If you are searching for a delightful dish that marries crispy textures with bright, zesty flavors, the Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe transforms simple cheese ravioli into a decadent, golden toasted delight coated in nutty brown butter and lifted with fresh lemon zest. Every bite promises a harmony of rich butter goodness, tangy brightness, and a luxuriously creamy ricotta finish that elevates store-bought pasta into something truly special and homemade-feeling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, this dish delivers maximum flavor and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to complement the toasted ravioli’s crispy exterior and the richness of the brown butter sauce.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons): The star for creating that irresistible brown butter flavor and perfect toasting base.
- Uncooked cheese ravioli (1 pound): Look for a good quality or freshly made ravioli for the best texture and melt-in-your-mouth filling.
- Water (â…“ cup): Essential for steaming the ravioli to a tender, perfectly cooked finish after toasting.
- Lemon zest (1 lemon): Adds a fresh, vibrant kick that cuts through the richness with beautiful citrus aroma.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Dolloped on top for creamy contrast that enhances every bite.
- Microgreens or fresh herbs: They provide a burst of color, freshness, and a subtle herbal note to brighten the dish.
- Kosher salt and pepper: To season and balance the flavors just right — seasoning to taste is key.
How to Make Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by heating 4 tablespoons of the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it bubble gently as you occasionally swirl the pan to prevent sticking. Watch carefully—when the first beautiful brown flecks appear, this means the butter is perfectly browned with those deep, nutty flavors that form the backbone of this dish.
Step 2: Toast the Ravioli
Next, arrange the uncooked ravioli in a single layer right into the browned butter. Let them toast undisturbed on one side for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re gloriously golden and crisp. Then flip each ravioli to toast the other side, achieving that irresistible crunchy exterior on all sides.
Step 3: Steam the Ravioli
Add â…“ cup of water to the skillet, then cover it immediately with a lid. This steaming step ensures the ravioli cooks through fully and becomes tender and soft inside, harmonizing perfectly with the crisp exterior from toasting.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Seasoning
Once the ravioli is tender, remove the lid and gently toss the pasta around the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter so it melts beautifully over each piece, then season with freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt if needed. Taste as you go to get the balance exactly right.
Step 5: Add Ricotta and Lemon Zest
To finish, carefully add dollops of creamy ricotta cheese over the ravioli and sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest on top. The ricotta cools and softens each bite while the lemon zest bursts with bright, citrusy aroma that cuts through the richness splendidly.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens for a final touch of color and freshness, then serve the skillet ravioli piping hot. This dish is best enjoyed right away to savor the contrast of crispy edges and smooth creamy centers.
How to Serve Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme work wonderfully to complement the nuttiness of the brown butter and add a fresh green pop. Microgreens can give an elegant, slightly peppery note that brightens the richness and elevates the presentation in a flash.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, which echoes the lemon zest flavors in the ravioli. A side of roasted vegetables or a light garlic bread also makes a perfect accompaniment for a filling, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this ravioli right in the skillet for a rustic, cozy look that also keeps the dish warm. Alternatively, plating each portion with a drizzle of extra brown butter around the edge and a small mound of ricotta on top will impress any dinner guest with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though this dish rarely lasts long), transfer the ravioli to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The toasted crispness will soften, but the flavors remain delicious and comforting.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of toasted ravioli, freezing is not recommended for best quality. The creamy ricotta topping can separate and the crisp texture will be lost after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of butter or water to prevent sticking and to revive some of the buttery flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve as much texture as you can.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking so they toast evenly and steam properly when covered.
What type of cheese ravioli works best?
Classic cheese ravioli stuffed with ricotta or a blend of cheeses works perfectly since the creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the toasted exterior.
How do I know when the butter is perfectly browned?
You’ll see it turn golden brown with tiny nutty bits forming at the bottom of the pan, and it will smell wonderfully nutty and toasted—not burnt. Watch closely, as it goes from brown to burnt quickly!
Can I add other flavors to the brown butter sauce?
Definitely. Garlic, sage, or red pepper flakes make fantastic additions if you want to customize your brown butter sauce further.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free ravioli. Most traditional ravioli contain wheat, so check the packaging or opt for gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe, it will fast become one of your favorite indulgent weeknight meals or a beautiful dish to impress friends. The combination of crunchy, buttery pasta with fresh lemon and creamy ricotta is simply irresistible. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli recipe features crispy, golden cheese ravioli toasted in nutty browned butter, steamed to tender perfection, and finished with fresh ricotta cheese and bright lemon zest. A quick and elegant skillet meal, garnished with fresh herbs or microgreens for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Brown Butter and Ravioli
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 pound uncooked cheese ravioli, thawed if frozen
- â…“ cup water
Finishing Touches
- 1 lemon, freshly grated zest
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Microgreens or fresh herbs, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Keep turning the pan occasionally to encourage even browning. Once you see the first brown bits forming, indicating the butter has browned and developed a nutty aroma, move on to the next step.
- Toast Ravioli: Add the uncooked cheese ravioli to the skillet in a single layer. Allow them to toast undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the side in contact with the pan turns golden brown and crispy. Flip each ravioli carefully and toast the other side until it is deeply golden and crisp as well.
- Steam Ravioli: Pour â…“ cup water into the pan and immediately cover it with a lid to trap the steam. Let the ravioli cook in the steam for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they become tender and soft, indicating they are fully cooked inside.
- Finish with Butter and Seasoning: Remove the lid and toss the ravioli gently in the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet to enrich the dish further. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and add salt if needed after tasting to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Add Ricotta and Lemon Zest: Dab a few spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese over the ravioli and sprinkle the freshly grated lemon zest on top. The ricotta brings a luscious contrast, and the bright lemon zest adds a fresh, citrusy note.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with microgreens or freshly chopped herbs to add a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve the skillet ravioli immediately while warm and crispy for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use salted butter to enhance the overall flavor depth of the dish.
- Thaw frozen ravioli beforehand for more even toasting and cooking.
- Keep an eye on the butter browning process to prevent burning and to get the perfect nutty flavor.
- Add microgreens or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and freshness.
- Taste before adding salt, as the butter and cheese ravioli are already seasoned.
