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Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce, Spinach, and Walnuts

Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce, Spinach, and Walnuts

Refrigerated ravioli is tossed with nutty sage brown butter, wilted baby spinach, toasted walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan. A splash of reserved pasta water creates a glossy sauce that coats every piece.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Refrigerated cheese or spinach ravioli
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup Walnut halves or pieces, roughly chopped
  • 12–16 leaves Fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced or left whole
  • 2 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 5–6 ounces Baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Finish
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
Pasta Water
  • 1/2 cup Reserved ravioli-cooking water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the refrigerated ravioli according to the package directions, usually 3–5 minutes, and reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining.
  2. Toast the roughly chopped walnuts in a large skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer the fragrant walnuts to a plate so they do not continue browning in the skillet.
  3. Add the butter to the skillet over medium heat. When it foams, add the sage and garlic, then cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, swirling the pan, until the milk solids are golden brown and the butter smells nutty.
  4. Add the baby spinach and toss for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. Season with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Add the drained ravioli to the skillet and toss gently with the brown butter and spinach. Add 2–4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the ravioli.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat, then add the Parmesan, toasted walnuts, and optional lemon juice. Toss carefully so the ravioli stay intact.
  7. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan, black pepper, and a few extra walnuts or sage leaves. Spoon any remaining brown butter and spinach from the skillet over the top.

Notes

Watch the butter closely because golden brown can become burnt quickly. Reserve the pasta water before draining; 2–4 tablespoons is usually enough to help emulsify the butter and Parmesan into a glossy sauce. For best texture, serve immediately.