If you’re searching for a dish that combines elegance with comforting warmth, this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture tender cheese ravioli enveloped in a luscious butter sauce infused with bright lemon, fragrant fresh herbs, and a subtle hit of garlic and shallots. Each bite bursts with a harmonious balance of creamy richness and citrusy freshness that feels both indulgent and fresh, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat. This recipe brings simple ingredients together in a way that feels gourmet without feeling intimidating, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to wow your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this unforgettable Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the smooth, buttery base to the bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs that elevate the whole dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The rich foundation for the sauce, providing a silky mouthfeel and deep flavor.
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch as it sautés to golden perfection.
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced: Brings a warm, savory depth that mingles beautifully with the herbs.
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, de-stemmed: Offers a delicate, slightly licorice-like aroma that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, de-stemmed: Infuses earthy, floral notes that complement the creamy and citrus elements.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lends a savory base and helps create the perfect silky sauce consistency.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The key to achieving that luxurious creaminess that hugs every ravioli piece.
- ¼ cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc): Adds subtle acidity and fruity undertones that enhance the lemon’s brightness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Injects vibrant citrus freshness for a lively flavor punch.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest: Provides aromatic oils that deepen the lemon flavor without additional acidity.
- 1 pound store-bought cheese ravioli: The heart of the dish, offering pockets of creamy, cheesy goodness.
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano: Brings umami richness and helps thicken and finish the sauce beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate every element.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Shallot
Begin by melting your butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. The instant the butter starts to sizzle, toss in the finely chopped shallot. Stir frequently until the shallot softens and turns a lovely translucent golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step builds a sweet and flavorful base that sets the stage for the next layers of the sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly to prevent it from burning — garlic cooks quickly but is worth the attention for its aromatic contribution. After about a minute, sprinkle in your fresh tarragon and thyme leaves and continue stirring until fragrant, roughly one more minute. Lower the heat to medium to keep everything gentle and balanced.
Step 3: Create Sauce and Add Ravioli
Now it’s time for the liquids that will tie all flavors together. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Don’t forget the lemon zest, which amps up the citrus flavor in an irresistible way. Stir this mixture until it’s fully combined, then carefully add the cheese ravioli. Gently fold the ravioli into the sauce, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to infuse the pasta while the ravioli tenderizes.
Step 4: Thicken Sauce
After uncovering, you’ll notice the sauce is just starting to come together but remains a little thin — that’s exactly what you want. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and gently stir it in to help thicken and enrich the sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. This resting time helps the sauce thicken further, so it clings beautifully to every ravioli.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season your dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust if necessary — seasoning brings all the flavors into harmony. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle a little more Parmigiano Reggiano on top before serving. Now your Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is like putting the cherry on top of this already exquisite dish. Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or basil add a pop of green and fragrant freshness. A few extra grates of Parmigiano Reggiano lend a salty, nutty finish while a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can enhance the richness. Don’t forget a final twist of freshly ground black pepper to awaken your senses.
Side Dishes
This creamy, herbaceous ravioli shines best alongside lighter, fresher sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the sauce. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make for a colorful, nutritious complement. For a cozy meal, serve with slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, arrange the ravioli neatly on a shallow bowl or wide plate and ladle the sauce artfully over the top. You can add edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies for a stunning touch of color. Serving with a wedge of lemon on the side allows guests to add an extra burst of brightness. Pairing with a chilled glass of white wine, perhaps the same Pinot Grigio used in the sauce, perfectly complements the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the sauce and ravioli together maintains that delicious flavor blend, but be mindful that the pasta may absorb some sauce and thicken overnight.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for the sauce’s texture, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated. However, if necessary, you can freeze the ravioli without sauce on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. The sauce is best freshly made when you plan to serve.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silky consistency if it seems too thick. Stir frequently to prevent scorching, and reheat just until hot to keep the ravioli tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will work wonderfully and may cook even quicker in the sauce. Just watch the cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking and losing the delicate texture.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have tarragon or thyme?
If you can’t find tarragon or thyme, try using basil, oregano, or rosemary as alternatives. These herbs offer their own unique aromas and complement the lemon butter sauce beautifully.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
Yes, you can replace the white wine with extra chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity and depth that wine provides.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian-friendly, ensuring the dish remains just as flavorful.
How can I make the sauce thicker if needed?
If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, stirring in a little more grated Parmigiano Reggiano or letting the sauce simmer gently for a few extra minutes after adding cheese will help increase its richness and thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe truly is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite. The combination of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and rich butter sauce makes it both comforting and vibrant—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a special treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy and rewarding making this elegant meal at home can be!
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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 delicate cheese ravioli with a luscious sauce made from butter, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon cream base, finished with Parmigiano Reggiano for a rich, flavorful Italian-inspired meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
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 (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound store-bought cheese ravioli
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Sauté Shallot: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once it begins to sizzle, add the finely chopped shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent burning, and cook for about 1 minute. Then sprinkle in the fresh tarragon and thyme leaves, stirring until the herbs are fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium.
- Create Sauce and Add Ravioli: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, and fresh lemon juice along with the lemon zest. Stir everything together until smoothly combined. Add the cheese ravioli to the skillet and gently stir to coat them with the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the ravioli to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the cover and stir the mixture. At this point, the sauce will be somewhat thin. Sprinkle in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and stir well to combine. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and develop a creamy texture.
- Season and Serve: Season the ravioli and sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle additional Parmigiano Reggiano on top before serving immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs will alter the taste significantly.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- To make this dish kosher, ensure the cheese and butter used are certified kosher.
- Do not overcook the ravioli to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
