Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe
If you are hunting for a delightful way to elevate a simple pasta dinner, the Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe is sure to become your new best friend. This dish takes ordinary cheese ravioli and transforms it with nutty brown butter, a bright pop of fresh lemon zest, and a golden crisp texture achieved right in your skillet. It’s quick, cozy, and packed with layers of flavor that make every bite irresistibly rich yet fresh. Perfect for weeknights or impressing dinner guests, this recipe combines buttery goodness and citrus zing in a way that feels both indulgent and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this magical Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe, you will need just a handful of basic ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing richness, brightness, and texture to ensure the dish sings on your palate.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: The star of the dish providing that decadent browned, nutty flavor and luscious mouthfeel.
- 1 pound uncooked cheese ravioli: Use quality ravioli for creamy, melty goodness inside that contrasts the crisp exterior.
- ⅓ cup water: Helps steam the ravioli perfectly tender while preserving that golden toast.
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated: Adds a bright, aromatic citrus note that lifts the rich butter beautifully.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a cool, creamy finish that complements the toasted pasta with silky richness.
- Microgreens or fresh herbs for serving: Introduce a fresh, peppery crunch and color to brighten the plate.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the dish.
How to Make Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by heating 4 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Be patient and let the butter bubble gently, occasionally swirling the pan to prevent burning. You’ll notice delightful brown flecks forming at the bottom – that’s the magical browning process that adds deep, toasty flavor to the sauce.
Step 2: Toast the Ravioli
Next, add your uncooked ravioli in a single layer to the browned butter. Let them toast undisturbed until golden and crisp on the first side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then carefully flip each ravioli and toast the other side until it’s beautifully crisp and golden as well. This step is what creates that addictive texture contrast we all crave.
Step 3: Steam the Ravioli
Pour in ⅓ cup of water and immediately cover the pan with a lid to trap the steam. Let the ravioli steam for 5 to 8 minutes, which softens them perfectly while allowing the toasted crust to hold firm. This ensures every bite delivers a tender inside with a satisfyingly crisp outside.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Seasoning
Remove the lid and give the pasta a gentle toss to coat in the butter and juices. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, letting it melt and mingle with the lemon-infused brown butter. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt to taste, making sure the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Add Ricotta and Lemon Zest
Turn off the heat and add dollops of creamy ricotta cheese on top along with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest. These final additions provide a lovely cool creaminess and a zing of citrus aroma that makes this skillet ravioli utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh microgreens or herbs like basil, parsley, or chives on top brings vibrant color and a fresh, peppery crunch that brightens the dish and adds complexity. These garnishes make the dish feel restaurant-worthy and add a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe pairs wonderfully with a light salad featuring crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty bread is also a fantastic companion to soak up the luscious brown butter sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, individually plate the ravioli in small nested piles, topped with ricotta dollops and microgreens, drizzled with some extra browned butter from the pan. Alternatively, serve family-style right from the skillet garnished generously with lemon zest for a cozy, inviting meal that sparks conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The toasted crispness may soften a bit, but the flavor will remain just as indulgent and delicious.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh for that perfect crispy exterior, you can freeze extra uncooked ravioli for future use. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Cook them using the same skillet method for a fresh-toasted finish.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers and restore some crispness, warm the ravioli gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil, flipping occasionally until heated through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep the delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the ravioli before cooking so they toast evenly in the skillet without steaming too much. Thawing helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
What type of cheese ravioli works best?
Classic cheese ravioli with ricotta or a blend of cheeses works beautifully here because it contrasts perfectly with the browned butter and lemon zest. Avoid meat or very heavily sauced ravioli to keep flavors balanced.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try vegan butter alternatives that brown well, and use dairy-free ricotta or skip it altogether. The lemon zest and herbs will still provide bright, delicious flavor.
Why do you add water and cover the pan?
The water steams the ravioli to cook them through while the lid traps the steam, ensuring the ravioli become perfectly tender without losing that crispy toasted exterior. It’s a key step to balance texture and doneness.
Can I prepare the lemon zest and ricotta ahead?
Definitely! Having the lemon zest freshly grated and the ricotta ready to dollop on saves time and keeps the final dish fresh and vibrant. Just store the ricotta covered in the fridge until ready to use.
Final Thoughts
Try the Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe and treat yourself to a dish that’s packed with incredible textures and flavors yet so quick and easy to make. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging solo. Once you taste the combination of crispy ravioli, caramelized butter, lemon zest, and creamy ricotta, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli recipe delivers a delightful twist on classic ravioli by toasting it in nutty brown butter and finishing with fresh lemon zest and creamy ricotta. Perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender inside, this quick 25-minute skillet dish is elevated with a bright, fresh finish and garnished with microgreens or herbs, making it a flavorful, easy-to-make meal for any day.
Ingredients
Butter and Seasoning
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound uncooked cheese ravioli, thawed if frozen
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Other
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated
- Microgreens or fresh herbs, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, letting it bubble while occasionally turning the pan. Watch closely and proceed to the next step as soon as you see the first golden brown bits forming in the butter.
- Toast Ravioli: Add the uncooked ravioli in a single layer to the browned butter. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the ravioli is golden on one side.
- Flip and Toast Other Side: Flip the ravioli and toast until it becomes super golden and crisp on the other side, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Steam Ravioli: Pour ⅓ cup water into the skillet and immediately cover it to trap the steam. Let the ravioli steam for 5 to 8 minutes, until tender and soft.
- Finish with Butter and Seasoning: Remove the lid, toss the ravioli gently, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and season with freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and add kosher salt if needed.
- Add Ricotta and Lemon Zest: Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the ravioli and sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest for brightness and a fresh aroma.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with microgreens or fresh herbs and serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor and aromatic brightness.
- Ensure ravioli is thawed if using frozen to allow even cooking.
- Be careful when browning butter to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as brown bits appear.
- Toast ravioli in a single layer to ensure even crisping on each piece.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking as the cheese in ravioli and butter add saltiness to the dish.
- Serve immediately as the texture is best when crispy outside and soft inside.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
