Name: Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, de-stemmed; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, de-stemmed; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup additional chicken broth; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 pound store-bought cheese ravioli; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for topping; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli is a rich, vibrant, and elegant pasta dish that comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes. Made with caramelized shallots, fragrant herbs, bright lemon, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, this one-skillet meal is both comforting and refreshingly light—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night in.

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Simplicity: No need to boil ravioli separately—everything simmers together in one skillet.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Bright and Creamy Flavor: Lemon zest and juice cut through the richness for perfect balance.
Versatile: Pairs well with a side salad, crusty bread, or grilled chicken.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Feels fancy without the fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small shallot, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, de-stemmed
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, de-stemmed
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup additional chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 pound store-bought cheese ravioli
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for topping
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until sizzling.
Add the chopped shallot and sauté for 1–2 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add the tarragon and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth, cream, additional broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir well.
Add the cheese ravioli directly to the skillet and gently stir to coat with the sauce.
Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the ravioli are tender.
Remove the lid and stir. The sauce may still be thin at this stage.
Stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and remove from heat. Let the dish rest for 1–2 minutes to thicken.
Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve topped with additional cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra substance.
Make it Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Use a Different Pasta: Substitute with other stuffed pasta like tortellini or agnolotti.
Citrus Twist: Use Meyer lemon for a sweeter, more floral citrus flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly and make sure the ravioli are fully cooked through before serving.

Is there a substitute for tarragon?

You can use fresh basil or parsley, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

This recipe relies on cream, butter, and cheese, so a dairy-free version would require significant substitutions such as plant-based cream and butter alternatives.

What kind of cheese is best for topping?

Parmigiano Reggiano is recommended for its sharp, nutty flavor, but Pecorino Romano or Parmesan work well too.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling after the cream is added. Stir frequently and let the sauce rest to thicken gently.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Spinach, peas, or sautéed zucchini would be great additions.

Is the lemon flavor strong?

The lemon flavor is present but balanced. For a stronger citrus note, add extra zest or juice to taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger skillet to ensure even cooking and stirring.

Will this dish thicken as it cools?

Yes, the sauce will continue to thicken slightly after removing from heat, especially with the cheese stirred in.

Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs are recommended for brightness, but you can use dried—just reduce the amount to about one-third.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Ravioli is a luxurious yet easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress. With fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and a silky cream sauce, it brings restaurant-level flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you crave a comforting pasta dish that’s full of fresh, bold flavor.