Name: Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli with Maple Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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 (e.g., Tillamook sharp cheddar)

Introduction

Butternut squash ravioli with maple cream sauce is a comforting fall favorite that combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in a homemade style meal. This dish features tender pasta filled with roasted squash and a warm, rich sauce that feels both special and cozy. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and surprisingly easy to prepare.

A bowl filled with four large, round ravioli pieces that have a golden-yellow color and crinkled edges, each generously covered in a creamy white sauce with green herbs finely mixed in. The sauce coats the ravioli thickly, giving a rich texture, and the dish is topped with small chunks of bright green parsley scattered across the top. The bowl is white on the inside, contrasting with the warm colors of the ravioli and sauce, and the background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)

1 package butternut squash ravioli

Black pepper to taste

2 to 3 tbsp pure maple syrup (grade A amber)

1 tsp dried thyme

Salt to taste

16 fl oz light cream (half-and-half works well)

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Use a meat chopper or spatula to break the sausage into small pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until browned. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil for the ravioli.

Step 2: When the sausage is nearly cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan. Add the minced garlic and stir to combine. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to soften the garlic and finish cooking the sausage, then reduce heat to low.

Step 3: Pour the light cream, maple syrup, dried thyme, and black pepper into the pan with the sausage. Maintain a gentle simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, and allow the sauce to thicken and reduce by about one-quarter.

Step 4: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and additional pepper to taste, then cover the pan to keep warm.

Step 5: Cook the butternut squash ravioli according to the package instructions, being careful not to overcook. Drain the ravioli and gently add them to the creamy sauce in the pan. Stir carefully to coat the ravioli evenly without breaking them.

Step 6: Serve the ravioli immediately while hot, garnished as desired. Enjoy the comforting blend of sweet squash and savory maple cream with every bite.

Tips & Variations

Use pumpkin ravioli or cheese ravioli with a bit of pumpkin puree if butternut squash ravioli isn’t available.

Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage or skip meat altogether for a vegetarian version.

For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of light cream or half-and-half.

Try other melty cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, or Gruyere instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Add baby spinach or substitute with arugula or kale for extra greens.

Cook ravioli carefully to avoid breakage and overcooking, testing at the minimum package cooking time.

Stir cheese into the sauce off heat to prevent graininess and ensure smooth texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled; gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen it if needed. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, but cream sauce may separate when thawed—freezing ravioli and sauce separately helps maintain texture. Reheat slowly to preserve flavor and consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash ravioli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen ravioli works well and is often more budget-friendly. Just follow package cooking times, and be careful not to overcook to prevent mushiness.

What can I serve alongside this ravioli dish?

A crisp arugula salad with lemon dressing complements the rich maple cream sauce nicely. Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or warm crusty bread are also great choices to round out the meal.