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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe. It combines tender cheese-filled ravioli with a luscious, dreamy sauce bursting with fresh lemon, fragrant herbs, and rich butter. Every bite is a perfect balance of bright and comforting flavors that come together effortlessly in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite with its silky, tangy sauce paired with the comforting pasta pillows.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient has an important role, from the aromatic herbs to the tangy lemon zest, enhancing the sauce’s depth and texture. These essentials come together to create a fresh yet indulgent flavor that’s anything but ordinary.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that carries all the lovely flavors.
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch when sautéed.
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced: Infuses savory aroma and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, de-stemmed: Delivers a slightly anise-like freshness that livens up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, de-stemmed: Brings an earthy, herbal note balancing the richness.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a mild savory depth to the cream sauce.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates that signature luscious, silky texture you’ll want to savor.
- ¼ cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc): Adds subtle acidity and brightness, elevating the layers of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Injects a refreshing tang that cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest: Offers concentrated citrus oils for an intense burst of lemon fragrance and flavor.
- 1 pound store-bought cheese ravioli: Convenient and comforting, these are perfect pillows to soak up the sauce.
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for topping: Adds a nutty, salty complexity that thickens the sauce and amps up the umami.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Finishing touches to balance and highlight every flavor in the dish.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Shallot
Start by melting your butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. As the butter begins to sizzle, toss in the finely chopped shallot. Stir patiently as it softens and turns translucent with those beautiful golden edges—that’s your flavor foundation coming together.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring constantly for about a minute to release its intoxicating aroma without burning. Immediately sprinkle in your de-stemmed fresh tarragon and thyme leaves. Stir them gently until the scent fills your kitchen and the herbs meld with the butter—a moment that hints at the deliciousness to come. Then turn the heat down to medium.
Step 3: Create Sauce and Add Ravioli
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest all at once. Give everything a good stir so the liquids meld. Add the cheese ravioli carefully, folding them into the sauce so each piece gets beautifully coated. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the ravioli to cook through and flavors to marry.
Step 4: Thicken Sauce
Remove the lid and stir the contents. The sauce might still be a bit runny, that’s okay! Now sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and stir well so it melts and thickens the sauce naturally. Let the skillet rest off the heat for a minute or two to let everything settle into the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you love cheese as much as I do, add a little extra Parmigiano on top before serving. Dive right into this rich, zesty ravioli dish while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra thyme leaves adds a vibrant pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pale sauce. A few lemon zest curls scattered on top brighten the visual appeal and add a fresh citrus kick with each forkful.
Side Dishes
This ravioli recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a bit of crunch and color on the plate. Crisp garlic bread or focaccia are also delightful for sopping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party touch, serve the ravioli in shallow white bowls to showcase the sauce’s gorgeous creaminess. Drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil around the edges and add edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant, Instagram-worthy finish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep deliciously for up to 2 days. The sauce might thicken a bit as it cools, but reheating gently will bring it back to silky perfection.
Freezing
Because of the cream base, freezing the sauce isn’t recommended as it can separate and lose texture. However, you can freeze the cooked ravioli plain and then make a fresh batch of the lemon herb butter sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If the sauce seems too thick or slightly separated, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy consistency. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture ideal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ravioli?
Absolutely! While cheese ravioli works beautifully here, spinach, mushroom, or even butternut squash ravioli can add interesting flavor variations. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, if you swap the chicken broth for a vegetable broth, the recipe becomes completely vegetarian without sacrificing any flavor or richness.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and using coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative. Keep the Parmigiano optional or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish more budget-friendly?
Using store-brand ravioli and skipping the wine can help keep costs down without losing much flavor. Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried ones—just reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more potent.
What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp, light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony cream sauce perfectly, enhancing the citrus and herb notes without overpowering the delicate pasta.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The balance of zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and rich butter creates a sauce so irresistible you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. You’re going to love every bite!
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Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli recipe combines tender cheese ravioli with a luscious sauce made from butter, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, chicken broth, cream, white wine, and lemon. The sauce is enriched with Parmigiano Reggiano for a savory finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this elegant yet simple stovetop dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, de-stemmed
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, de-stemmed
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for topping
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound store-bought cheese ravioli
Instructions
- Sauté Shallot: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once it starts sizzling, add the finely chopped shallot. Stir continuously and cook until the shallots become translucent and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, stirring constantly to avoid burning, and cook for about 1 minute. Then add the fresh tarragon and thyme leaves. Stir until the herbs become fragrant, approximately another 1 minute, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Create Sauce and Add Ravioli: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir all the ingredients together to combine the sauce. Gently add the cheese ravioli to the skillet and carefully stir to coat the ravioli with the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the ravioli is tender and fully heated through.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the cover and stir the sauce. It will be somewhat thin at this point. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and stir well to combine. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the sauce to sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmigiano Reggiano on top if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like tarragon and thyme for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- For a wine-free version, replace the white wine with additional chicken broth or water.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- To make it dairy-free, consider using a vegan butter and cream substitute, though flavor and texture will vary.
