Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli Recipe: A Fall Dinner Favorite

Editor: Dhruv Gaur on Jan 28,2025

 

The sharpness of autumn is nothing short of settling into coziness with a hearty, flavorful dinner warming your soul. Among all the dishes that capture the flavor of the season, Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli stand out as a perfect combination of the richness of the earthy taste of pumpkin and the aromatic essence of sage. Whether it is a special family gathering meal or seeking to present something extraordinary for guests, the pumpkin ravioli recipe is perfect for delivering a delicate yet sophisticated twist on traditional autumn flavors.

Why Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli?

One of the most popular ingredients during the fall is pumpkin. Its natural sweetness and velvety texture blend beautifully with any herbs, but none more than sage. Sage's earthy, slightly peppery flavor really brings out the sweetness of the pumpkin, and thus, a very balanced and tasty filling is made. When rolled in homemade pasta, the filling becomes a warm yet elegant dish to be served on a seasonal dinner.

The Art of Homemade Pasta

Making homemade pasta may sound so daunting, but the right ingredients and technique make it very simple. It's soft to the touch, absorbs the filling, and there is a clear difference in each bite—fresh, tender, and satisfying.

Ingredients for Homemade Pasta:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • A pinch of salt
  • Water if needed to adjust the dough consistency

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough: Combine the flour into a pile on a clean surface. Make a hole in the center of the flour and crack the eggs into the well. Add olive oil and salt to the well. Take a fork and gently beat the eggs while slowly incorporating the flour from the edges.

2. Knead the Dough: At this point when the dough begins to come together, knead it with your hands. Gradually add some water if it feels too dry or crumbly. For about 10 minutes, keep kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. During this time, the gluten relaxes and makes rolling the dough much less laborious.

4. Roll Out Your Pasta: From there, separate the dough into more manageable parts. Roll it out on a floured area using a pasta machine or with a rolling pin to an extent thin enough to look through it.

5. Cut the Ravioli: Using a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into squares. Take a small spoonful of pumpkin filling and put it in the center of each square. Fold the pasta over to make a pocket, then press the edges to seal.

Pumpkin Filling: A Fall Delight

The filling is the heart of the ravioli, and when it comes to gourmet pumpkin dishes, this is where the magic happens. Pumpkin's natural sweetness pairs beautifully with sage, and a touch of ricotta cheese adds a creaminess that contrasts with the robust flavors of the fall herbs.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Filling:

  • 1 cup roasted pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pumpkin: If using fresh pumpkin, roast until soft, then puree using a blender or food processor. Canned pumpkin puree can be used also.
  • Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, chopped sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. If you want it richer, add the Parmesan cheese, and mix until all is well combined.
  • Chill the Filling: Refrigerate the filling for 30 minutes ahead of making it up for easier handling, the filling sets in the chiller so it can be spooned easily into the ravioli dough.

Cooking the Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli

Cooking ravioli is quick and easy. Once you’ve assembled your ravioli pockets, you’ll want to cook them until they’re just tender, which only takes about 2-4 minutes in boiling water.

Instructions for Cooking the Ravioli:

  • Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the Ravioli: Let the ravioli gently fall in the boiling water without crowding it. Stir it occasionally to prevent them from sticking at the bottom of the pot. Once the raviolis float to the top, let it cook for 1-2 minutes more.
  • Drain the Ravioli: Using a slotted spoon, remove the ravioli from the water and put them on a plate. Drain excess water.

Perfect Sage Butter Sauce

Even the ravioli alone tastes incredible, but add a butter sauce with fresh sage and this dish reaches another dimension. The nutty brown butter flavor pairs amazingly with the sweetness of the pumpkin filling and the earthy leaves of the sage.

Ingredients for Sage Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 10-12 fresh sage leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions for Making the Sage Butter Sauce

  • Brown the Butter: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it turns golden brown and has a nutty smell. Just keep an eye on it as butter burns pretty fast.
  • Add the Sage: At this point, add the fresh sage leaves to the butter. They will start sizzling and will become crispy in the hot butter, filling the butter with their flavor.
  • Toss the Ravioli: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the butter sauce. Carefully toss the ravioli so that they get the sauce all over them.
  • Serve: Transfer the ravioli onto plates, spoon the butter sauce over the pasta, and then sprinkle a dusting of Parmesan cheese over the top.

Pairing Suggestions for a Fall Dinner

One of the standouts is Pumpkin Sage Ravioli, which is fantastic but can even be a little more enjoyable if paired correctly. A simple mixed greens salad with light vinaigrette dressing serves as the perfect balance to the richness of the ravioli. For dessert, something warm like an apple crisp or pumpkin spice cake would be an excellent sweet ending for this fall-inspired dinner.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Fall Dinner Ideas

The fall season is the time when the leaves turn colors, and the days grow cooler, thus making this the best moment to indulge in seasonal dinner recipes highlighting the finest of autumn's harvest. The natural sweetness and smooth texture of the pumpkin make it an ideal ingredient for savory dishes, on the other hand, combining it with sage gives the dish an aromatic and earthy kick. The gourmet pumpkin ravioli is a classic comfort food elevated into something elegant and refined, perfect for any fall gathering or family dinner.

This pasta recipe also has an added advantage where the dishes can be made ahead, freeing up one's time spent on other events. The best is to arrange your ravioli and freeze it in the fridge to remain until you use them. With only cooking for a few raviolis together with the addition of sage butter sauce, everything's good to eat and served.

Conclusion

Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli is an extremely delicious, wholesome, and beautifully crafted dish that combines the comforting flavors of fall in a gourmet way. The homemade pasta, creamy pumpkin filling, and crispy sage butter sauce make it a truly unforgettable dining experience. If you're seeking a simple, yet elegant dinner for the family or something more refined for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

You will have a dish that's not only full of flavor but also the warmth and joy of fall by embracing the use of seasonal ingredients and making homemade pasta. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy a cozy night with this delightful pumpkin sage ravioli, the perfect comfort food for fall.


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