If you're wondering what sauce goes with butternut squash ravioli, brown butter sage is the classic choice. The nutty richness of browned butter and the earthy flavor of fresh sage perfectly balance the natural sweetness of the ravioli. This easy 20-minute sauce instantly elevates store-bought or homemade butternut squash ravioli into a restaurant-worthy dish.
Why Brown Butter Sage Is the Best Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
Butternut squash ravioli has a natural sweetness, so the best sauce adds richness without overpowering it. Brown butter brings a deep, nutty flavor while fresh sage adds warmth and earthiness. Together, they create the most traditional and well-balanced pairing.
Recipe Inspiration
I love butternut squash season - it's just so good! One of the best ways you can eat butternut squash is in ravioli. It's easily available at most grocery stores and is so delicious!
As a cookbook author and professional recipe developer, I love elevating grocery store staples to make them taste restaurant quality at home.
If you're looking for more pasta recipes, check out our Four Cheese Pasta, Pumpkin Cacio e Pepe, and Butternut Squash Orzo recipes!
We also have a variety of butternut squash recipes like Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.
Jump to:
- Why Brown Butter Sage Is the Best Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Recipe Inspiration
- Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Ingredients
- Directions
- How to Upgrade Store-Bought Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Other Sauces for Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Kitchen Equipment
- Recipe Substitutions/Variations
- What To Serve With
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipe Storage and Reheating
- Other Recipes to Try
- Butternut Squash Ravioli Sauce
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Here's why you'll absolutely love this recipe.
- Perfectly balanced:Â The richness of butter complements the sweetness of butternut squash.
- Ready in minutes:Â This sauce comes together in under 10 minutes.
- Elevates store-bought ravioli:Â A simple upgrade that tastes restaurant-worthy.
- Versatile:Â Works with pumpkin ravioli or cheese ravioli too.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this sauce for butternut squash ravioli:
- Butternut Squash Ravioli - You can use fresh ravioli, frozen ravioli, or make your own with wonton wrappers or the old fashioned way with fresh pasta and a pasta roller! The Trader Joe's butternut squash ravioli is super popular and a great option! You can also use pumpkin ravioli.
- Fresh Sage Leaves - These have to be fresh! It makes such a difference in the recipe.
- Black pepper - freshly cracked
- Heavy Whipping Cream - You can also use half and half or whole milk for lighter options.
- Parmesan Cheese - grated
Directions
Let's make this recipe together!
Step 1
Cook butternut squash ravioli in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Typically, the ravioli are done when the pasta floats. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain gently or use a slotted spoon to avoid breaking the ravioli.
Step 2
Heat 1 stick unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter melts and begins to turn golden, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3
Add sage and fry for 3-4 minutes. Remove sage from pan.
Step 4
Add cooked ravioli, ½ cup reserved pasta water, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Stir well. Add parmesan cheese and fried sage to the pan. Stir, serve and enjoy.
How to Upgrade Store-Bought Butternut Squash Ravioli
This brown butter sage sauce instantly elevates refrigerated or frozen ravioli. Add freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for a restaurant-quality finish.
Other Sauces for Butternut Squash Ravioli
While brown butter sage is the classic, you can also try:
- Light parmesan cream sauce
- Garlic herb butter
- Simple olive oil and crushed red pepper
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
But for the most authentic and balanced flavor, brown butter sage remains the favorite.
Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Toss immediately with hot ravioli so the sauce coats evenly.
- Watch the butter carefully - it can burn quickly once it starts browning.
- Use fresh sage for the best flavor.
- Remove from heat once the butter turns golden and smells nutty.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large Sauté Pan - This is my favorite saute pan. It's perfect for making sauces like this one!
- Ravioli - If you can't find butternut squash ravioli in the store, buy some online!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
- Herbs - If you can't find sage, you can use thyme or oregano as the herb infused in this recipe.
- Diary Free - Make this recipe dairy free by using dairy free butter and full fat coconut milk or oat milk instead of cream.
- Pasta - You can make this recipe with dried pasta or homemade pasta. It's delicious in any type of pasta dish!
What To Serve With
Here are some suggestion on what to serve this dish with:
Frequently Asked Questions
This sage brown butter sauce is the perfect thing to eat with butternut squash ravioli. It complements the flavor of the ravioli perfectly and is SO delicious.
Brown butter sage is the most classic pairing because it balances sweetness with richness.
It has a mild natural sweetness, which is why savory sauces work best.
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts are delicious with butternut squash ravioli. we also recommend some fresh bread or a side salad.
Yes! Trader Joe's sells butternut squash ravioli in the frozen section.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 2-3 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Butternut Squash Ravioli Sauce
Equipment
- Large Saute Pan
Ingredients
- 2 package Butternut Squash Ravioli 18 oz
- 20 sage leaves
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook butternut squash ravioli according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat 1 stick unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter melts and begins to turn golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add sage and fry for 3-4 minutes. Remove sage from pan.
- Add cooked ravioli, ½ cup reserved pasta water, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Add parmesan cheese and fried sage to the pan. Stir, serve and enjoy.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
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- Double the Recipe - Make double and freeze or box up in containers for meal prep throughout the week! This recipe is great for meal prepping and leftovers because it reheats really well and pairs with many side dish options.
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- Complete the Meal - Serve this with a salad and some white wine for a complete meal. Or, serve as a side dish and grill chicken for the main course.
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- Ravioli Cooking - Watch that the ravioli isn't overcooked, or else you risk air bubbles separating the pasta. Cook until al dente to keep the ravioli firm without falling apart.
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Recipe Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 2-3 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions:Â The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Jen says
This sauce was delicious and so easy to make!
Christina Musgrave says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Gail says
Is it a 1/2 cup of pasta water or 1 cup. It says leave 1 cup of pasta water to the side ?
Christina Musgrave says
1/2 cup - just updated the recipe!
Shelly says
Actually, it isn't updated. I had the same question.
Christina Musgrave says
The recipe card was updated but post copy wasn't. Just updated it!
Sheila says
How much cream? I couldn’t find an amount. Thank you
Christina Musgrave says
2 tablespoons!
Denise says
Is this enough sauce for 18 oz of ravioli, or 36 oz
Christina Musgrave says
It will make enough sauce for 36oz of ravioli! If you're nervous about having enough, I'd save a bit more pasta water and add it to the sauce.
Denise says
Thanks so much. Making it tonight...YUMMM!!
Christina Musgrave says
Hope you enjoyed!
kate says
this recipie was amazing!!! My kids loved it!!!!!
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks so much Kate! You made my day. So happy you enjoyed 🙂
Hema Rupnarain says
I had never made this sauce before and it was absolutely delicious! So tasty!
Christina Musgrave says
Thank you, Hema! So happy you liked it!
Cyndi Whidden says
Can you use dried sage instead of fresh?
Christina Musgrave says
You can, but I definitely recommend fresh for full flavor!
Tom says
Can you brown sugar to the recipe?
Christina Musgrave says
Hi Tom, I don't recommend adding brown sugar to the recipe. The savory sauce is a great complement to the sweetness of the butternut squash - and I think adding brown sugar would make the dish overall too sweet.
Olivia says
Has anyone tried the oat milk alternative ? I have some kicking around my kitchen so wanted to use it up, but am nervous about an oat and Parmesan mix. Does it taste good still?
Christina Musgrave says
We've made it with oat milk! I'd recommend using unsweetened and unflavored oat milk for best results.
Alice says
Made this recipe tonight for dinner with a variation. I added roasted Brussels sprouts and oven fried bacon. It was delicious.
Leslie says
This one's a Keeper!
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks, Leslie!
Liwen Chen says
Made this for dinner party. So good!! Very fall vibes
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks so much Liwen! I love the idea of making this for a dinner party!