Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a simple yet elegant Italian dish that transforms store-bought or homemade ravioli into a rich, flavorful meal. The nutty aroma of browned butter combined with the earthy fragrance of fresh sage elevates delicate pasta, creating a restaurant-quality dish in just minutes. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you want a comforting, indulgent meal that is quick to prepare yet visually impressive.
What makes this dish special is the combination of delicate pasta pockets filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, paired with a brown butter sauce that is fragrant, silky, and lightly caramelized. The fresh sage adds a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the butter, making it an irresistible combination.
I love this recipe because it’s both luxurious and simple. The brown butter sauce requires just a few ingredients but adds incredible depth of flavor. The aroma while cooking fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. It’s quick to make, can be customized with different ravioli fillings, and feels special enough for entertaining.
This is a must-try dish because it demonstrates how minimal ingredients can create maximum flavor. The nutty butter and aromatic sage complement the delicate pasta perfectly. It’s a quick way to make a dinner feel gourmet, and the recipe is versatile enough for any type of ravioli filling.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ravioli (cheese, mushroom, or spinach filling)
Unsalted butter
Fresh sage leaves
Salt
Black pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional for garnish)
Cook ravioli according to package instructions. Brown butter in a skillet, add fresh sage, toss cooked ravioli in the butter, season, and garnish with Parmesan and nuts.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ravioli according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it begins to turn golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add fresh sage leaves to the browned butter and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant and slightly crisp.
Step 4: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the brown butter and sage. If needed, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Transfer the ravioli to serving plates.
Step 7: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and toasted nuts if desired. Serve immediately.
Serve Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce immediately while warm. Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A crisp white wine or light Italian red wine complements the dish beautifully.
Tip: Watch the butter carefully while browning; it can burn quickly.
Tip: Use fresh sage leaves for the best flavor and texture.
Tip: Reserve a little pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Tip: Serve immediately as the sauce is best when fresh and warm.
Mushroom Ravioli: Enhance with sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
Spinach and Ricotta: Use spinach-filled ravioli for a vegetarian option.
Nutty Variation: Add toasted walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts for texture.
Lemon Butter Sage: Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the butter while browning for a garlicky depth.
Storage: Cooked ravioli with sauce is best served fresh. Store any leftovers without sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a little butter or olive oil.
Freezing: Uncooked ravioli can be frozen for 2–3 months. Brown butter sauce can be made fresh when ready to serve. Avoid freezing the finished dish as the butter sauce may separate.
Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet or sauté pan
Slotted spoon or strainer
Measuring spoons
Tongs or spatula for tossing
Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a simple yet luxurious dish that transforms delicate pasta into a rich, aromatic, and flavorful meal. Quick to prepare, elegant, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests with minimal effort. With its nutty butter, fragrant sage, and optional Parmesan or nuts, it’s a classic Italian-inspired dish that never fails to delight.
Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a simple yet elegant Italian dish that transforms store-bought or homemade ravioli into a rich, flavorful meal.
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