Cheese Ravioli in Butter Sauce
Tender cheese ravioli coated in a rich, glossy butter sauce infused with fresh sage and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- •1 package (16 oz / 450g) refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
- •1/2 cup (1 sticks / 113g) unsalted butter
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •6-8 fresh sage leaves
- •1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus extra for serving
- •1/4 cup pasta cooking water
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 2
Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes until they float to the top.
- 3
Before draining the ravioli, carefully scoop out about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set it aside.
- 4
While the ravioli cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 5
Add the minced garlic and fresh sage leaves to the melting butter, letting them sizzle gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until the butter turns a light golden brown and smells nutty.
- 6
Transfer the cooked and drained ravioli directly into the skillet with the butter sauce.
- 7
Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water and toss gently to coat the ravioli.
- 8
Sprinkle in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously for 1 minute until the cheese melts and emulsifies into a creamy, glossy sauce.
- 9
Serve immediately in warm bowls garnished with extra grated parmesan cheese and fresh sage.
💡 Chef tips
- Save your pasta water: The starchy water is the secret to transforming melted butter into a cohesive, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the components ahead of time, but the sauce is best made fresh right before serving so it does not separate.
- Herb substitution: If you do not have sage, fresh thyme or a pinch of Italian parsley makes a wonderful alternative.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features pillows of cheese ravioli smothered in a rich, glossy butter sauce with a fragrant nutty aroma and a savory, comforting flavor.