Description

This Brown Butter and Lemon Toasted Skillet Ravioli recipe offers a deliciously crispy and golden toasted ravioli cooked in rich, nutty brown butter, finished with fresh lemon zest and creamy ricotta. The combination of buttery toast, tender steamed pasta, and bright citrus makes for an elegant yet simple dish ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter & Seasoning

6 tablespoons salted butter
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Pasta & Cheese

1 pound uncooked cheese ravioli, thawed if frozen
1 cup ricotta cheese

Liquids & Flavorings

⅓ cup water
1 lemon, zest freshly grated

Garnish

Microgreens or fresh herbs, for serving

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Instructions

Brown the Butter: Heat 4 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to bubble and cook, occasionally swirling the pan, until small brown bits begin to appear at the bottom and the butter develops a rich, nutty aroma.
Toast the Ravioli: Add the uncooked cheese ravioli to the skillet in a single layer. Toast for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip each ravioli and toast the other side until it is deeply golden and crispy.
Steam the Ravioli: Pour ⅓ cup water into the skillet and immediately cover with a lid to trap steam. Let the ravioli steam for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through.
Finish with Butter and Seasoning: Remove the lid and toss the ravioli gently to coat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted and glossy. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and salt if needed, tasting first to avoid over-seasoning.
Add Ricotta and Lemon Zest: Spoon dollops of creamy ricotta cheese over the warm ravioli. Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest evenly across the dish to add a bright citrusy finish.
Garnish and Serve: Top with microgreens or fresh herbs of your choice for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve the ravioli immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

To prevent sticking, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the butter and ravioli.
You can substitute fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme depending on preference.
The lemon zest can be adjusted to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
Use thawed ravioli to ensure even cooking and prevent ice crystals in the skillet.
Do not skip the steaming step as it ensures the ravioli filling is fully cooked and tender while maintaining a crisp exterior.