Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli with Maple Cream Sauce Recipe
This Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli with Maple Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage with sweet butternut squash ravioli, all coated in a rich and creamy maple-infused sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures with a hint of autumn sweetness from the maple syrup and a touch of sharpness from the cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
For the ravioli and sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed, if applicable)
- 2 cups baby spinach (about 4 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 1 package butternut squash ravioli
For the maple cream sauce:
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 to 3 tbsp pure maple syrup (grade A amber, for deep flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- 16 fl oz light cream (half-and-half works well)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Tillamook sharp cheddar recommended)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a meat chopper or spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned all over. Meanwhile, start boiling water in a separate pot for cooking the ravioli as per package instructions.
- Prepare Garlic and Drain Fat: When the sausage is nearly cooked through, carefully drain excess fat from the pan. Add minced garlic to the sausage and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes to cook the garlic and finish cooking the sausage. Then, reduce the heat to low.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour the light cream, maple syrup, dried thyme, and black pepper into the pan with the sausage and garlic. Stir frequently and allow the sauce to simmer on low heat. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and reduces by about one-quarter, creating a rich base for the dish.
- Finish the Sauce with Cheese: Once the cream sauce has thickened sufficiently, turn off the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper to taste. Cover the pan to keep the sauce warm while preparing the ravioli.
- Cook the Ravioli and Combine: Cook the butternut squash ravioli in the boiling water according to the package directions, usually about 3-4 minutes or until the ravioli float to the surface. Drain the cooked ravioli well and transfer them to the pan with the maple cream sauce and sausage. Gently stir to coat all the ravioli evenly with the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy sausage and butternut squash ravioli immediately while hot. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your comforting and delicious dinner!
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor impact in the sauce.
- Grade A amber maple syrup is preferred to add a deep, rich sweetness to the cream sauce.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Choose high-quality sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the cheese flavor and creaminess.
- Draining excess fat from the sausage helps keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Cooking the ravioli just until they float ensures they won’t be overcooked or mushy.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and gently reheated, but ravioli are best served fresh.
Keywords: butternut squash ravioli, maple cream sauce, Italian sausage, easy ravioli recipe, creamy pasta, autumn pasta dish, quick dinner
