If you’re searching for a comfort food masterpiece that’s both supremely elegant and astoundingly easy to pull off, look no further than Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli. Imagine pillow-soft ravioli stuffed with sweet roasted squash, tossed in a golden, nutty brown butter freckled with crispy sage leaves. Every bite is pure autumn magic, equally impressive for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don’t be surprised if this becomes one of those recipes your loved ones beg you to make over and over!

Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli lies in its simplicity—every ingredient shines. High-quality ravioli and a handful of pantry staples transform into a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy, yet comes together effortlessly at home.

Butternut Squash Ravioli: Choose store-bought or homemade—fresh ravioli stuffed with sweet roasted squash delivers the ideal creamy bite.
Unsalted Butter: Opt for a good-quality butter, as it forms the rich, nutty backbone of the sauce.
Fresh Sage Leaves: Sage infuses the brown butter with an earthy, aromatic flavor and gets crisp when fried.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t underestimate seasoning—a pinch of each brings all the flavors together.
Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the dish with a salty, nutty flourish that melts into the warm sauce.
Lemon Zest (optional): Adds a pop of brightness that beautifully balances the buttery richness.

How to Make Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the butternut squash ravioli and cook according to the package directions, usually just a few minutes until they float to the top. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot or overcook—you want each ravioli to stay intact and lusciously tender. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked ravioli directly to a serving platter, reserving some of the pasta water.

Step 2: Make the Brown Butter and Sage Sauce

While the ravioli cooks, melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, toss in the fresh sage leaves. Swirl and watch closely—the butter will turn from yellow to golden brown and release a nutty aroma as the sage crisps up (about 2-3 minutes). If you notice the bits at the bottom turning deep brown, it’s ready! Keep an eye so it doesn’t burn—brown butter is quick magic.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Immediately pour the hot brown butter and crispy sage over the warm ravioli. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet, swirl, then drizzle over the pasta to help the sauce lightly cling to every bite. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then shower everything with plenty of shaved or grated Parmesan. If you love a citrusy lift, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest now.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Gently toss the ravioli to coat them in the sage brown butter sauce, being careful not to tear their delicate pillows. Serve immediately while everything is hot and aromatic, garnishing with extra Parmesan, crispy sage leaves, and a twist of black pepper for a show-stopping finish. Prepare for “oohs” and “aahs” at your dinner table!

How to Serve Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli

Garnishes

A generous tumble of shaved Parmesan and a few extra crispy sage leaves are the ultimate finishing touches. For a splash of color, scatter over some microgreens or chopped toasted hazelnuts. If you love a little zing, a very light dusting of lemon zest or red pepper flakes brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and flavorful, so keep sides simple and fresh. Try a peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted broccolini, or crusty garlic bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay complements it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, plate the ravioli in shallow pasta bowls and spoon the brown butter sauce right at the table for a dramatic flourish. Or, try arranging individual servings on appetizer spoons for a chic party starter. Mini ravioli work wonderfully as a passed-hors d’oeuvre if you’re looking to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors develop even more as they sit, though the sage may lose some of its crispness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked ravioli (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The brown butter sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it separately in a small container. Thaw both before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the ravioli in a skillet with a little splash of water or broth until heated through. Prepare the sage brown butter sauce fresh and toss together right before serving, so you capture all the nutty aromas and crispy sage magic.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash ravioli for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen ravioli work beautifully. Just add them directly to boiling water—no need to thaw first. Cook until they float and are heated through, then proceed with the sage brown butter sauce as described.

What if I can’t find fresh sage?

Fresh sage is ideal for its crispy texture and earthy aroma, but if you only have dried, use half the amount and sauté briefly in the butter. The flavor won’t be quite as bold, but it still works in a pinch.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute vegan butter for the regular butter and use your favorite plant-based Parmesan alternative. Check your ravioli to ensure they’re dairy-free as well—many stores now carry plant-based versions.

Is it possible to make homemade butternut squash ravioli?

Definitely! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pasta dough and a buttery roasted squash filling elevate this dish to showstopper status. It takes more time, but the results are unforgettable—just assemble and cook as directed here.

What wine pairs best with Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli?

For a perfect pairing, reach for a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay. Both enhance the creamy, nutty flavors without overpowering the delicate squash and sage notes.

Final Thoughts

This Sage Brown Butter Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli is the kind of dish that transforms a regular night into a warm, celebratory gathering. Whether you want to wow guests or treat yourself, the balance of buttery richness, sweet squash, and fragrant sage is irresistible. Give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone around your table) will be seriously delighted!