Pumpkin Ravioli
As the weather starts to cool down, I love to cozy up in the kitchen with a warm and comforting Italian-American recipe like pumpkin ravioli. It's a dish that never fails to put a smile on my family's faces, and it's surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
I remember learning how to roll out fresh pasta dough with my grandmother when I was just a little girl. She would tell me stories about how her mother used to make pasta from scratch every Sunday, and how it was a tradition that brought the whole family together.
Today, I'm excited to share my own recipe for pumpkin ravioli with you. It's a dish that combines the warmth and comfort of a homemade pasta dinner with the delicious flavors of roasted pumpkin and brown butter sage sauce.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a new family favorite. So let's get started and make some delicious pumpkin ravioli from scratch!
One of the best things about this recipe is that it's very versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sauces, from a simple brown butter sage sauce to a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. You can also add different ingredients to the filling, such as cooked sausage or chopped nuts, to give it extra flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- It's a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree
- The ravioli can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use
- The brown butter sage sauce is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pasta sauce
- This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner
- It's a great way to get creative and experiment with different fillings and sauces
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great pumpkin ravioli is to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the details of the recipe. First, you need to start with a good pumpkin puree. I like to use roasted sugar pumpkin because it has a sweet and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta and sauce.
Next, you need to make the pasta dough. This is the part of the recipe that can be a little intimidating, but don't worry, it's easier than you think. Just be sure to use a good quality flour and to knead the dough long enough to develop the gluten.
Once you have your pasta dough and pumpkin puree, you can start to assemble the ravioli. This is the fun part of the recipe, because you get to be creative and make the ravioli whatever shape you like. I like to use a round cookie cutter to make my ravioli, but you can use any shape you like.
Finally, you need to cook the ravioli and make the sauce. This is the part of the recipe that can be a little tricky, because you need to cook the ravioli just until they are tender, and then you need to make the sauce without burning the butter or overcooking the sage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a few simple ingredients, including pumpkin puree, flour, eggs, and sage. You will also need some basic kitchen equipment, such as a pasta machine and a saucepan.
When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For example, use a good quality flour that is suitable for making pasta, and choose fresh sage leaves that are fragrant and delicious.
- 1 cup pumpkin pureeUse roasted sugar pumpkin for the best flavor, and be sure to strain the puree to remove any excess liquid
- 2 cups all-purpose flourUse a good quality flour that is suitable for making pasta, such as caputo or all-purpose flour
- 2 eggsUse large eggs that are fresh and have a good flavor
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseUse a good quality Parmesan cheese that is freshly grated
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sageUse fresh sage leaves that are fragrant and delicious
- 1/2 teaspoon saltUse a good quality salt that is fresh and flavorful
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse a good quality pepper that is fresh and flavorful
- 2 tablespoons olive oilUse a good quality olive oil that is fresh and flavorful
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butterUse a good quality butter that is fresh and flavorful
- 1/4 cup white wineUse a good quality white wine that is dry and flavorful
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Pumpkin Ravioli
- 1Start by making the pasta dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and eggs, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- 2Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
- 3While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, Parmesan cheese, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- 4Roll out the pasta dough to a thickness of about 1/16 inch. Use a pasta machine to roll out the dough, starting at the thickest setting and gradually decreasing the thickness as you roll.
- 5Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the ravioli. You can also use a ravioli cutter or a glass to cut out the ravioli.
- 6Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each ravioli. Fold the dough over the filling, and press the edges together to seal the ravioli.
- 7Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli in the boiling water for about 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and float to the surface.
- 8While the ravioli are cooking, make the brown butter sage sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter is golden brown and the sage is crispy.
- 9Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the water, and add them to the saucepan with the brown butter sage sauce. Toss the ravioli in the sauce until they are well coated.
- 10Add the white wine to the saucepan, and cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated. This will help to thicken the sauce and add flavor to the ravioli.
- 11Season the ravioli with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. You can garnish the ravioli with additional sage leaves or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- 12Let the ravioli rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the ravioli to retain their shape.
Expert Tips
- Use a good quality flour that is suitable for making pasta, such as caputo or all-purpose flour
- Make sure to knead the dough long enough to develop the gluten, which will give the pasta its chewy texture
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make it tough and dense
- Use a gentle touch when handling the ravioli, as they can be delicate and prone to breaking
- Don't overcook the ravioli, as this can make them tough and unappetizing
- Experiment with different fillings and sauces to find your favorite combination
- Consider adding other ingredients to the filling, such as cooked sausage or chopped nuts, to give it extra flavor and texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the dough, which can make it tough and dense
- Not kneading the dough long enough, which can result in a weak and fragile pasta
- Not using a good quality flour, which can affect the texture and flavor of the pasta
- Overcooking the ravioli, which can make them tough and unappetizing
- Not using enough filling, which can result in ravioli that are too thin and fragile
- Not sealing the ravioli properly, which can cause them to fall apart during cooking
Variations and Substitutions
- Add cooked sausage or chopped nuts to the filling for extra flavor and texture
- Use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella, to change the flavor of the filling
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as basil or nutmeg, to add unique flavors to the filling
- Use a different type of pasta, such as pappardelle or fettuccine, to change the texture and appearance of the dish
- Add other ingredients to the sauce, such as cherry tomatoes or spinach, to add extra flavor and nutrition
- Use a different type of oil, such as olive or avocado oil, to change the flavor and texture of the sauce
What to Serve With Pumpkin Ravioli
Pumpkin ravioli is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish or appetizer. It's also a great option for a special occasion or holiday meal.
Some ideas for serving pumpkin ravioli include: serving it with a brown butter sage sauce, as described in the recipe; serving it with a simple tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese; serving it with a creamy mushroom sauce and chopped fresh parsley; or serving it with a light and refreshing salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
Pumpkin ravioli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. To store the ravioli in the refrigerator, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, and cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To freeze the ravioli, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, and put the tray in the freezer. Once the ravioli are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them in the freezer.
To reheat the ravioli, simply cook them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and float to the surface. You can also reheat them in the microwave, by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and cooking them on high for 30-60 seconds, until they are tender and heated through.
It's also a good idea to make the ravioli ahead of time and freeze them, as this will allow you to have a delicious and convenient meal on hand. Simply thaw the frozen ravioli in the refrigerator overnight, and cook them in boiling water or in the microwave, as described above.
In addition to storing the ravioli themselves, you can also store the pasta dough and the filling separately. To store the pasta dough, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. To store the filling, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of flour is best for making pasta?
A good quality all-purpose flour or caputo flour is best for making pasta, as it has the right balance of protein and starch to produce a tender and chewy texture
How long do I need to knead the dough?
You should knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to develop the gluten in the dough, which will give the pasta its chewy texture
What is the best way to cook the ravioli?
The best way to cook the ravioli is to cook them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and float to the surface. You can also cook them in the microwave, by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and cooking them on high for 30-60 seconds, until they are tender and heated through
Can I freeze the ravioli?
Yes, you can freeze the ravioli for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, and put the tray in the freezer. Once the ravioli are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them in the freezer
How do I reheat the ravioli?
To reheat the ravioli, simply cook them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and float to the surface. You can also reheat them in the microwave, by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and cooking them on high for 30-60 seconds, until they are tender and heated through
Can I make the ravioli ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the ravioli ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the frozen ravioli in the refrigerator overnight, and cook them in boiling water or in the microwave, as described above
What is the best way to serve the ravioli?
The best way to serve the ravioli is to serve them with a delicious and flavorful sauce, such as a brown butter sage sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce. You can also serve them with a simple tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese, or with a light and refreshing salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the filling to give it extra flavor and texture. Some ideas include cooked sausage, chopped nuts, or grated cheese. Simply mix the ingredients into the filling and proceed with the recipe as directed

Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup white wine
Instructions
- Start by making the pasta dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and eggs, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
- While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, Parmesan cheese, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Roll out the pasta dough to a thickness of about 1/16 inch. Use a pasta machine to roll out the dough, starting at the thickest setting and gradually decreasing the thickness as you roll.
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the ravioli. You can also use a ravioli cutter or a glass to cut out the ravioli.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each ravioli. Fold the dough over the filling, and press the edges together to seal the ravioli.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli in the boiling water for about 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and float to the surface.
- While the ravioli are cooking, make the brown butter sage sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter is golden brown and the sage is crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the water, and add them to the saucepan with the brown butter sage sauce. Toss the ravioli in the sauce until they are well coated.
- Add the white wine to the saucepan, and cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated. This will help to thicken the sauce and add flavor to the ravioli.
- Season the ravioli with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. You can garnish the ravioli with additional sage leaves or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Let the ravioli rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the ravioli to retain their shape.