“`html
If you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a divine comfort meal, this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. With tender cheese ravioli bathed in a luscious, buttery sauce infused with bright lemon zest and fresh garden herbs, every bite feels like a celebration. The harmonious blend of creamy textures and zesty freshness creates a spectacularly satisfying dish that’s surprisingly quick to whip up. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your rotation for weeks to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is all about simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a key role in building that perfectly balanced flavor — from the richness of butter and cream to the brightness of fresh lemon and herbs, plus the savory depth from Parmigiano Reggiano. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this magic happen:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a smooth, silky base and adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped: Offers a gentle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced: Adds aromatic warmth and layers of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, de-stemmed: Brings a subtle anise-like brightness that lifts the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, de-stemmed: Introduces an earthy, herbal note that complements the lemon beautifully.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Balances richness with a savory liquid base and helps build the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates the creamy texture that makes the sauce indulgent.
- ¼ cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc): Adds acidity and complexity for a refined flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Provides fresh citrus brightness to brighten the creamy sauce.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a fragrant pop.
- 1 pound store-bought cheese ravioli: Convenient and tender, these pockets of cheesy goodness soak up the sauce perfectly.
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for topping: Offers salty, nutty umami that enriches every bite.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Shallot
Start by melting the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as the butter is sizzling, toss in your finely chopped shallot. Stir gently and keep an eye on it until the shallot turns translucent and just begins to turn golden brown. This process only takes a couple of minutes but develops a sweet, fragrant base that carries through the dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Fresh Herbs
Next, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn but releases its pungent aroma. Immediately follow with your fresh tarragon and thyme leaves, stirring to marry those herbal notes into the butter and shallot mixture. This layering of flavor makes this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, and fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle in the lemon zest. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so that the bubbly mixture begins to meld into a rich, silky sauce. At this stage, the vibrant lemon and herbs start shining through, giving the sauce its signature brightness.
Step 4: Add and Cook the Ravioli
Carefully add your cheese ravioli to the skillet and gently fold them into the sauce so each piece is coated. Cover the skillet and let the ravioli cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender and heated through. This step allows the ravioli to absorb some of the luscious sauce while the flavors continue to develop.
Step 5: Thicken and Finish the Sauce
Remove the lid and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano over the mixture, stirring to combine. This cheese not only thickens the sauce but adds that salty, nutty richness that makes the dish glow. After stirring, remove from heat and let the sauce rest for a minute or two to thicken slightly before seasoning.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a little more Parmigiano on top before serving. The combination of creamy, herbaceous sauce coating every tender ravioli will delight everyone at your table.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
Beautiful garnishes can transform this dish from everyday to special occasion. Try adding a scattering of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant green pop. A few lemon zest curls on top will add a zesty aroma and brighten the plate visually. Grated Parmigiano Reggiano sprinkled generously gives you that inviting, melty cheese finish that signals pure comfort.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, light sides to balance its richness. A fresh arugula and cherry tomato salad with a simple vinaigrette adds peppery, tangy notes that contrast beautifully. Alternatively, roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans with garlic create delightful textural balance and bring color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, plate the ravioli individually on warmed plates and drizzle the sauce artfully around the edges. Adding a small wedge of lemon or sprinkle of fresh herbs in the center can add a restaurant-quality touch. For a casual family meal, serve it straight from the skillet, inviting everyone to dig in and savor the creamy, lemony goodness together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before storing to preserve the delicate cream sauce texture and freshness of the herbs.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze leftover ravioli without sauce separately if needed. Place cooked ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the sauce separately to maintain its creaminess and reheat everything fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ravioli and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up. Avoid using a microwave to preserve the smooth texture of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen ravioli works great in this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through thoroughly.
What can I substitute for fresh tarragon and thyme if I don’t have them?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh basil or oregano brings a lovely twist, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and ensure your cheese ravioli is free of animal rennet. The hearty cream and herbs will still create an amazing flavor experience.
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for its natural brightness and acidity, but if you must, use a very small amount of lemon extract—start with just a drop and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the sauce.
How thick should the sauce be when serving?
The sauce should be velvety and cling lightly to the ravioli without being overly runny. After resting off heat with the cheese added, it should have a luscious, coat-every-bite consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is a delightful balance of richness and freshness that’s perfect for any night you want to feel a little fancy without the fuss. With its quick preparation and incredibly satisfying results, it’s a recipe I can’t wait for you to try and make your own. Grab those ingredients and dive into this flavorful, comforting dish—you’re going to love every single bite.
“`
Print
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 is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring cheese-filled ravioli smothered in a luscious lemony herb butter sauce. With fresh tarragon, thyme, garlic, and a splash of white wine, the sauce is vibrant and flavorful, perfectly complementing the tender ravioli. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting yet elegant meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 1 pound store-bought cheese ravioli
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 4 cloves 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
Instructions
- Sauté Shallot: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until sizzling. Add the finely chopped shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic and stir constantly to avoid burning, cooking for about 1 minute. Then sprinkle in the fresh tarragon and thyme leaves. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium.
- Create Sauce and Add Ravioli: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine all ingredients. Add the cheese ravioli and carefully stir to coat with the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until ravioli is heated through and sauce is slightly reduced.
- Thicken Sauce: Uncover the skillet and stir the sauce. It will be somewhat thin at this point. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and stir to incorporate. Remove from heat and let the sauce sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle additional Parmigiano Reggiano on top if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the creamy, herbaceous flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted in a smaller quantity.
- Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, but note the diet will then be vegetarian.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to your taste for more or less citrus brightness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free ravioli.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
