The Best Ravioli in Lemon Parmesan Butter Recipe You’ll Love

Ravioli dancing in a silky, bright sauce captures culinary magic at its finest.

Rich, tangy butter converts simple pasta into an elegant dining experience.

Delicate parcels infused with smooth cheese create a luxurious canvas for zesty flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients weave together harmoniously, promising a sophisticated yet approachable meal.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of creamy, citrusy notes that tantalize the palate.

Sophisticated comfort food emerges through careful balance and unexpected ingredient combinations.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this dish elevates weeknight cooking from ordinary to extraordinary.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Gently warm ravioli in a skillet with a splash of water or extra butter over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Microwave: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Pairing Ideas for Lemon Butter Ravioli

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the bright lemon butter sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the delicate asparagus and ravioli flavors.
• Pair with Fresh Herbed Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the dish's citrusy notes, adding a peppery crunch that balances the creamy ravioli.
• Match with Garlic Crostini: Serve toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the luxurious lemon Parmesan butter sauce, providing a crispy textural contrast.
• Add Grilled Prosciutto Side: Quickly grill thin prosciutto slices to create a salty, crispy accompaniment that adds depth and protein to the light, zesty pasta dish.

Alternate Takes on Lemon Parmesan Ravioli

• Herbal Green Ravioli: Swap thyme with fresh basil and add chopped spinach to the skillet for a vibrant, herb-packed version that boosts nutritional value and creates a beautiful green color.
• Seafood Mediterranean Upgrade: Replace asparagus with sautéed shrimp or crab meat, and incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, coastal-inspired flavor profile that transforms the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Blend: Use wild mushrooms like porcini or shiitake instead of asparagus, adding a deep umami taste and hearty texture that complements the creamy butter sauce and cheese.
• Spicy Calabrian Kick: Introduce chopped Calabrian chili peppers or nduja sausage to the butter sauce, creating a fiery version that adds intense heat and complex flavor to the classic ravioli preparation.

Why Everyone Loves Ravioli in Lemon Parmesan Butter

• Speed Demon Cooking: This recipe comes together incredibly fast, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy lemon, rich butter, earthy thyme, and sharp Parmesan creates a sophisticated yet simple sauce that elevates basic ravioli into a gourmet meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and a single skillet mean easy cleanup, making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Fresh Veggie Boost: Asparagus adds a crisp, green element that provides nutritional value and a delightful textural contrast to the soft, pillowy ravioli, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.

Ingredients That Make Lemon Parmesan Ravioli Shine

• Fresh Ravioli: Soft pasta pockets filled with cheese or other delightful fillings, perfect for a quick and elegant meal.
• Fresh Asparagus: Tender green vegetable with a mild, earthy flavor that adds freshness and nutrition to the dish.
• Thyme, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic herb and seasonings that bring depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese, Butter: Rich, creamy ingredients that create a luxurious and velvety sauce with a salty, nutty undertone.
• Lemon (Juice and Zest), Garlic: Bright, zesty citrus and pungent garlic that add vibrant and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy garnish that provides a gentle heat and additional flavor dimension.

How to Make Ravioli in Butter-Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Vegetable and Citrus

Remove woody ends from asparagus and slice larger stalks lengthwise.

Grate garlic cloves finely.

Zest and juice the lemon.

Step 2: Boil Water

Fill large pot with water.

Add pinch of salt.

Bring to rolling boil over high heat.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Melt butter in large skillet over low heat.

Add grated garlic.

Cook for one minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build Sauce Foundation

Incorporate thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Pour lemon juice into butter mixture.

Stir continuously for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Cook Asparagus

Place asparagus in single layer in skillet.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 6: Cook Ravioli

Drop ravioli into boiling water.

Cook approximately 3 minutes.

Drain pasta, reserving half cup cooking water.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Add reserved water to asparagus skillet.

Cook for additional minute.

Remove from heat.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Gently toss ravioli into skillet.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plate.

Top with additional black pepper.

Optionally add red pepper flakes.

Garnish with fresh lemon zest.

Expert Tips for a Rich, Velvety Sauce

• Prep Like a Pro: Gather and chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure a smooth, stress-free meal preparation.
• Master the Butter Sauce: Cook garlic gently over low heat to prevent burning and develop a rich, mellow flavor that complements the delicate ravioli.
• Perfect Asparagus Technique: Create a single layer when cooking to ensure even heating and maintain the vegetable's crisp-tender texture.
• Pasta Water Magic: Save some reserved cooking water to help create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the ravioli.
• Finishing Touches Matter: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest, black pepper, and red pepper flakes just before serving to add bright, zesty layers of flavor and visual appeal.

Ravioli in Lemon Parmesan Butter Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky Italian ravioli swims in a luxurious lemon parmesan butter sauce, promising pure culinary delight. Fresh herbs and zesty citrus elevate this classic dish, inviting you to savor each elegant, creamy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.1 pounds (500 grams) ravioli
• 7 ounces (200 grams) green asparagus, woody ends snapped off and larger ones cut in half lengthwise

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 ounces (85 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 ounce (28 grams) grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
• Lemon zest, for serving

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Instructions

1. Finely grate the garlic and prepare asparagus by trimming woody ends, cutting larger stalks lengthwise, and ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
3. Place a spacious skillet on low heat and gently melt the butter until it becomes smooth and silky.
4. Introduce the grated garlic to the melted butter, allowing it to infuse and release its aromatic flavors for approximately one minute.
5. Enhance the butter mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fragrant thyme, creating a rich base for the sauce.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet, stirring briefly to incorporate the bright citrus notes.
7. Arrange asparagus in a single layer within the skillet, ensuring even cooking for 3-5 minutes until tender yet crisp.
8. Simultaneously, carefully lower the ravioli into the boiling water, cooking for roughly 3 minutes until they float and become tender.
9. Drain the ravioli, reserving a half cup of the starchy cooking liquid to help create a silky sauce.
10. Pour a quarter cup of reserved cooking water into the asparagus skillet, allowing the liquid to blend and create a cohesive sauce for an additional minute.
11. Remove the skillet from heat and generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a creamy, luxurious coating.
12. Gently transfer the cooked ravioli into the skillet, carefully tossing to ensure each piece is lavishly coated with the lemon-butter sauce.
13. Plate the dish and garnish with additional freshly ground black pepper, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, and delicate lemon zest for a burst of flavor.

Notes

• Prep work matters: Grate garlic, trim asparagus, and squeeze lemon juice beforehand to streamline cooking process.
• Low and slow butter technique ensures smooth garlic infusion without burning.
• Reserve pasta water crucial for creating silky, cohesive sauce that helps ingredients cling together.
• Asparagus timing is key: Cook until tender-crisp to maintain vibrant color and fresh texture.
• Finishing touches of Parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes elevate dish with complex flavor layers.
• Quick 15-minute meal perfect for weeknight dinners with elegant restaurant-quality presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg