Acorn Squash Ravioli Hazelnut Butter (Printable)

Buttery ravioli filled with roasted acorn squash, hazelnuts, and sage for a rich Italian-inspired main dish.

# Components:

→ Pasta Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Filling

05 - 1 medium acorn squash (approximately 700 grams)
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Brown Butter Sauce

12 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 1/3 cup toasted and roughly chopped hazelnuts
14 - 8–10 fresh sage leaves
15 - Zest of 1/2 lemon
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

17 - Shaved Parmesan cheese
18 - Additional chopped toasted hazelnuts (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the acorn squash, remove seeds, brush with olive oil, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until tender. Allow to cool, then scoop out the flesh and mash until smooth.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed acorn squash, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
03 - On a clean work surface, form a mound with the flour and create a well in the center. Add the eggs, salt, and olive oil into the well. Gradually incorporate the flour with a fork, then knead by hand for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
04 - Divide the rested dough in half. Roll out each half on a lightly floured surface or using a pasta machine into thin sheets, approximately 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) thick. Place teaspoonfuls of the filling about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) apart along one sheet of dough. Lightly brush the areas around the filling with water. Place the second sheet of dough on top, pressing gently to seal and remove any air pockets. Cut the dough into individual ravioli squares.
05 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
06 - Meanwhile, in a skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped hazelnuts and fresh sage leaves. Cook, swirling the skillet occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma, approximately 3–4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Gently place the ravioli into the boiling water in batches. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
08 - Carefully transfer the cooked ravioli to serving plates using a slotted spoon. Spoon the hazelnut brown butter sauce over the ravioli. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and additional chopped toasted hazelnuts, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fresh pasta that's easier than you think
  • Restaurant quality meal made right in your kitchen
  • Perfect balance of sweet squash and savory brown butter
  • Impressive dish for special occasions
02 -
  • This recipe showcases seasonal fall and winter ingredients
  • The pasta dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated
  • Each serving contains approximately 585 calories with 17g of protein
  • The combination of hazelnuts and brown butter creates a sauce that's nutty, rich, and complex
03 -
  • The pasta should be rolled thin enough to see the shadow of your hand through it, but not so thin that it tears easily. This balance ensures the ravioli cooks quickly while still holding its filling.
  • When browning butter, use a light colored pan so you can clearly see when the milk solids turn golden. This visual cue helps prevent burning, which can happen in seconds.
  • Save the acorn squash seeds, rinse them, toss with olive oil and salt, and roast them alongside the squash for a chef's snack while you prepare the rest of the dish.

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