Soft, delicate ravioli cooked until tender and gently coated in fragrant butter and fresh sage. This simple yet elegant dish highlights the beauty of quality pasta and a few carefully chosen ingredients, making it perfect for both everyday comfort and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ravioli dish is quick to prepare, rich in flavor, and incredibly comforting. The butter and sage sauce enhances the filling without overpowering it, while the grated Parmesan adds a savory finish. It requires minimal ingredients, comes together in minutes, and delivers a restaurant-quality result at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh ravioli (cheese-filled or halal meat-filled): 500 g
Unsalted butter: 80 g
Fresh sage leaves: 8–10 leaves
Parmesan cheese, finely grated: 50 g
Salt: 1 tsp
Black pepper: ½ tsp

Directions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add the salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Gently add the fresh ravioli to the boiling water.
3. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the ravioli float to the surface.
4. While the ravioli cook, place a wide pan over low heat and add the butter.
5. Allow the butter to melt slowly without browning.
6. Add the sage leaves to the melted butter and let them infuse for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Carefully drain the ravioli, reserving a small spoon of pasta water if needed.
8. Transfer the ravioli directly into the pan with the butter and sage.
9. Toss gently to coat the ravioli evenly, adding a little pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
10. Season with black pepper, remove from heat, and serve immediately with grated Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

You can add a handful of toasted walnuts or pine nuts for extra texture. For a brighter flavor, finish the dish with a light squeeze of lemon juice. If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of cooking cream at the end. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also be used in place of sage.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat with a small knob of butter or a splash of water to prevent drying out. Avoid reheating on high heat, as the pasta may become too soft.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen ravioli works well. Simply cook according to the package instructions, usually adding an extra minute or two.

What type of filling works best for this recipe?

Cheese-filled ravioli is classic, but halal meat-filled ravioli also pairs beautifully with butter and sage.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It is best served fresh, but you can prepare the butter and sage sauce in advance and reheat it gently before adding freshly cooked ravioli.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute.

How do I prevent ravioli from breaking while cooking?

Use plenty of water, avoid overcrowding the pot, and stir gently to keep them from sticking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas make excellent additions.

What can I use instead of sage?

Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used, though sage gives the most traditional flavor.

Should I rinse the ravioli after cooking?

No, rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

How much salt should the pasta water have?

The water should taste lightly salty, which enhances the flavor of the ravioli.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but pre-grated can be used if needed.

Conclusion

This classic ravioli with butter and sage proves that simplicity can be truly delicious. With tender pasta, aromatic herbs, and a silky sauce, it is a timeless dish that comes together quickly and satisfies every time. Whether served for a family meal or a special dinner, it is a recipe you will return to again and again.

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