There’s something truly magical about autumn. The air gets crisp. Leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold. This is the season for cozy nights. My absolute favorite way to embrace fall is with food. Specifically, with a comforting bowl of creamy pumpkin ravioli. It’s a dish that hugs you from the inside out. This ravioli features a rich, velvety sauce. It perfectly complements the tender pasta pillows. The subtle sweetness of pumpkin and warming spices create pure bliss.
I often make this for busy weeknights. It feels special but is surprisingly simple. Your family will adore it. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing. It’s the taste of autumn, bottled up. This recipe is a definite winner in my book.
Why I Love This Recipe
This creamy pumpkin ravioli is pure autumn comfort. It’s incredibly:
- Quick – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful – warm spices and sage shine.
- Impressive – guests always rave about it.
- Cozy – it just tastes like fall.
Honestly, it’s a lifesaver when you need a delicious meal fast.
Creamy Pumpkin Ravioli Ingredients
The magic of this dish starts with its simple yet elegant ingredients. Together, they create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Think autumn harvest captured in a bowl.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling. It provides that lovely earthy sweetness and base for our sauce.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, luscious texture. It balances the pumpkin beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth. A little goes a long way here.
- Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: These warm spices are quintessential autumn. They hug the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Refrigerated Ravioli: Your speedy shortcut to a delightful meal. Choose your favorite kind.
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the luscious base for our sage sauce.
- Fresh Sage: Its woodsy, slightly peppery notes are divine with pumpkin.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that irresistible silky, creamy sauce.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is gold! It helps emulsify the sauce. It makes it cling perfectly to the ravioli.
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t have fresh sage? Dried sage works in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon. Craving a richer sauce? Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese with the heavy cream. If your sauce seems too thick, a splash more pasta water or cream will do wonders. For a brighter note, a tiny pinch of lemon zest in the sauce is surprisingly good!
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Ravioli
Making this comforting dish is straightforward. You’ll have a delicious meal ready. Let’s dive into the simple steps for this creamy pumpkin ravioli.
Prepare the Creamy Pumpkin Filling
First, grab a medium bowl. Combine the pumpkin puree. Add the ricotta cheese too. Then, mix in the Parmesan cheese. Crack in the large egg. Sprinkle in the cinnamon. Add the nutmeg and cloves next. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything until it is well combined. This filling is the heart of our ravioli.
Cook the Ravioli and Reserve Pasta Water
Next, follow the package directions. Cook your refrigerated ravioli. Make sure you reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is a sauce magic ingredient. Drain the cooked ravioli gently.
Sauté the Sage in Butter
While the pasta cooks, start the sauce. Melt the butter in a large skillet. Use a medium heat setting. Add your fresh chopped sage. Cook it until it smells wonderful. This takes about one minute. The sage will become very fragrant. It infuses the butter with flavor.
Create the Creamy Sage Sauce
Now, pour in the heavy cream. Add the reserved pasta water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes. Stir it occasionally as it simmers. The sauce will start to thicken slightly. It becomes wonderfully creamy.
Combine Ravioli and Sauce
Carefully add the drained ravioli. Place it right into the skillet. Toss the ravioli gently. Coat each piece with the sauce. Ensure every ravioli gets a lovely coating. This step marries the pasta and sauce.
Serve Your Delicious Creamy Pumpkin Ravioli
Serve this amazing dish immediately. Top with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade creamy pumpkin ravioli. It’s a taste of autumn perfection.
PrintCreamy Pumpkin Ravioli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy ravioli filling made with pumpkin, ricotta, and warming spices, perfect for a comforting autumn meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 package (25 ounces) refrigerated ravioli
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Cook the ravioli according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the ravioli is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped sage and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add the drained ravioli to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the ravioli in the creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Ensure you are using pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Adjust the spices to your preference.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water or cream.
How to Store Creamy Pumpkin Ravioli
Got leftover creamy pumpkin ravioli? Lucky you! Store cooled ravioli in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or cream. This helps revive the delicious sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave, if possible. It can make the pasta a bit chewy. Enjoy your comforting meal again!
Tips for Success
- Always use pure pumpkin puree.
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water.
- Sage infuses beautifully in butter.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Gentle tossing prevents ravioli damage.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Medium bowl (for filling).
- Large skillet (for sauce is key).
- Pot (for cooking ravioli).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A good spatula or spoon for tossing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad.
- A slice of crusty bread is perfect.
- Pair with a light-bodied white wine.
- Garnish with extra sage leaves.
- A sprinkle of toasted walnuts adds crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the creamy pumpkin ravioli filling ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the pumpkin filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves precious time on busy weeknights. Just mix and use as directed when you’re ready to cook.
What kind of pumpkin should I use for this creamy pumpkin ravioli?
Make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree. It’s often found in the baking aisle. Do not use pumpkin pie filling. That mixture already has added sugar and spices. Pure pumpkin puree gives you control over the flavor. It ensures that delicious, natural pumpkin taste in your ravioli.
How can I make the sauce for my creamy pumpkin ravioli richer?
For an even richer, more decadent sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese. Stir it in with the heavy cream. It melts beautifully. This adds an extra layer of creaminess. It makes the sauce wonderfully luxurious. Just a little bit makes a big difference.
Can I freeze leftover creamy pumpkin ravioli?
It’s best to enjoy this creamy pumpkin ravioli fresh. Freezing can affect the texture of the sauce and pasta. If you must freeze, store cooled ravioli separately from the sauce. Reheat them gently. However, the texture might not be quite the same. Fresh is truly best for this dish.