Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce

Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter paired with delicate, pillowy ravioli. This recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The addition of fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and optional toasted nuts enhances the dish with depth and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Buttery: Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile: Works with cheese, mushroom, spinach, or meat-filled ravioli.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: A simple sauce that turns store-bought or homemade ravioli into a gourmet meal.
• Customizable: Add nuts, herbs, or citrus zest for extra layers of flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ravioli:

• 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen ravioli (cheese, spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Brown Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage or thyme, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts or pine nuts (optional)
• Extra fresh herbs for topping

Directions

1. Cook the Ravioli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli, 6-8 minutes for frozen).
3. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain the ravioli and set aside.

2. Make the Brown Butter Sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Swirl the pan occasionally, allowing the butter to foam and turn golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). You’ll notice a nutty aroma.
3. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the fresh sage or thyme and lemon zest, letting them infuse the butter for another 30 seconds.

3. Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the brown butter sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for extra silkiness.
2. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toasted nuts (if using).
3. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Brown Butter: Add toasted walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts for extra crunch.
• Citrus Twist: Increase the lemon zest or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
• Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter before browning it.
• Creamy Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer, velvety sauce.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and vegan ravioli.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the butter sauce loses texture.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or butter to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

What is brown butter?

Brown butter is melted butter that’s cooked until the milk solids turn golden brown, creating a nutty, caramelized flavor.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes! Use ½ teaspoon of dried sage or thyme instead of fresh.

What type of ravioli works best?

Cheese, spinach-ricotta, mushroom, or butternut squash ravioli pair beautifully with brown butter.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus for extra texture and flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Brown butter sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the ravioli ahead and reheat it with butter.

How do I prevent my butter from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and watch closely—remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown.

What cheese pairs well with this dish?

Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Grana Padano work well.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Can I use frozen ravioli?

Absolutely! Just cook it directly from frozen following package instructions.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free ravioli and check that your butter and cheese are GF-certified.

Conclusion

Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce is a quick, flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. With its nutty, rich sauce and tender pasta, this meal is perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish in just 20 minutes