Half-Baked Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Sage Butter
Delicate ravioli filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, finished in a nutty sage brown butter sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs washed and chopped fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, finely grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 oz, washed and chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup, finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large, beaten egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 sheets, about 9x12 inches each fresh pasta sheets
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 leaves fresh sage leaves
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- for dusting all-purpose flour
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz chopped fresh spinach and sauté for 3-4 minutes until wilted and most moisture evaporates. Set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine cooled spinach, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large beaten egg, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and uniform.
- Step 3: Lightly dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour. Lay out 6 fresh pasta sheets side by side. Spoon 1 tbsp of the ricotta-spinach filling in evenly spaced dollops on each sheet.
- Step 4: Moisten edges around filling with water and lay remaining 6 pasta sheets on top. Press edges firmly to seal and cut between the mounds to form individual ravioli.
- Step 5: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ravioli in batches for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface and are tender. Remove with slotted spoon.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 10 fresh sage leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until butter browns slightly and smells nutty.
- Step 7: Toss cooked ravioli in the sage butter sauce, sprinkle with 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Baked Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Sage Butter take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Baked Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Sage Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ricotta cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Baked Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Sage Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Baked Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Sage Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-Baked Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Sage Butter?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
