I absolutely love sharing this Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Recipe with friends because it’s such an effortless way to bring a bit of fall magic right to your plate. The combination of rich sage butter with the subtly sweet pumpkin cheese filling is honestly unbeatable—every bite feels like a cozy, comforting hug. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe always comes through.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such an elegant dish. You’ll find that the browned butter and crisp sage elevate the ravioli beautifully, making it more than just pasta. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, which means this sage butter pumpkin cheese ravioli recipe is perfect for busy nights when you still want something impressive on the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: The buttery sage and pumpkin filling create a warm and inviting experience you’ll crave again and again.
- Simple Yet Elegant: With just a few ingredients, you’re able to make a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Crowd Favorite: My family goes crazy for this every time I serve it — it’s an instant classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Recipe is how the ingredients play off each other perfectly. Fresh sage and browned butter bring out the nuttiness of the walnuts, while pumpkin and manchego cheese add that seasonal comfort we all love.
- Salted butter: Using salted butter helps season the dish naturally—don’t skimp on quality here.
- Garlic: Smashed cloves add a mellow, aromatic flavor without dominating the sauce.
- Walnuts: They bring a lovely crunch and earthy touch—toast them lightly if you like a deeper flavor.
- Sage leaves: Fresh is key here for maximum fragrance and to crisp them nicely in the butter.
- Apple cider (or white wine): Adds a subtle acidity that balances the rich butter sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash brightens the sauce without overwhelming it.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go.
- Freshly grated nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
- Pumpkin cheese ravioli: Look for fresh or good-quality frozen ravioli for the best texture.
- Manchego cheese: Shaved on top for a salty, tangy finishing touch that melts beautifully on warm ravioli.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Recipe is how easy it is to make your own by switching up the nuts, cheese, or sauce base. Feel free to experiment based on your taste or what you have on hand.
- Nut swap: Instead of walnuts, I sometimes use toasted pecans or pine nuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- Dairy-free option: Swap out butter for vegan butter and omit the Manchego to make it dairy-free without losing that rich mouthfeel.
- Sauce twist: Try adding a splash of browned sage butter cream sauce if you want a silkier finish.
- Pasta alternative: If you can’t find pumpkin ravioli, cheese ravioli with a touch of pumpkin puree mixed into the sauce works surprisingly well.
How to Make Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the ravioli just right
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t skip the salt; it seasons the ravioli internally. Add your pumpkin cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes until they float to the top and are tender but still hold their shape. Drain gently and set aside, but keep a splash of pasta water handy in case you need to loosen your sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the butter with sage and walnuts
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the smashed garlic cloves, walnuts, and fresh sage leaves. Keep stirring occasionally—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the butter turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma and the sage leaves crisp up nicely. Use a slotted spoon to remove the crisp sage leaves and keep them aside; they make a gorgeous garnish.
Step 3: Finish the sauce
Lower the heat and carefully stir in the apple cider or white wine along with the apple cider vinegar. Add freshly grated nutmeg, plus kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for about a minute so all those flavors meld beautifully, and your sauce will have the right balance of richness and acidity.
Step 4: Toss ravioli in the sauce and serve
Add the cooked ravioli into the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece in that luscious sage butter sauce. Remove from heat and plate the ravioli, topping with the reserved crispy sage leaves and a generous sprinkle of shaved Manchego cheese. Trust me, that finishing touch is what really pulls it all together.
Pro Tips for Making Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Recipe
- Use fresh sage: Fresh leaves crisp up beautifully in the butter; dried sage doesn’t give the same texture or flavor.
- Watch the butter closely: Browned butter can burn fast—remove from heat as soon as it smells nutty and turns golden.
- Reserve pasta water: Keep a bit on hand to adjust sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
- Don’t overcook ravioli: Overcooked ravioli can fall apart—watch the timer and strain promptly.
How to Serve Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing this ravioli with the crisped sage leaves from the sauce—it adds color and texture, plus a wonderful herbal aroma right before serving. A few extra shavings of Manchego cheese on top just finish it off perfectly, adding tang and a bit of saltiness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet pumpkin.
Side Dishes
Simple is best here—pair it with a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts. A crusty baguette to soak up any leftover buttery sauce also makes a great accompaniment. These sides keep the meal balanced and satisfying without overpowering the ravioli’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the ravioli in shallow bowls with the crispy sage artfully arranged on top and a drizzle of extra browned butter. You could also sprinkle toasted walnuts around each plate for added crunch and visual appeal—it makes dinner feel really special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I’ve found that leftover ravioli stores best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the sage butter sauce separate if you can, so you can reheat gently without overcooking the pasta or wilting the crispy sage garnish.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you grab the ravioli uncooked. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, cook them straight from frozen—no thawing needed. The sauce, however, is best made fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
For leftovers, I reheat the ravioli gently in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil over low heat, adding reserved sage butter sauce if available. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to toughen the pasta and dull the flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use dried sage instead of fresh in this recipe?
While dried sage has a strong flavor, it won’t crisp up the same way fresh sage does in browned butter and can become bitter when cooked too long. For the best texture and aroma, I recommend using fresh sage leaves whenever possible.
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Is it necessary to use apple cider or can I substitute it?
Apple cider adds subtle sweetness and acidity that enhances the sauce, but you can substitute a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or even vegetable broth with a dash of vinegar if you prefer a non-alcoholic option. Just keep the balance of acidity in mind.
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Can I make my own pumpkin cheese ravioli from scratch?
Absolutely! Making homemade pumpkin cheese ravioli is a rewarding project if you have time. A simple pumpkin and ricotta filling works beautifully. But if you’re short on time, purchasing good quality fresh or frozen ravioli will still give you fantastic results.
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How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking together?
Be sure to stir the ravioli gently as they cook and don’t overcrowd the pot. Once drained, toss them lightly with a small amount of oil or butter to keep them from sticking before adding to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it effortlessly blends simplicity with gourmet flavors that feel like a celebration every time I make it. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the cozy, rich taste that my family and I adore. Trust me, once you’ve made it, it’ll become your go-to for showcasing seasonal flavors with minimal fuss but maximum wow factor.
PrintSage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli recipe features delicate pumpkin-filled ravioli tossed in a browned butter sauce infused with crispy sage leaves, toasted walnuts, and a touch of apple cider for brightness. Finished with shaved manchego cheese, this comforting dish balances earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors perfect for fall or any cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 1 pound pumpkin cheese ravioli
Sauce
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped walnuts
- 16 fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 cup apple cider (or white wine such as Pinot Grigio)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Topping
- 1/3 cup shaved manchego cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully add the pumpkin cheese ravioli. Boil according to package instructions, typically 3 to 4 minutes, until tender and cooked through. Drain the ravioli and set aside.
- Prepare the Sage Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with the smashed garlic, roughly chopped walnuts, and fresh sage leaves. Stir occasionally as the butter begins to brown and the sage leaves crisp up, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the sage leaves from the butter and set them aside for garnish.
- Add Flavor to the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the apple cider or white wine, followed by the apple cider vinegar. Season with freshly grated nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Toss the Ravioli: Gently add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the butter sauce. Toss carefully to coat the ravioli evenly without breaking them. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve: Plate the ravioli with the sauce and sprinkle the reserved crispy sage leaves on top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shaved manchego cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, nutty flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh sage leaves and toast the walnuts just until fragrant.
- Substitute the apple cider with a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio if preferred.
- Make sure to drain ravioli gently to prevent tearing.
- Can be served as a main course or an elegant starter.
- Use salted butter to balance the flavors but adjust salt seasoning accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg