Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli

Name: Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6-8 fresh sage leaves; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

June 1, 2025

Updated:

June 1, 2025

Pin1

1 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A rich and flavorful Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli is sure to impress at any meal. This sauce combines the earthy taste of sage with the sweetness of butternut squash, creating a delightful pairing that suits both cozy dinners and festive gatherings. Quick to prepare and made with simple ingredients, this creamy sauce elevates your dish while remaining accessible for all cooking levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This sauce comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
Flavorful Combination: The blend of garlic and sage adds depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of butternut squash ravioli.
Versatile Use: While designed for ravioli, this creamy sage sauce pairs beautifully with other pasta dishes or even roasted vegetables.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors, it’s an excellent choice for family meals or entertaining guests.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will ensure a smooth cooking process. Here’s what you need to make your Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Medium saucepan: Ideal for melting butter and simmering the cream without splatter.
Whisk: Ensures the cream mixes thoroughly with other ingredients, leading to a smooth sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements provide consistency in flavor and texture.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

A rich, creamy sauce infused with sage and garlic, perfect for pairing with the delicate sweetness of butternut squash ravioli.

For the Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
6-8 fresh sage leaves
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp ground black pepper

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to bubble gently.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sage

Add minced garlic and fresh sage leaves. Cook them together until they become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Heavy Cream

Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream gradually while whisking continuously to combine the mixture smoothly. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth texture. Season your sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Step 5: Combine with Ravioli

Toss your cooked butternut squash ravioli into the creamy sage sauce. Ensure each piece is evenly coated before serving immediately.

Enjoy your deliciously rich Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli, perfect for impressing family and friends!

How to Serve Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli

Serving Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli can elevate your meal experience. Whether it’s a family dinner or a romantic evening, these suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Fresh sage leaves make a lovely garnish, adding a pop of color and an aromatic touch.
Chopped parsley can also brighten the plate and introduce a fresh flavor contrast.

Add Toasted Nuts

Toasted pine nuts or walnuts provide a delightful crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle them on top just before serving for texture and flavor enhancement.

Serve with Grated Cheese

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to the dish.
Use a microplane to create fluffy shavings that melt into the sauce beautifully.

Pair with a Side Salad

A simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette provides freshness and balances the richness of the sauce.
Consider adding ingredients like arugula or spinach for added flavor.

How to Perfect Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli, here are some helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh sage leaves and quality Parmesan cheese enhance the overall taste significantly.
Monitor heat carefully: Keeping the heat low while simmering prevents the cream from curdling, ensuring a smooth sauce.
Adjust seasoning: Always taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper based on your preferences for optimal flavor.
Whisk continuously: Whisking while adding heavy cream helps create an even texture without lumps.
Experiment with flavors: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest can add an interesting twist to your sauce.
Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve the sauce hot alongside freshly cooked ravioli to maintain its creamy consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli

Complementing your Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread offers crunch and buttery flavor that pairs well with creamy sauces.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter taste balances out the sweetness of butternut squash ravioli beautifully.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons make this a satisfying side option.
Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
Grilled Asparagus: The charred flavor from grilling enhances both texture and taste in contrast to the rich sauce.
Quinoa Pilaf: This fluffy grain brings protein and fiber to your meal while soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

Using dried sage instead of fresh: Fresh sage provides a vibrant flavor that dried cannot match. Always opt for fresh leaves in this recipe.
Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if cooked too long. Sauté it just until fragrant to maintain its sweetness.
Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile of your dish.
Skipping the whisking step: Whisking the heavy cream is crucial for a smooth sauce. Skipping this may result in lumps that detract from the creamy texture.
Adding cheese too quickly: Gradually adding Parmesan helps it melt evenly into the sauce. If added too fast, it may clump together instead of blending smoothly.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli

Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed. Add a splash of cream if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream.

How do I make this Creamy Sage Sauce vegan?

To make a vegan version of Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli, substitute dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Can I add other herbs to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary along with sage for added flavor depth.

What type of ravioli pairs best with this sauce?

Butternut squash ravioli is ideal due to its sweetness. However, you can also try it with cheese or mushroom ravioli for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sage Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli is rich and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for any pasta dish. The combination of sage and garlic elevates the sweetness of the ravioli beautifully. Don’t hesitate to customize by adding your favorite herbs or spices! Try this recipe today and impress your family or guests with its delightful taste and creamy texture.