Elaine GordonBefore we dive into the delightful world of Ravioli with Browned Butter and Sage, let’s chat about what to serve alongside it. Think crusty Italian bread drizzled with olive oil. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon offers a peppery crunch.
For a heartier option, roasted seasonal vegetables give a warm, earthy contrast. Lastly, a glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, helps to cut through the richness of the dish while enhancing its flavors. These accompaniments set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable meal.
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Ah, the aroma of sizzling butter and the scent of sage wafting through the kitchen. It’s like a warm hug for your senses. If you’ve ever sat at an Italian trattoria or clicked your way through a cooking show, you’ve likely encountered Ravioli with Browned Butter Sage.
It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience. This straightforward yet elegant recipe demonstrates how a few quality ingredients can transform a simple meal into something truly exceptional. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together.
What is Ravioli Browned Butter Sage Recipe?
At its core, Ravioli with Browned Butter Sage is a classic Italian dish that marries delicate pasta filled with your favorite ingredients—think ricotta, spinach, or even butternut squash—with a luscious sauce.
The butter is browned until it achieves a nutty aroma, while the sage leaves crisp up in the heat, infusing the dish with an earthy warmth. It’s comfort food at its finest and delivers a flash of gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine diving into a dish where softness meets crunch, where nutty mingles with herbal. The ravioli delivers a chewy bite, while the butter sauce adds richness. Then there’s the sage, bringing a subtle earthiness that rounds everything out beautifully.
A hint of lemon zest brightens the entire experience, creating a symphony of flavors that play harmoniously on your palate.
Why This Recipe Works?
1. Simple Ingredients Lead to Extraordinary Flavors:
With just a handful of quality components, this dish showcases how fresh flavors can shine. The butter, sage, and lemon add depth, while high-quality ravioli elevates the dish, allowing each bite to surprise and delight.
2. Quick to Prepare but Impressive to Serve:
This recipe doesn’t demand hours of your time yet impresses everyone at the table. In about 30 minutes, you can whip up something that looks and tastes truly gourmet. Guests won’t believe you made it yourself!
3. Versatile Enough for Any Palate:
Whether you’re feeding a meat lover or a vegetarian, this recipe adapts. Swap out the ravioli filling to suit dietary needs. You can even choose gluten-free pasta, ensuring all guests enjoy!
4. Culinary Techniques Made Accessible:
If you’re not familiar with browning butter, this recipe teaches a valuable cooking skill. It’s quick, and the technique offers a rewarding outcome that adds depth to many other dishes in your repertoire.
Ingredients for Ravioli Browned Butter Sage Recipe
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (preferably high-quality European-style): For a creamy base.
1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced: Adds depth without overpowering.
Zest of 1 lemon: Brings brightness without thinning the sauce.
20–25 whole sage leaves, rinsed and patted dry: Infuses the dish with earthy flavor.
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a hint of heat.
18–20 oz fresh or pre-packaged ravioli, cooked as per package instructions: Choose your favorite filling.
Freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, for topping: Elevates the dish with a rich finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli
Cook your ravioli according to package instructions. If using homemade, boil until they float to the surface. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to foam, then reduce the heat slightly. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. It may take about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully—it can go from brown to burnt quickly!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sage
Once the butter is browned, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then, toss in the sage leaves. Cook until they turn crispy. This step takes 1-2 minutes, adding vivid flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Add the cooked ravioli to the pan, tossing to coat in the buttery sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Incorporate lemon zest and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the ravioli, drizzling any remaining sauce on top. Finish with freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and a sprinkle of cracked pepper. Enjoy your dish, perhaps with a side salad or some garlic bread!
Notes
- Brown the Butter Carefully: Keep an eye on your butter—once it starts to brown, it can go quickly from perfect to burnt.
- Fresh Ravioli is Best: Homemade or high-quality store-bought ravioli gives the best texture and flavor.
- Use Whole Sage Leaves: This recipe benefits from whole leaves that crisp up, providing a delightful texture contrast.
- Adjust Consistency as Needed: Use the reserved pasta water to change the consistency of your sauce; start with a little and add more until satisfied.
- Try Different Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to traditional cheese fillings; try mushroom, spinach, or even lobster!
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
How to Store the Leftovers?
If you have any delicious pasta left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, drizzle a bit of water to keep the pasta moist. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Sides for Ravioli Browned Butter Sage Recipe
1. Garlic Bread:
Freshly baked garlic bread is an obvious choice. It’s perfect for soaking up the leftover buttery sauce. Just whip up a simple mix of butter, garlic, and parsley, spread it on a baguette, and toast it until golden.
2. Arugula Salad:
A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan for extra texture.
3. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables:
Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring an earthy element to the meal. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting for simplicity.
4. Caprese Salad:
A classic Caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil can brighten your plate. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of salt for a tasty accompaniment.
Alternative Choices for Ingredients
1. Butter:
If you’re out of unsalted butter, clarify some ghee or use olive oil. You may lose some flavor, but this works in a pinch.
2. Sage:
Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used if sage isn’t available, though they impart a different flavor. Adjust the amount, as these herbs can have stronger profiles.
3. Ravioli:
Don’t have ravioli on hand? Try your hand at gnocchi or any other pasta type. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
4. Cheese:
If you lack Parmigiano Reggiano, a sprinkle of pecorino Romano can do the trick, lending a similar salty flavor with a touch more tang.
Ravioli Browned Butter Sage
Equipment
- Pan
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter preferably high-quality European-style: For a creamy base.
- 1 small garlic clove finely grated or minced: Adds depth without overpowering.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Brings brightness without thinning the sauce.
- 20 –25 whole sage leaves rinsed and patted dry: Infuses the dish with earthy flavor.
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste: Adds a hint of heat.
- 18 –20 oz fresh or pre-packaged ravioli cooked as per package instructions: Choose your favorite filling.
- Freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano for topping: Elevates the dish with a rich finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli
- Cook your ravioli according to package instructions. If using homemade, boil until they float to the surface. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
- In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to foam, then reduce the heat slightly. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. It may take about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully—it can go from brown to burnt quickly!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sage
- Once the butter is browned, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then, toss in the sage leaves. Cook until they turn crispy. This step takes 1-2 minutes, adding vivid flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ravioli and Sauce
- Add the cooked ravioli to the pan, tossing to coat in the buttery sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Incorporate lemon zest and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the ravioli, drizzling any remaining sauce on top. Finish with freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and a sprinkle of cracked pepper. Enjoy your dish, perhaps with a side salad or some garlic bread!
Notes
- Brown the Butter Carefully: Keep an eye on your butter—once it starts to brown, it can go quickly from perfect to burnt.
- Fresh Ravioli is Best: Homemade or high-quality store-bought ravioli gives the best texture and flavor.
- Use Whole Sage Leaves: This recipe benefits from whole leaves that crisp up, providing a delightful texture contrast.
- Adjust Consistency as Needed: Use the reserved pasta water to change the consistency of your sauce; start with a little and add more until satisfied.
- Try Different Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to traditional cheese fillings; try mushroom, spinach, or even lobster!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen ravioli?
Absolutely! Just ensure they’re fully cooked as per the package instructions. Frozen ravioli might require a slightly longer boiling time but can save on prep.
2. Can I make this vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the butter with vegan alternatives and use plant-based cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ, but it can be delicious nonetheless!
3. What type of wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the butter sauce and highlights the sage’s earthiness.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While fresh pasta can taste best when made to order, you can prep the sauce and boil the ravioli ahead of time. Just store everything separately and combine before serving.
Conclusion
Ravioli with Browned Butter and Sage is a wonderful dish that is eternally comforting and impressively simple to prepare. From the nutty aroma of the browned butter to the flourish of fresh sage and a hint of lemon, each forkful is a delightful experience.
Whether set for an intimate dinner or a larger gathering, this recipe is a surefire way to leave a lasting impression. So, fire up your stove, roll up those sleeves, and let your culinary creativity shine! Enjoy every bite of this classic Italian dish—it’s worth every moment in the kitchen.
