Brown Butter Sauce for Ravioli

If you’re stuck in a pasta rut, nix the classic tomato sauce for something different. Try this brown butter sauce for ravioli—it’s rich, thanks to the fat in the recipe, yet fragrant, because of the fresh herbs mixed into it. While we use ravioli stuffed with cheese, you can certainly reach for other flavors like butternut squash, lemon ricotta or mushroom. Serve it with sauteed spinach, toasted bread or a refreshing salad.  

Ingredients for Brown Butter Sauce for Ravioli

• Ravioli: This recipe relies on cheese ravioli, but you can use any flavor. Mushroom agnolotti would also be a good choice here.
• Butter: We brown the butter in this recipe so the sauce has rich, nutty and toasty notes.
• Sage: The sage infuses woodsy and earthy flavors into this rich and buttery sauce.
• Lemon juice: We add a spritz of lemon juice to add bright and punchy notes to this brown butter sauce.
• Parmesan: The shredded Parmesan infuses salty and nutty notes into this brown butter sauce.

Directions   

Step 1: Prep the ravioli

Cook the ravioli according to the package directions. 

Step 2: Make the brown butter sage sauce

In a large heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the butter for five to seven minutes or until golden brown, stirring constantly. Quickly mix in the sage and salt, then remove the sauce from the heat.

Step 3: Combine the pasta and sauce

Drain the ravioli, reserving 2 tablespoons of pasta water. Add the ravioli, pasta water and lemon juice to the butter sauce and gently toss to coat. Garnish the ravioli with cheese before serving.

Brown Butter Sauce for Ravioli Variations 

• Mix basil into the sauce: To kick up the aromatics in this recipe, add some basil to the sauce, along with sage.
• Add pancetta: For saltier and savory bites, fry up pancetta and mix it into the brown butter sauce.
• Fold in pumpkin seeds: To infuse crunchy texture into this sauce, stir in toasted pumpkin seeds.

How to Store Brown Butter Sauce for Ravioli 

This brown butter sauce for ravioli can be packed into an airtight container, and it will last three to four days in the refrigerator. 

Can you make sage brown butter sauce for ravioli ahead of time? 

To make dinnertime even easier, you can prepare this brown butter sauce for ravioli beforehand. Follow the recipe, store it in the fridge for three to four days, then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can you freeze brown butter sage sauce for ravioli?

If you have leftover brown butter sauce, we recommend packing it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. You can keep it in the freezer for two to three months, then defrost it when you’re ready to use it. 

How long does brown butter sauce for ravioli last? 

If you have a lot of leftover brown butter sauce, store it in the fridge for three to four days. If you store it in the freezer, it’ll last two to three months. 

Brown Butter Sauce for Ravioli Tips

What does brown butter sauce taste like?

Brown butter sauce has a nutty, sweet and caramel-like flavor.

How do I prevent my brown butter sauce from breaking?

Cook your brown butter at a low temperature to avoid breaking it. This process will give you better control and help you achieve the ideal consistency.

Can you brown butter too much?

Yes. If your butter becomes too dark and starts to separate, it will take on a bitter, burnt flavor. Learn how to properly brown butter.

Can I make a vegan version of brown butter sauce for ravioli?

To make this pasta sauce vegan-friendly, you only need to make a few simple swaps. Switch the butter, ravioli and Parmesan with a vegan version. The taste may differ from the original recipe, but it’ll still be delicious.

What can I serve alongside cheese ravioli with brown butter sauce?

This ravioli with brown butter sauce pairs deliciously with all kinds of veggies and a piece of crusty bread. Serve it with sauteed spinach, steamed peas or roasted carrots. Or with toasted sourdough, ciabatta or a baguette.

What else is brown butter sauce used for?

Brown butter sauce can be used to enhance any dish that calls for butter. It works wonderfully with pasta, steaks and even cookies!