Butternut Squash Ravioli in Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a dish that celebrates elegance, warmth, and comfort in every bite. It brings together the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the creaminess of ricotta and parmesan, and the nutty richness of brown butter infused with fragrant sage. This recipe is a beautiful nod to classic Italian flavors while offering a cozy, autumn-inspired twist that feels luxurious yet deeply comforting.

Whether you make the ravioli entirely from scratch or use store-bought pasta, the combination of silky squash filling wrapped in tender pasta sheets and finished with a buttery, aromatic sauce creates a restaurant-worthy experience at home. This dish shines as a romantic dinner, a holiday meal, or a special weekend treat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it layers multiple comforting elements into one beautifully balanced dish. The ravioli filling is sweet, savory, and creamy all at once, and when paired with the browned butter, the nutty aroma elevates everything. Sage, with its earthy and slightly peppery essence, complements the squash perfectly, giving the dish a refined depth.

This recipe feels indulgent but not heavy—each bite has softness, richness, and just enough complexity to feel special. It’s also a wonderful dish that encourages slowing down and enjoying the process, especially if you choose to make the ravioli by hand.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It captures classic fall and winter flavors in a luxurious pasta dish.
• Brown butter sage sauce is incredibly simple yet tastes complex and gourmet.
• Homemade (or semi-homemade) ravioli offer a rewarding cooking experience.
• It’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or romantic dinners.
• The dish is surprisingly approachable even for beginners.
• The contrast of sweet squash and savory butter makes it unforgettable.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, Calories, Course, Cuisine

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (longer if making homemade ravioli)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Estimated Calories: 450–550 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Butternut Squash Ravioli Filling

• 2 cups roasted butternut squash (from fresh or pre-cooked)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Ravioli

• 1 package fresh or frozen cheese ravioli
  or
• Homemade pasta dough (4 cups flour, 4 eggs, pinch of salt)

For the Brown Butter Sage Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8–10 fresh sage leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: zest of 1 lemon
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional: 1–2 tablespoons pasta water

Garnish

• Extra parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the ravioli filling by combining roasted squash, ricotta, parmesan, seasonings, and nutmeg.
2. Assemble ravioli using store-bought or homemade dough.
3. Cook ravioli in salted boiling water until they float.
4. In a skillet, brown the butter until nutty and aromatic.
5. Add sage leaves and let them crisp.
6. Toss cooked ravioli in the brown butter and season.
7. Plate and garnish with parmesan and pepper.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

• Roast or steam the squash until soft.
• Mash or blend until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• Combine mashed squash, ricotta, parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Ravioli (if homemade)

• Roll out pasta dough very thinly.
• Place small spoonfuls of filling spaced evenly.
• Cover with another sheet and seal edges.
• Cut into individual ravioli and press edges firmly.

Step 4: Cook the Ravioli

• Bring water to a boil with salt.
• Cook ravioli until they float (2–4 minutes).
• Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 5: Make the Brown Butter Sage Sauce

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Allow butter to bubble and turn golden brown.
• Add sage leaves and let them crisp.
• Add a splash of pasta water if you prefer a silkier sauce.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

• Add cooked ravioli to the sauce.
• Coat gently.
• Serve warm with parmesan and black pepper.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve immediately, as the brown butter flavor is best fresh.
• Garnish with parmesan ribbons and crispy sage leaves.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with white wine like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc.

Recipe Tips

• Fresh sage is essential—substituting dried removes the aroma and crisp texture.
• Do not over-brown the butter; deep golden is perfect, dark brown is too bitter.
• Add a little lemon zest for a fresh brightness.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a spoonful of pasta water.
• Use real parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) for best flavor.

Variations

• Pumpkin Ravioli: Use pumpkin purée instead of squash.
• Spinach and Squash Ravioli: Add sautéed spinach to the filling.
• Mushroom Brown Butter: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
• Brown Butter Walnut: Add chopped toasted walnuts for crunch.
• Creamy Sage Sauce: Add 1/4 cup cream for a richer sauce.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigerator: Cooked ravioli lasts 2–3 days. Store with a little butter to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Homemade Ravioli: Freeze uncooked ravioli on a tray, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Freezing Cooked Ravioli: Not recommended (texture becomes mushy).
• Sauce Storage: Brown butter sauce lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.

Special Equipment Needed

• Pasta roller (if making homemade ravioli)
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for browning butter
• Food processor or blender for filling (optional)
• Ravioli cutter or knife

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought ravioli?
Yes, store-bought cheese or squash ravioli works perfectly.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Can I make the sauce without sage?
Yes, but the dish loses its signature aroma. Rosemary or thyme can be alternative herbs.

Why did my butter burn?
The heat was too high. Keep it on medium and watch closely.

Can I add protein?
Yes—grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash Ravioli in Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a comforting, elegant dish that brings together sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you’re preparing it for a special evening or treating yourself to a gourmet-style meal at home, this recipe promises satisfaction and warmth. With simple ingredients and refined flavors, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.