As I opened the door to my kitchen, the rich aroma of brown butter danced through the air, wrapping around me like a warm hug. I couldn’t wait to indulge in this Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli with Crispy Sage and Manchego. With its blend of creamy pumpkin and nutty sage butter, this dish captures all the comforting flavors of fall, making it perfect for both a cozy weeknight dinner and an elegant meal to impress your guests. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize—swap in different cheeses or nuts to make it uniquely yours. Are you ready to create a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also adds a touch of seasonal magic to your table? Let's dive in!
Why is this ravioli recipe irresistible?
Elevated Comfort Food: This Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli combines the simplicity of home cooking with an elegant twist, making every bite a delight.
Customizable Options: You can play with different cheeses and nuts, ensuring this dish caters to your taste, whether you prefer a sharper Pecorino or a nut-free version.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with fall flavors, it's a vegetarian dish that feels indulgent without sacrificing nutrition.
Quick Preparation: This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve guests, saving you time and stress in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich, creamy sauce and cozy flavors are sure to please everyone at the table, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or dinner parties.
Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Ingredients
For the Ravioli
• Fresh Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli – Use high-quality, fresh varieties for the best flavor; butternut squash or sweet potato ravioli makes an excellent substitute.
For the Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – The key to a rich sauce base; switch to vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Fresh Sage Leaves – Adds a fragrant note and becomes crispy when fried; dried sage can substitute but won’t provide the same texture.
• Garlic Cloves (smashed) – Enhances the flavor profile of the butter sauce.
For Texture and Flavor
• Walnuts (toasted) – Contribute crunch and nuttiness; pecans can work as a substitute or omit for a nut-free dish.
• Apple Cider/White Wine – Lends acidity to balance flavors; vegetable broth is a non-alcoholic alternative.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds an extra layer of tang; can be omitted if using ample acidity from the wine.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg – Introduces a warm spice note that complements the dish beautifully.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste.
• Manchego Cheese (shaved) – Provides a creamy texture and tangy finish; consider a similar aged cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli with Crispy Sage and Manchego
Step 1: Boil the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add your fresh pumpkin cheese ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender but not mushy. Once cooked, gently drain the ravioli using a slotted spoon, leaving them warm and ready for the rich sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the smashed garlic, walnuts, and fresh sage leaves. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and the sage crisps up beautifully. Remove the crispy sage and set it aside for garnishing later.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Sauce
Lower the heat on the skillet to medium-low and add ¼ cup of apple cider (or white wine), along with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in freshly grated nutmeg, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for approximately 1 minute, letting the flavors meld together and creating a fragrant, savory sauce.
Step 4: Combine Ravioli with Sauce
Gently add the drained ravioli into the skillet with the sage butter sauce. Using a spatula, carefully toss the ravioli in the sauce to coat them evenly, taking care not to break them. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes on low, allowing the ravioli to absorb the lush flavors of the sauce before plating.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To serve your Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli, platter the ravioli and drizzle any remaining sage butter sauce over the top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crispy sage leaves and shaved manchego cheese, allowing its creaminess to gently melt over the warm ravioli. This elegant dish is now ready to impress!
What to Serve with Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli with Crispy Sage and Manchego
Transform your comforting pasta dish into a complete culinary experience with these delightful pairings.
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Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette enhances the richness of the ravioli and adds a refreshing crunch.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread brings texture and warmth to the table, perfect for soaking up any extra sage butter sauce. There's something about the buttery flavor that beautifully complements the dish.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts provide a deliciously earthy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the pumpkin. Their slight bitterness balances the creamy sauce splendidly.
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Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling wine adds a touch of elegance, enhancing the meal’s flavors without overwhelming them. It’s a celebratory choice for special gatherings.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a cozy dessert pairing, serve a pumpkin spice latte to echo the fall flavors in the dish. It’s like a warm hug on a plate and in your cup!
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Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream offers a sweet finish to your meal, beautifully contrasting the savory ravioli with its fruity notes.
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Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob drizzled with butter brings a taste of summer to your fall feast, creating a playful combination of seasonal flavors that guests will adore.
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Sangiovese Wine: This medium-bodied red wine complements the earthy flavors of the dish and harmonizes with the nutty nuances of the cheese. It’s a match made in heaven for pasta night!
Make Ahead Options
These Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli with Crispy Sage and Manchego are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the ravioli up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them after tossing lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking. The sage butter sauce can also be made ahead—store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat the sauce gently over low heat while boiling the ravioli for about 3-4 minutes. This way, you'll enjoy the same creamy, comforting flavors without any last-minute stress, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
How to Store and Freeze Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli
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Fridge: Store leftover ravioli in an airtight container, lightly tossed in olive oil, for up to 3 days. This helps prevent sticking and keeps them flavorful.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked ravioli spread out on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To enjoy frozen ravioli, boil them directly from frozen for an extra minute. For leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet with a touch of butter or olive oil until warmed through.
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Restoring Texture: If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out, bringing back that delightful texture of your Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli.
Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and make this dish your own by switching things up with these delightful variations!
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Cheese Swap: Substitute manchego with a sharp Pecorino for a bolder, tangy flavor that heightens the dish's richness.
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Nut-Free Option: Replace walnuts with crispy fried shallots for a crunchy, nut-free alternative that offers a delicious bite.
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Vegetable Boost: Add roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans for an extra layer of flavor and texture, making the dish heartier.
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Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sage butter sauce for a hint of heat that enhances the overall taste experience.
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Herb Variation: Try swapping fresh sage for thyme or rosemary, each bringing a unique herbal aroma that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
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Creamy Touch: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a luxuriously creamy texture, creating a decadent twist on this comforting dish.
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Seasonal Flavors: Toss in some sautéed apples or pears for a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of the ravioli.
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Broth Substitute: If you're looking for a lighter sauce, switch white wine or apple cider with vegetable broth to create a simple, refreshing dish.
With these variations, the possibilities are endless! Dive into the joyful cooking adventure and discover the flavor combinations that resonate with your palate.
Expert Tips for Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli
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Perfect Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on ravioli while boiling; they should be tender yet firm, typically around 3-4 minutes. Overcooking may turn them mushy.
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Butter Safety: Stir the butter occasionally while browning to avoid burning; you want it golden, not charred, which enhances the sage butter flavor.
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Gentle Tossing: When mixing the ravioli with the sauce, use a gentle motion to prevent breakage; a spatula works wonders for a delicate touch.
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Storage Solutions: For delicious leftovers, toss cooked ravioli lightly in olive oil before refrigerating; this keeps them from sticking together.
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Sauce Variations: If you want to switch things up, try adding different herbs, or vary the cheese in your Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli for a fresh twist!
Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli with Crispy Sage and Manchego Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin ravioli should I use for this dish?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for high-quality, fresh pumpkin cheese ravioli. If you can't find it, butternut squash or sweet potato ravioli are excellent substitutes that capture the essence of fall flavors beautifully.
How should I store leftover ravioli?
Very! Store leftover ravioli in an airtight container, lightly tossed in olive oil, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. This method helps prevent sticking and keeps the flavor intact. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of butter or olive oil.
Can I freeze the ravioli? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze uncooked ravioli, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze until firm — about 2 hours — then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they can be saved for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply boil them straight from the freezer for an extra minute.
What can I do if my butter sauce burns?
No worries! If the butter starts to burn, immediately take it off the heat. You can also add a splash of liquid, like apple cider or wine, which can help lift any burnt bits off the bottom of the pan. For future attempts, keep stirring the butter as it browns and adjust your heat as needed to ensure it turns golden and nutty without getting charred.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but if you're cooking for someone with allergies, consider substituting walnuts with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option, or vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Additionally, feel free to adjust or omit the manchego cheese for a lactose-free meal without losing richness in flavor.
Indulgent Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli with Crispy Sage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the fresh pumpkin cheese ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float and are tender. Drain using a slotted spoon.
- In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add smashed garlic, walnuts, and fresh sage leaves. Cook for 4-5 minutes until butter is golden brown and sage is crispy. Set crispy sage aside.
- Lower heat and add ¼ cup of apple cider and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 1 minute to meld flavors.
- Gently add the drained ravioli to the skillet with the sage butter sauce. Toss carefully to coat, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes on low.
- Platter the ravioli, drizzle remaining sage butter sauce over the top, and garnish with crispy sage leaves and shaved manchego cheese.
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