Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe Guide

Nothing beats the comfort of homemade pasta on a crisp autumn evening, and this Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance right to your dinner table. As someone who's been perfecting pasta recipes for over a decade, I can tell you that this Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe combines the sweet, nutty flavors of roasted squash with the earthy richness of brown butter sage sauce.

This Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe has become my go-to dish for impressing guests and treating my family to something truly special. The silky pasta pillows filled with creamy butternut squash create the perfect balance of flavors that capture

Overhead view of homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe butter sauce and parmesan on a white kitchen counter.

Why This Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

Creating homemade ravioli might seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps that anyone can master. The secret lies in perfectly roasted butternut squash that develops deep, caramelized flavors when combined with ricotta cheese and a hint of nutmeg. What makes this particular Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe stand out is the brown butter sage sauce that adds a sophisticated, restaurant-quality finish.

The beauty of fall butternut squash pasta lies in its versatility and seasonal appeal. This dish works beautifully as an elegant dinner party centerpiece or a cozy weeknight comfort meal. The Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it showcases the best of autumn flavors while remaining surprisingly approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Expert Cooking Tips
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment Recommendations
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
FAQ
Bringing Fall Flavors Together
Related
Pairing
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pasta Dough

All-purpose flour
Large eggs
Olive oil
Salt
Water (if needed)

For the Butternut Squash Filling

Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
Ricotta cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Nutmeg
Salt and black pepper
Egg yolk

For the Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Pine nuts (optional)
Unsalted butter
Fresh sage leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Overhead shot of butternut squash ravioli ingredients including squash cubes, sage, parmesan, ricotta, eggs, and flour on a white kitchen counter.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Butternut Squash Filling

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
Let cool completely, then mash until smooth.
Mix the mashed squash with ricotta, Parmesan, nutmeg, egg yolk, salt, and pepper.
Set filling aside while you prepare the pasta dough.

Make the Fresh Pasta Dough

Create a well with flour on a clean work surface.
Crack eggs into the center and add olive oil and salt.
Using a fork, gradually incorporate flour into the eggs.
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Wrap in plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Assemble the Ravioli

Divide dough into 4 portions and roll each through a pasta machine to setting 6.
Place spoonfuls of filling 2 inches apart on half the pasta sheets.
Brush edges with water and place second sheet on top.
Press around each mound to seal, removing air bubbles.
Cut into individual ravioli using a pasta wheel or knife.
Place on a floured baking sheet until ready to cook.

Create the Perfect Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Keep warm while cooking the ravioli.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam.
Add sage leaves and cook until butter turns golden brown and nutty.
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.

Expert Cooking Tips

Dough Perfection Secrets

The key to perfect pasta dough lies in achieving the right consistency. Your dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky, not sticky. If it's too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time. Too wet? Incorporate more flour gradually.

Filling Consistency Matters

For the best Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe results, ensure your squash filling isn't too wet. After mashing, let it sit in a fine-mesh strainer for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Sealing Techniques

Always brush pasta edges with water before sealing
Press firmly around each filling mound to prevent bursting
Use a pasta wheel for clean, professional-looking edges
Work with one ravioli at a time to prevent drying out

Brown Butter Mastery

Watch your butter carefully during browning; it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. The ideal brown butter smells nutty and appears golden amber with brown bits at the bottom.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Version Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pasta flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavors remain outstanding.
Vegan Alternative Substitute ricotta with cashew cream and use aquafaba instead of eggs in both dough and filling. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Lower Calorie Option Use part-skim ricotta and reduce butter in the sauce by half. Add extra sage and a splash of pasta water for richness.

Creative Flavor Variations

Spiced Version Add cinnamon, allspice, and a pinch of cayenne to the filling for warming fall spices.
Herb-Infused Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or marjoram into the butternut squash filling.
Cheese Lovers Incorporate mascarpone or goat cheese into the filling for extra creaminess.

Equipment Recommendations

A pasta machine makes rolling dough infinitely easier and ensures consistent thickness. If you don't have one, a rolling pin works fine with extra patience. A large pot for boiling and a wide skillet for the sauce are essential. Consider investing in a pasta wheel for clean ravioli edges, though a sharp knife suffices. A fine-mesh strainer helps achieve the perfect filling consistency in this Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Fresh Storage

Uncooked ravioli can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours on a floured baking sheet covered with plastic wrap.

Freezing Instructions

Place assembled ravioli on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prepare filling up to 2 days in advance. The pasta dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated. This Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe components store beautifully separately.

Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything

Here's the game-changing secret that transformed my Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe from good to absolutely extraordinary: adding a splash of the pasta cooking water to your brown butter sauce creates the silkiest, most luxurious coating that clings perfectly to each ravioli. The starchy water acts as a natural emulsifier, binding the butter and creating restaurant-quality results.

The second secret involves roasting your butternut squash at high heat until the edges caramelize slightly. This extra step intensifies the natural sweetness and adds depth that makes this Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe truly unforgettable. These small details separate homemade pasta from store-bought every single time.

FAQ

What seasoning goes with butternut squash ravioli?

Classic seasonings for butternut squash ravioli include nutmeg, sage, thyme, and black pepper. A pinch of cinnamon or allspice complements the natural sweetness beautifully in this Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe.

What meat pairs well with butternut squash ravioli?

Pancetta, prosciutto, or Italian sausage pair wonderfully with butternut squash ravioli. The salty, savory elements balance the sweet squash perfectly while maintaining the dish's elegant character.

What is the best sauce to use for ravioli?

Brown butter sage sauce is the classic choice for butternut squash ravioli, but cream sauce, alfredo, or simple olive oil with garlic work beautifully. The Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe showcases the traditional pairing perfectly.

What is the best protein with butternut squash ravioli?

Grilled chicken, pan-seared scallops, or crispy pancetta complement butternut squash ravioli wonderfully. For vegetarian options, toasted pine nuts or walnuts add protein and textural contrast.

Bringing Fall Flavors Together

This Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe represents everything beautiful about autumn cooking; rich, comforting flavors that bring families together around the dinner table. The combination of sweet roasted squash, creamy ricotta, and nutty brown butter creates a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Once you master this Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Recipe, you'll find yourself returning to it again and again throughout the fall season. If you love exploring seasonal flavors, try our Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl Recipe for morning comfort or our hearty Shrimp and Corn Soup Recipe for another satisfying meal that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Written with love-by Lisa Johnson 💛

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