Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter

Introduction

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter is a delicate, elegant, and comforting dish that beautifully showcases the flavors of autumn. The sweet, velvety roasted butternut squash filling inside tender ravioli is paired with nutty brown butter infused with fragrant fresh sage, creating a dish that’s both sophisticated and heartwarming.

This recipe is perfect for a special dinner, holiday gathering, or a romantic date night. It combines simple, high-quality ingredients to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. The sweet-savory balance and aromatic sage butter make it truly unforgettable.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Perfect flavor balance: Sweet squash meets nutty brown butter and aromatic sage for a sublime taste.
• Elegant yet simple: Looks gourmet but is easy to prepare with store-bought or homemade ravioli.
• Comforting and warm: The rich, buttery sauce elevates the delicate pasta without overpowering it.
• Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or a sophisticated appetizer.
• Seasonal delight: Highlights the flavors of fall, making it perfect for autumn dinners.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it perfectly combines sweet, creamy filling and rich, nutty flavors in a simple yet elegant presentation:

1. Flavor Harmony: The natural sweetness of butternut squash is beautifully complemented by nutty brown butter and aromatic sage, creating a sophisticated balance of flavors.
2. Elegant Comfort Food: While it feels like a gourmet restaurant dish, it’s easy to prepare at home, making it accessible for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
3. Seasonal Delight: This recipe highlights autumn’s best flavors, making it perfect for fall dinners, holiday meals, or cozy nights in.
4. Versatile and Adaptable: You can add toasted nuts, crispy pancetta, or a touch of cream to customize it, ensuring a unique twist every time.
5. Visual and Taste Appeal: With its golden butter sauce, tender pasta, and fragrant sage, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious, impressing both your eyes and your taste buds.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes (if using store-bought ravioli; 45–60 minutes if making homemade)
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes (or 55–70 minutes if homemade ravioli)
• Servings: 4
• Calories (approx): 450 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course / Pasta
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Ravioli:

• 1 package (9–12 oz) butternut squash ravioli (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt, for pasta water

Sage Brown Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 8–10 fresh sage leaves
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Optional: toasted pine nuts for extra crunch

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ravioli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
2. Make Sage Brown Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Cook until it starts to foam and turns golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add Sage: Add sage leaves (and garlic if using) to the butter and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn.
4. Combine with Ravioli: Add cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sage brown butter. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Serve: Plate ravioli and drizzle with extra sage brown butter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and optional toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil salted water; cook ravioli until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; cook until golden brown and nutty.
3. Add fresh sage (and optional garlic); cook until fragrant.
4. Toss cooked ravioli gently in the sage brown butter; add pasta water if needed.
5. Plate ravioli; garnish with Parmesan and pine nuts. Serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• For a holiday or special occasion, plate individually with a drizzle of sage butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan for elegance.
• Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious brown butter sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality butter for a richer, nuttier brown butter flavor.
• Fresh sage is key; dried sage doesn’t provide the same aromatic effect.
• Cook butter slowly to avoid burning and creating a bitter taste.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the ravioli filling for extra warmth.

Variations

• Homemade Ravioli: Make your own butternut squash ravioli for a completely fresh dish.
• Cheese Addition: Add ricotta or Parmesan inside the ravioli filling for creamier texture.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked pancetta or crispy bacon crumbles to the butter sauce.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 2–3 tbsp heavy cream to the brown butter for a richer sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked ravioli and brown butter separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
• Freezer: Uncooked ravioli can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Do not freeze cooked ravioli as texture will suffer.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling ravioli
• Skillet for brown butter
• Slotted spoon or pasta strainer
• Wooden spoon or spatula for tossing
• Plate or serving dish

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought ravioli?
Yes, store-bought works perfectly and saves time.

Q2: Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter and plant-based ravioli with a squash filling.

Q3: Can I prepare the brown butter sauce ahead?
Yes, make the sauce ahead and gently reheat before tossing with cooked ravioli.

Q4: Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Fresh sage is preferred for flavor and aroma; dried sage can be used in a pinch but won’t be as vibrant.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, roasted butternut squash cubes, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter is a luxurious yet approachable dish that combines sweet, tender squash filling with nutty, aromatic sage butter. Perfect for fall, special occasions, or cozy dinners, it’s a recipe that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make. With its rich flavors, elegant presentation, and comforting textures, it’s a must-try for any pasta or seasonal recipe lover.