Name: Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) package cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Extra Parmesan and herbs for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a pasta dish that feels like a restaurant treat but comes together in just 20 minutes, look no further than this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe. Plump cheese ravioli get tossed in a lush, velvety sauce bursting with bright lemon, fragrant garlic, and loads of fresh herbs. Every bite is perfectly balanced: rich and creamy yet lively and fresh, making this dish an absolute weeknight hero or a dinner party showstopper. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is all about simple ingredients that each play a starring role. From the buttery sauce to the fresh burst of herbs, every component adds something special to the flavor, texture, and color of the dish.

Cheese Ravioli (20 oz package): Choose fresh or frozen for convenience; the cheese filling gives the dish its creamy heart.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Melts into a golden base for the sauce and brings a luxurious mouthfeel.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Sautéed for just a minute, it infuses the sauce with a subtle, savory aroma.
Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Adds a burst of citrusy brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Balances the richness with tangy, fresh acidity—adjust to your taste.
Heavy Cream (½ cup): The secret to that dreamy, velvety sauce that clings to every ravioli.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty depth and gorgeous texture.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon): Brings a pop of color and a fresh, grassy flavor.
Chopped Fresh Basil (1 tablespoon): Lends a sweet, peppery note that pairs perfectly with lemon and cream.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—taste as you go!
Extra Parmesan and Herbs (optional): Sprinkle on top before serving for bonus flavor and a pretty finish.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil, then add the cheese ravioli. Cook them according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente—this usually takes only a few minutes for fresh ravioli, or a bit longer if frozen. Drain the ravioli well and set them aside, ready to soak up that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s sizzling and fragrant, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely incredible—just be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Add Lemon and Cream

Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, letting the citrus oils mingle with the buttery garlic. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens just slightly and everything comes together in a silky, fragrant sauce.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce With Cheese and Seasoning

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper—this is your chance to make the flavors pop!

Step 5: Toss Ravioli in the Sauce

Gently add the cooked ravioli to the skillet, using a soft spatula or spoon to toss them in the creamy lemon herb butter sauce. Try to coat every piece without breaking them apart. Finally, sprinkle in the fresh parsley and basil, stirring just to combine. Serve your Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe immediately, with extra Parmesan and more herbs if you like.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, scatter extra chopped parsley and basil over the top before serving. A final shower of freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and a little salty crunch. If you love a pop of color, a pinch of lemon zest or a grind of black pepper looks gorgeous on the plate.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette, or a side of garlicky roasted asparagus. Add a hunk of crusty bread to mop up the sauce—you’ll want every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, serve the ravioli in shallow bowls and swirl the sauce artfully around them. If you’re entertaining, try plating individual servings with a sprig of fresh basil and a lemon wedge on the side. For a family-style meal, pile the ravioli high on a big platter and let everyone dig in together—just don’t forget extra cheese on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the ravioli cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle!

Freezing

While the sauce is best fresh, you can freeze this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe for future cravings. Place cooled ravioli and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the ravioli in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently until heated through, and finish with extra herbs and Parmesan to freshen things up.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of ravioli for this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled ravioli all work deliciously in this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe. Just use your favorite filling or whatever you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or even a splash of whole milk for a lighter sauce. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still taste wonderful and creamy.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

The sauce for this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe comes together so quickly that it’s best made fresh. However, you can prep your garlic, zest, and herbs ahead to speed things up when you’re ready to cook.

What protein can I add to make this a heartier meal?

Toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor. Stir them into the sauce along with the ravioli for a satisfying and balanced dinner.

How can I adjust the lemon flavor?

If you love a really tangy sauce, add more lemon juice or an extra sprinkle of zest. Prefer it subtler? Just use less lemon juice and let the creamier notes shine through. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to make your own!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe! It’s one of those dishes that feels extra special but truly couldn’t be easier. With its fresh flavors and velvety sauce, it’s sure to become a new favorite at your table—happy cooking!

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli recipe is a delightful blend of tender cheese-filled pasta tossed in a luscious lemon-infused butter cream sauce, elevated with fresh herbs and Parmesan. Perfectly simple and quick to prepare, it offers a rich yet refreshing flavor ideal for a comforting vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Ravioli

1 (20 oz) package cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)

Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Extra Parmesan and herbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh or slightly longer for frozen. Drain well and set aside.
Make the lemon herb butter sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to combine and slightly thicken the sauce.
Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted completely, creating a smooth creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss ravioli in the sauce: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet. Gently toss them with the sauce to coat evenly, being careful not to break the delicate pasta.
Finish with herbs and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and basil over the ravioli. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

This recipe also pairs wonderfully with spinach or mushroom ravioli alternatives.
For a protein boost, add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to complement the creamy sauce.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference for a milder or more pronounced citrus tang.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American