tend to be higher in calories, while simple tomato-based pasta is often a bit lower.
Tips for Lightening Up Chef Boyardee Mini Ravioli
While Chef Boyardee mini ravioli is an easy, convenient option, 510 calories per can is fairly high, especially if you eat the whole thing in one meal. Here are some tips for lightening up this classic pasta meal:
Fill Up on Vegetables
Serve the ravioli with lots of low calorie vegetables like salad, steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower or air fried asparagus. This will add volume and nutrients while minimizing calories.
Watch Portions
Stick to a 1 cup portion to control calories. Measure out a serving rather than eating straight from the can.
Add Lean Protein
Pair with grilled chicken breast, lean beef, beans or other plant-based proteins to stay full while adding little or no extra fat and calories.
Flavor with Herbs
Skip high calorie sauces and season your ravioli with fresh or dried herbs, garlic, spices, lemon and other flavorful options with few calories.
Use Lower Calorie Noodles
For an even lighter option, drain the Chef Boyardee ravioli and mix with spiralized zucchini noodles or Banza chickpea pasta for extra nutrition with fewer carbs and calories.
Make Your Own
Creating homemade mini ravioli using whole grain pasta, lean ground turkey, reduced fat cheese and tomato sauce can cut back on calories, fat and sodium compared to the canned version.
The Bottom Line
So how many calories are actually in a can of Chef Boyardee mini ravioli? A 15 oz can of the original flavor contains 510 calories. Other flavors range from about 460-480 calories per 15 oz can. While mini ravioli is convenient, a full can is moderately high in calories compared to other common pasta dishes. Lighten it up by watching portions, adding vegetables and lean protein, and flavoring with herbs instead of fatty sauces. Making your own lighter version at home can also help cut back on calories while still enjoying this family favorite.
