If you are craving a dish that’s elegant yet incredibly simple to prepare, this Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender cheese ravioli enveloped in a silky, fragrant butter sauce infused with fresh sage—the perfect harmony of comforting richness and herbaceous brightness. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe has all the warmth and depth you’d expect from traditional Italian cooking, yet it comes together effortlessly for any weeknight or special occasion. Let me walk you through this delightful dish that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but vital to crafting that perfect balance of taste and texture for your sage butter sauce. Each element brings its own character, from the creamy cheese filling inside the ravioli to the nutty richness of browned butter and the aromatic punch of fresh sage.
- Cheese ravioli (20 ounces): Ready-made cheese ravioli saves time and adds a luscious filling that pairs beautifully with sage butter.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): The foundation of your sauce; melting and browning it adds depth and a subtle nuttiness.
- Fresh sage leaves (8–10): Adds a savory, earthy aroma that elevates the butter and complements the ravioli.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat that balances the butter’s richness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): A tiny kick for those who love a bit of spice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (â…“ cup): Adds a salty, umami finish that melts perfectly on top.
- Lemon zest or juice (optional): A splash of brightness to cut through the richness and add freshness.
How to Make Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the ravioli just right is crucial—they should be tender but still hold their shape. Follow package directions carefully, then drain, reserving about a quarter cup of the pasta water—it’ll come in handy later for perfect sauce consistency.
Step 2: Prepare the Sage Butter Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter gently until it starts to foam, then watch closely as it turns golden and releases an irresistible nutty aroma. Add fresh sage leaves to the butter and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the butter is golden and the sage becomes slightly crisp. This step is where magic happens, infusing your sauce with deep, warm flavors.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Next, add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Stir these in so the sauce layers flavors beautifully without overwhelming the ravioli’s delicate filling.
Step 4: Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Carefully add the cooked ravioli into the skillet with the sage butter. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to every piece. Toss gently so every ravioli is coated in that golden, herbal butter sauce, heating everything through for a minute or two.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
To finish, serve the ravioli warm, generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese. A little lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice is the perfect finishing touch if you want a hint of citrus brightness to balance the richness.
How to Serve Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the dish artistically and flavor-wise. Try a sprinkle of finely shredded Parmesan for a savory crust or add a few crispy sage leaves on top for crunch and visual appeal. A tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add lovely gloss and richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides that contrast its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccolini complements the ravioli perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf also works wonderfully to soak up any leftover butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider plating the ravioli in a shallow bowl with the sauce pooled artfully underneath. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for flair. Or serve individual portions on warm plates, finishing with a grating of fresh Parmesan at the table to engage your guests in the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover ravioli with sage butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to develop even more after resting overnight. Consume within 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the cooked ravioli separately from the sauce. Lay ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. The sage butter sauce keeps best fresh but can be frozen in a small container if necessary—thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra butter if the sauce looks dry to bring back that luscious coating without overcooking the ravioli. Avoid the microwave to prevent the cheese filling from becoming tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen ravioli work wonderfully and save prep time. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and your sage butter sauce will bring everything together beautifully.
What if I don’t have fresh sage? Can I use dried?
Fresh sage is preferred for its vibrant flavor and texture, but if you only have dried, use about one-third the amount. Add it early in the butter melting stage so the flavors release properly.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat, relying on cheese ravioli and butter for richness. Just be sure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian or find a suitable alternative.
Can I add other herbs or ingredients to the sauce?
Definitely! While sage is the star, you can experiment with thyme or a pinch of nutmeg for subtle warmth. For a richer sauce, a splash of cream or browned butter adds indulgence without overwhelming the dish.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Incorporate extra crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil when you season the butter. This adds a pleasant heat that contrasts nicely with the creamy ravioli.
Final Thoughts
This Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe is pure comfort wrapped in simplicity, making it a sure-fire crowd-pleaser any time you want to wow without fuss. Its blend of fragrant sage, silky butter, and heavenly cheese ravioli is nothing short of delightful, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. So grab some fresh sage, melt that butter, and get ready to savor every bite—you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.
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Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce recipe features tender cheese ravioli enriched by a fragrant, golden sage-infused butter sauce. Enhanced with subtle spices and topped with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, this Italian-inspired dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8–10 fresh sage leaves, chopped or whole
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest or juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese ravioli following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the ravioli, reserving about ¼ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare sage butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam. Add the sage leaves and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden and gives off a fragrant aroma, and the sage leaves become slightly crispy.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed in the butter.
- Toss ravioli in sauce: Add the cooked ravioli and a splash of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the ravioli thoroughly with the sage butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Plate the ravioli warm, topping each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for bright, fresh flavor if desired.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with alternative ravioli fillings such as butternut squash, mushroom, or spinach for varied flavors.
- For a richer sauce, consider stirring in a splash of cream or browning the butter before adding the sage.
