Hand-Rolled Italian Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh homemade ravioli filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, served with a nutty brown butter and sage sauce, inspired by Columbus’s love for Italian cuisine. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes blends plus more for dusting all-purpose flour, large eggs, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Order on Instacart →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make pasta dough by placing 2 cups all-purpose flour on a clean surface and forming a well in the center. Crack 2 large eggs into the well and add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually mix flour into eggs with a fork until dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While dough rests, sauté 6 oz chopped fresh spinach in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Let cool, then squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine cooked spinach, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Roll out pasta dough into thin sheets using a pasta machine or rolling pin on a floured surface. Place teaspoons of filling spaced evenly on one sheet, brush edges with water, then cover with another sheet. Press around fillings to seal and cut into individual ravioli.
  5. 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. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  6. Step 6: In a skillet, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 12 fresh sage leaves and 1 minced garlic clove, cooking for 3 minutes until butter turns golden brown and fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Toss cooked ravioli gently in the brown butter sage sauce and serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hand-Rolled Italian Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (45 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Hand-Rolled Italian Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hand-Rolled Italian Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce?

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 Hand-Rolled Italian Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce 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.

Is Hand-Rolled Italian Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →