Butternut Squash Ravioli

Let’s be honest—nothing says “I have my life together” quite like making homemade ravioli. And if you’ve got a butternut squash sitting on your counter and a hankering for something a little more exciting than soup, you’re in for a treat! This Butternut Squash Ravioli is not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make (even if you’re not an Italian grandma with years of pasta-making experience). Plus, the addition of an Oregano Hazelnut Pesto? It’s like the cherry on top of this savory, squash-filled sundae.

If you’ve been following along, you know I’m all about using seasonal ingredients and minimizing waste. So, when I found myself with a perfectly ripe butternut squash and some leftover wonton wrappers, I knew it was time to make magic happen. This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the nuttiness of browned butter and the freshness of homemade pesto. It’s everything you want in a fall dish—cozy, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy.
Why This Recipe Works

Seasonal Goodness: Butternut squash is everywhere now, bringing a natural sweetness and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory filling.

Easy Peasy Ravioli: Using wonton wrappers instead of homemade pasta dough is a game-changer. It saves time and effort without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Nutty Brown Butter: The addition of browned butter in the filling adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the dish to gourmet status. I think by now, you know my love for brown butter.

Oregano Hazelnut Pesto: This unique pesto brings a herby freshness and a little crunch from the hazelnuts, perfectly complementing the creamy ravioli filling.

Restaurant Quality at Home: This dish looks and tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen.

Tips for Making Butternut Squash Ravioli

Roast to Perfection: Make sure your butternut squash is fully tender before scooping it out. A fork should glide through the flesh effortlessly.

Don’t Overfill the Ravioli: Less is more when it comes to ravioli filling. About a tablespoon is all you need—any more, and you risk them bursting open during cooking.

Seal Well: Make sure to brush the edges of your wonton wrappers with egg wash and press them firmly to seal. This prevents the filling from leaking out.

Fry Those Sage Leaves: Don’t skip the crispy sage leaves! They add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that takes the dish to the next level.

Pesto Perfection: Taste your pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice is all it takes to make it pop.

Make the Ravioli

Step 1:

Heat oven to 450°. Rub garlic and squash with olive oil. Place squash, cut sides down, on a baking sheet. Bake until tender, about 30 minutes. Let cool briefly, then scoop out the squash flesh and garlic cloves from their skins and pass both through a potato rice or food mill into a large bowl. Mix in the Parmigiano, browned butter, nutmeg, minced sage, oregano, and salt and pepper. Set filing aside.

Step 2:

Heat Canola oil in a 10″ skillet over medium-high heat. Add whole sage leaves and fry until crisp, about 20 seconds. Transfer to paper towels to drain and set aside.

Step 3: Place 1 wonton wrapper on a work surface and place 1 tablespoon filling in center; brush edge of wrapper with egg and top with another wrapper. Press edges to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Working in batches, add ravioli and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with the Oregano Hazelnut Pesto.

Make the Pesto

Process oregano, oil, basil, Parmigiano, hazelnuts, and garlic in a food processor until finely ground; season with salt and pepper.

Wrapped In Flavor: Butternut Squash Ravioli

If you’re looking to impress with a cozy, elegant dish, this Butternut Squash Ravioli is your ticket. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with the use of seasonal ingredients and an easy technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality ravioli without leaving your kitchen. Ready to roll up your sleeves and make some magic?

Try this recipe and let me know how it goes! Share your ravioli creations with me and tag @the.sustainable.kitchen—I’d love to see your pasta masterpieces! What’s your favorite fall comfort food? Let’s chat in the comments below! 🍂🍝

✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.