Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s equal parts comfort, brightness, and elegance, the Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is about to steal the show at your table. Picture luxurious cheese ravioli cloaked in a luscious, zesty sauce—fresh lemon dancing with butter, garlic, and cream, all finished with a shower of herbs and a cloud of Parmesan. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll be savoring a restaurant-worthy dish that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or your new go-to for impressing guests, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the magical things about the Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe is just how accessible every ingredient is—yet together, they create the kind of flavor you’d expect in a fine Italian trattoria. Each element works in harmony to give you a meal that’s creamy, bright, herby, and deeply satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips to make the most of each:

  • Cheese ravioli (1 20-ounce package, fresh or frozen): Opt for store-bought to save time, or use homemade for a special touch. The creamy cheese filling is the perfect match for the tangy sauce.
  • Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning and is the base of your glorious sauce.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): This adds a cozy depth and aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
  • Fresh lemon zest (1 tablespoon): The zest brings a punchy citrus flavor that makes the sauce feel lighter and truly special.
  • Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
  • Heavy cream (1/2 cup): This is what gives the sauce its dreamy, silky texture—feel free to substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): The saltiness and nuttiness of Parmesan rounds everything out.
  • Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Parsley shines a green, fresh light over every bite.
  • Chopped fresh basil (1 tablespoon): Basil brings a summery, aromatic note for that classic Italian flavor.
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both water and sauce—taste as you go!
  • Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and zing to balance the creamy sauce.
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan for garnish: A sprinkle on top for heat and extra savoriness makes the final plate pop.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Add your cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float to the top, which means they’re perfectly tender and ready for that fabulous sauce. Drain and set aside, but keep a little pasta water just in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter until it’s just starting to foam. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about a minute, stirring often—just until it’s soft and fragrant (not browned). Immediately stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and take a deep breath: this is where the kitchen starts to smell incredible!

Step 3: Whisk in the Cream and Cheese

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking, letting the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and keep stirring until it melts into the sauce and everything turns velvety smooth. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Ravioli and Sauce

Add your freshly cooked ravioli right into the skillet. Gently toss to coat them in all that golden, tangy, creamy goodness. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. The goal is to make sure every raviolo is nestled in flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Add Herbs and Serve

Turn the heat off and shower your finished dish with the chopped parsley and basil. Toss gently once more to combine, then spoon the ravioli onto plates. If you love a little extra spice and richness, top with red pepper flakes and a final flourish of Parmesan. That’s how you bring the Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe to life!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Nothing completes this dish like a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, and a scattering of extra chopped herbs for a burst of color and flavor. Try a twist of fresh cracked pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil if you want to take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

I love pairing the Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon and olive oil for extra zippiness, or a side of honey-drizzled roasted carrots. Crusty garlic bread is a must for mopping up the sauce that’s sure to linger on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your ravioli in wide, shallow pasta bowls to show off every golden, sauce-coated bite. For a playful touch, stack the ravioli with a twist of lemon zest and a basil sprig on top. Hosting a dinner party? Plate on a large platter, lined with whole basil leaves so everyone can help themselves family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ravioli keeps surprisingly well—just transfer any uneaten Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but that just means more flavor in every forkful!

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, freeze the cooked and cooled ravioli (without the delicate herbs) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir in fresh herbs at the very end to wake up all of those bright, fresh flavors again.

FAQs

Can I make this with meat ravioli instead of cheese?

Absolutely! The Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe works beautifully with almost any kind of filled pasta—whether that’s spinach, mushroom, or meat-based. Just stick with flavors that play nicely with lemon and herbs for best results.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for an equal amount of Greek yogurt or use light cream. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious, just with less richness and a tangier taste.

Can I use dried herbs if I don’t have fresh?

Fresh parsley and basil bring an unbeatable burst of flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about half the amount of dried herbs, and add them earlier in the cooking process to let their flavors infuse the sauce.

How do I avoid overcooking ravioli?

Keep a close eye on the boiling ravioli—when they float, they’re done! Overcooking can cause them to burst or become mushy, so drain promptly and set aside until it’s time for the sauce.

Can I make this Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free ravioli in place of regular, and double-check that all other ingredients—including store-bought cheese and Parmesan—are gluten-free. The recipe stays just as delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe—it feels indulgent, fancy, and yet incredibly approachable, all at the same time. Give it a try, and I know it’ll quickly become one of your favorite “why not tonight?” pasta dishes!

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Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness of this delicious Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli. Cheese-filled ravioli coated in a luxurious lemon-infused cream sauce, sprinkled with fresh herbs – a burst of flavor in every bite!


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ravioli:

  • 1 (20-ounce) package cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Ravioli: Boil salted water, cook ravioli per package instructions, drain.
  2. Make Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté garlic, add lemon zest, juice, and cream. Simmer until thickened.
  3. Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan, add cooked ravioli, season with salt and pepper. Toss with herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Use store-bought or homemade ravioli.
  • Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
  • For lighter option, use Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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