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There’s something profoundly comforting about a warm, handmade pasta filled with the sweet, earthy flavor of pumpkin especially as the crispness of fall settles in around you. Imagine biting into tender squares of fresh pumpkin ravioli, topped with nutty, golden brown butter and crispy sage leaves. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, one that you can craft yourself from scratch in your own kitchen. This recipe invites you to slow down, embrace the season, and discover the joy of making something truly special.
PrintPumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage
A comforting homemade pumpkin ravioli recipe with brown butter and crispy sage, perfect for fall meals.
- Prep Time: 00:20
- Cook Time: 00:15
- Total Time: 00:35
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fresh Pasta Dough (about 1 pound), prepared through Step 5
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 small clove garlic
1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 large egg
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more for the pasta water
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg
1 ounce cold fresh goat cheese
All-purpose flour, for dusting
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 bunch fresh sage
1/4 cup pecans
Instructions
1. Make the pumpkin filling while the pasta dough is resting: Finely grate 1 ounce Parmesan cheese and mince 1 small garlic clove into a bowl. Add pumpkin purée, egg, half the salt and pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk to combine. Crumble goat cheese into small pieces and fold gently. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Roll pasta dough very thin (1/32-inch thick) and cut into sheets. On a lightly floured surface, place two sheets horizontally and drop 1 teaspoon portions of filling spaced 2 to 2.5 inches apart on top half of each sheet.
3. Moisten edges with water, fold bottom half over filling, pressing out air and sealing edges. Trim edges and cut into 2-inch squares. Place ravioli on floured baking sheets and dust with flour. Repeat for remaining dough and filling.
4. Boil salted water and cook ravioli until they float, about 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, toast pecans until golden and fragrant.
5. Melt butter slowly, letting it bubble and brown. Add fresh sage leaves and cook until crisp and darkened. Remove sage and keep the butter in pan.
6. Add cooked ravioli to butter, along with reserved pasta water, remaining salt, and pepper. Simmer to form a silky sauce coating the ravioli.
7. Serve ravioli topped with brown butter sage, toasted pecans, and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
Keep pasta sheets covered to prevent drying.
Seal ravioli edges well to avoid bursting during cooking.
Pecans add extra texture and nuttiness.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Fresh Pasta Dough: The Foundation of Your Pumpkin Ravioli
Creating fresh pasta dough might sound intimidating, but it’s a rewarding process that pays off in silky, delicate ravioli. Start with about 1 pound of fresh pasta dough prepared through Step 5 of trusted fresh pasta recipes. Rolling the dough to about 1/32-inch thickness is ideal, ensuring your ravioli are tender without being too fragile. Divide it into portions for easier handling and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Key Tips:
- Use a pasta roller for even, thin sheets.
- Dust the dough generously with all-purpose flour to avoid sticking.
- Cover rolled sheets with plastic wrap or parchment to keep them from drying out.
Preparing the Pumpkin Ravioli Filling
The magic of your ravioli lies in the filling, where creamy pumpkin purée meets the sharp tang of Parmesan and fresh goat cheese. To make this filling:
- Finely grate 1 ounce of Parmesan and mince a small garlic clove into a medium bowl.
- Add 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling), 1 large egg, half the kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Whisk everything until smooth.
- Crumble 1 ounce cold goat cheese into small pieces and gently fold it into the pumpkin mixture.
Cover and refrigerate the filling while you work on the pasta dough. This filling strikes a harmonious balance of creamy, savory, and subtly spiced flavors that will delight your palate.
Assembling and Shaping Pumpkin Ravioli
With your pasta dough rolled and filling ready, it’s time to assemble. On a lightly floured surface, place two sheets of pasta horizontally side-by-side. Drop teaspoon-sized dollops of filling about 2 to 2.5 inches apart on the top half of each sheet. Use water on your fingers to moisten the edges and spaces between the filling. Then fold the bottom half over the filling, pressing out excess air carefully, and sealing the edges.
Use a fluted pastry wheel or sharp knife to cut individual 2-inch square ravioli. Transfer ravioli to a floured parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.

Assembly Tips:
- Keep dough covered to prevent drying.
- Remove air pockets for preventing ravioli bursting in cooking.
- Use a clean wet finger to seal edges effectively.
Cooking and Brown Butter Sage Sauce
Boil salted water and gently cook the ravioli until they float to the surface, about 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the brown butter sage sauce:
- Toast 1/4 cup pecans in a pan until fragrant and golden.
- Melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter slowly, letting it bubble and brown.
- Add fresh sage leaves and cook until crisp and darkened.
Add cooked ravioli to the butter pan, along with reserved pasta water, salt, and pepper. Simmer until a silky sauce forms, coating the ravioli perfectly.
Serving and Garnishing Pumpkin Ravioli
Serve your pumpkin ravioli warm on a dish, draped with the brown butter sage sauce. Sprinkle toasted pecans, crispy sage leaves, and extra Parmesan cheese on top for added texture and flavor depth. This presentation not only elevates the dish visually but also adds layers of nutty and herbal notes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a lightly dressed arugula salad.
- Enjoy with a crisp white wine or spiced cider.
- Add a side of roasted autumn vegetables for a full meal.
Nutritional Insights of Pumpkin Ravioli
This homemade pumpkin ravioli recipe balances indulgence and nutrition:
- Rich in protein from fresh cheese and eggs.
- Loaded with beta carotene and fiber from pumpkin.
- Healthy fats from butter and pecans.
- Sodium levels adjustable through salt control.
Enjoy this dish as a festive treat or a comforting weeknight meal with nourishing ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Ravioli
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No, use pure pumpkin purée without added sugars or spices for the best flavor and texture.
Q: How long can I store homemade ravioli?
Fresh ravioli can be refrigerated for 1-2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: What can I substitute for goat cheese?
Ricotta or cream cheese can be used, but goat cheese adds a tangy depth that’s distinctive.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a suitable gluten-free pasta dough recipe.
Enjoy making this Pumpkin Ravioli recipe at home. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall and impress your loved ones with handmade pasta artistry. The sweet blend of pumpkin, the savory cheeses, and the nutty brown butter sauce are bound to become a seasonal favorite on your table.

