If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug with just the right touch of brightness, this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is your new go-to. Silky ravioli drenched in a luscious sauce infused with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a buttery cream base makes every bite a delightful experience that’s both simple and indulgent. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly elevates a weeknight dinner or shines at a cozy dinner party, all while delivering layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build that perfect balance of richness, freshness, and a hint of acidity, bringing the sauce and ravioli together in harmony.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Provides the luscious, velvety base for the sauce and allows you to control the saltiness perfectly.
- Small shallot, finely chopped (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the delicate ravioli.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Brings an aromatic punch that complements the herbs beautifully.
- Fresh tarragon (1 tablespoon): Offers a unique, slightly anise-like flavor that brightens the sauce.
- Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon): Adds an earthy, fragrant undertone that rounds out the herb mix.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Introduces subtle savory notes and helps build the sauce’s body.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): The heart of the sauce, creating that creamy, luscious texture everyone loves.
- White wine (¼ cup): A dry white like Pinot Grigio adds a crisp acidity that balances the richness.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the entire dish with a fresh citrus zing.
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons): Intensifies lemon flavor, adding a lovely aromatic lift.
- Store-bought cheese ravioli (1 pound): Convenient and delicious, it carries the sauce beautifully with its cheesy filling.
- Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated (⅓ cup plus extra): Infuses the sauce with nutty, salty depth and finishes the dish with a savory sprinkle.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shallot
Begin by melting the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot and bubbly, add your finely chopped shallot. Stir it gently until the shallot turns translucent and begins to brown slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step builds the foundational depth of flavor for your sauce, with the shallots adding a sweet, caramelized note.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, toss in the minced garlic, stirring constantly to keep it from burning and becoming bitter. After about a minute, sprinkle in the fresh tarragon and thyme leaves. These herbs will release their fragrant oils as you stir, creating an irresistible aroma that makes your kitchen smell like a gourmet bistro. Turn the heat down to medium to keep everything cozy without scorching.
Step 3: Create Sauce and Add Ravioli
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, your white wine, lemon juice, and the lemon zest. Give everything a good stir so the liquids combine and the herbs disperse evenly. Now gently add the cheese ravioli, folding them into the sauce so they soak up every drop of flavor. Cover the pan, letting the ravioli simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender and perfectly coated in that divine sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Uncover the skillet and give the ravioli a delicate stir. The sauce will still be a little on the thin side here, but that’s about to change. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce into a rich, creamy coating. Remove the pan from heat and let it rest for a minute or two — this pause gives the sauce time to cling beautifully to each ravioli.
Step 5: Season and Serve
The final flourish is seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your personal taste. Don’t be shy with the Parmigiano on top for that extra cheesy, nutty pop at the end. Serve your masterpiece immediately and prepare for compliments — this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is truly a celebration on a plate.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten things up even more, sprinkle a few torn fresh herbs like parsley or extra thyme on top right before serving. A light dusting of additional Parmigiano Reggiano not only adds flavor but also a lovely visual contrast against the creamy sauce. If you love some zest, a small twist of lemon peel can add that gorgeous finishing touch both in aroma and look.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple, fresh sides that won’t overpower the delicate ravioli. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements perfectly, cleansing the palate between rich bites. Roasted asparagus or green beans offer just enough crunch and color to balance the creamy texture. For a heartier meal, crusty garlic bread is a no-fail companion to soak up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, arrange the ravioli in a shallow white dish so the creamy sauce pools gorgeously beneath. Garnish with whole sprigs of thyme or tarragon for a rustic, elegant look. You can even drizzle a touch of olive oil infused with lemon or herb oil around the edges for a glossy finish that wows your guests visually as much as it does on the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so when you reheat, you can add a touch of cream or broth to bring back that silky consistency. Leftovers will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days.
Freezing
Freezing ravioli with cream-based sauces can be tricky, but if you want to save some for later, freeze just the cooked ravioli without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Prepare the sauce fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ravioli and sauce over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the delicate texture of the pasta and keep the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the ravioli are heated all the way through. It’s a convenient way to make this recipe even faster on busy nights.
What if I don’t have tarragon or thyme?
You can substitute with other fresh herbs like basil or parsley, but the distinct flavor of tarragon and thyme adds a lovely complexity. If you only have dried herbs, sprinkle in less—about half the amount—as they are more concentrated.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
Yes! Simply replace the wine with an equal amount of extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a teaspoon of vinegar for acidity. It helps maintain the balance without alcohol.
Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?
To veganize this dish, swap the butter for plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You’ll also want vegan ravioli and a dairy-free cheese substitute. The lemon and herbs will still shine through wonderfully.
How can I thicken the sauce more if needed?
If after stirring in the cheese the sauce is still too thin, you can simmer it gently a bit longer to reduce it or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water. Just do this carefully to avoid over-thickening.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe that makes it feel like a little luxurious escape on your plate. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring together a dish that’s sophisticated yet so comforting. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and experience firsthand the bright, buttery, herby delight it delivers. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your favorites to make again and again!
Print
Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli combines tender cheese-stuffed pasta with a luscious, buttery sauce infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and bright lemon zest. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, the delicate flavors meld beautifully with Parmigiano Reggiano, creating a rich and satisfying dish ready in just 25 minutes.
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
- ⅓ 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 sizzling, add the finely chopped shallot and stir continuously until it becomes translucent and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to prevent burning. Then add the fresh tarragon and thyme leaves, stirring for another minute until the herbs release their fragrance. Reduce heat to medium.
- Create Sauce and Add Ravioli: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine all ingredients. Gently add the cheese ravioli to the skillet and carefully stir so the ravioli is coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the lid and stir the mixture. The sauce will be relatively thin at this point. Sprinkle in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, stir to combine thoroughly, and then remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Garnish with additional Parmigiano Reggiano on top if you like. Serve the creamy, lemon herb butter ravioli immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs like tarragon and thyme gives a vibrant, fresh flavor to the sauce.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic; stir constantly once added.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Store-bought ravioli works well for a quick meal, but fresh ravioli can be used for an elevated touch.
- Make sure to cover the skillet while cooking ravioli to ensure even heat and proper cooking.
