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
Scale
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.
