Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings cozy, comforting flavors and a touch of elegance to your table, this Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce is an absolute delight. Combining tender pasta pockets filled with roasted butternut squash and plant-based cheese, all tossed in a rich, fragrant sage butter sauce (natural), this recipe is perfect for warming up any meal. It balances sweet and savory notes beautifully, making it a go-to recipe that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in Every Bite: The smooth, roasted butternut squash filling pairs perfectly with the nutty sage butter sauce, creating a warm, hearty dish.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Made with plant-based cheese and natural flavors, this recipe is great for anyone looking to enjoy a dairy-forward meal with a wholesome twist.
• Easy and Quick Preparation: Despite its gourmet feel, the recipe is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy homemade ravioli without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect for All Seasons: The autumnal sweetness of the squash and fresh sage flavor make it wonderful for cozy fall dinners or light spring meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce lies in a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each brings its own unique texture, color, and depth of flavor to the dish, making every mouthful a delight.

• Butternut Squash: Roasted until tender and naturally sweet, this serves as the star of the filling.
• Plant-Based Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and subtle richness to the ravioli filling.
• Fresh Sage: Essential for that fragrant, earthy note in the butter sauce (natural).
• Smoked Turkey Bacon: Optional, for a smoky, savory twist without overpowering the delicate squash flavor.
• Pasta Dough: Made with all-purpose flour and simple pantry staples to encase the filling beautifully.
• Natural Gelling Agent: To help bring a perfect balance of texture in the filling.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: For a touch of umami and depth in the filling mixture.
• Nutmeg and Cinnamon (natural): Just enough spices to elevate the sweetness of the squash.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash adds brightness and balances the flavors in the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and bring every element together with perfect harmony.

Variations for Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust ingredients or toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs while keeping the cozy spirit of the dish intact.

• Herb Twist: Swap out sage for thyme or rosemary in the butter sauce to create a different aromatic experience.
• Stuffing Swap: Add smoked turkey slices finely chopped for an extra smoky protein boost inside the ravioli filling.
• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different plant-based cheeses like cashew-based or almond-based for varied creaminess.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan plant-based butter for the sauce (natural) to keep it fully plant-based and still rich.
• Add Crunch: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top for a delightful textural contrast.

How to Make Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash Filling

Begin by cutting the butternut squash into cubes and roasting in the oven until soft and caramelized. Once cool, blend the squash with plant-based cheese, a pinch of cinnamon (natural), nutmeg (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a natural gelling agent until smooth but still slightly textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Make the Pasta Dough

Mix all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and a splash of apple cider vinegar, then add water gradually to form a pliable dough. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until smooth, then cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes to develop elasticity.

Step 3: Assemble the Ravioli

Roll out the dough thinly using a rolling pin or pasta machine. Place small spoonfuls of the butternut squash filling evenly spaced on one sheet of dough. Brush around the filling with water, then carefully cover with another dough sheet. Press around each mound to seal, and cut out individual ravioli squares or circles, making sure the edges are sealed well.

Step 4: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then gently drop in the ravioli. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until they float to the top, indicating they are done. Remove carefully with a slotted spoon.

Step 5: Make the Sage Butter Sauce

In a pan, melt plant-based butter (natural) over medium heat, add fresh sage leaves, and cook until the butter takes on a light golden color and the sage becomes fragrant and slightly crisp. Add a small splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the sauce and stir gently.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the sage butter sauce until well coated. Optionally, sprinkle smoked turkey bacon bits on top for added smoky flavor and garnish with extra fresh sage leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

• Roast for Richness: Roasting the butternut squash enhances its natural sweetness and depth of flavor for the filling.
• Don’t Overfill: Use modest spoonfuls of filling to prevent the ravioli from bursting during cooking.
• Seal Edges Well: Moisten edges with water and press firmly to avoid leaks in the pasta.
• Thin Dough is Key: Roll the pasta dough thinly for delicate ravioli that cook evenly and hold the filling beautifully.
• Use Fresh Sage: Fresh sage leaves provide the best flavor and texture in the butter sauce.
• Serve Immediately: The ravioli tastes best hot and fresh, so time the sauce and cooking to serve straight away.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Top the ravioli with toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, or a scattering of crispy smoked turkey bacon bits to add flavor contrast and an inviting appearance.

Side Dishes

Pair this ravioli with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil, or a simple roasted vegetable medley to keep the meal balanced and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the ravioli in shallow bowls with sage butter sauce spooned over, garnished with microgreens for color and freshness, making each plate look like a work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any unused cooked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within two days for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked ravioli by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and retains freshness for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat cooked ravioli gently in a pan with a bit of plant-based butter (natural) or in hot water to warm through without drying out the pasta or filling.

FAQs

Can I make the pasta dough gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but the texture may be slightly different, so handle the dough gently.

Is it okay to use store-bought pasta sheets?

Absolutely! Using fresh or dried pasta sheets can save time and still yield delicious results for this recipe.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Definitely. The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making assembly quicker on cooking day.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

Dry sage can be used in the butter sauce, though fresh sage provides a much brighter and more distinct flavor.

Can I use grape juice instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, grape juice can add a subtle sweetness but be sure to adjust quantities and taste as it changes the flavor profile slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce is the perfect blend of cozy and elegant. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a dish you’ll want to prepare again and again, whether for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight treat. Give it a try, and watch how it becomes a fast favorite in your recipe collection!

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