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
Scale
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