Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Cream - beautifully plated pasta dish

Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Cream

Autumn pumpkin filling in handmade pasta, dressed in a sage-infused cream sauce with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

Calories

430

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (35%)
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

Don't overfill — the number one mistake with stuffed pasta. Leave enough edge to seal properly or they'll burst open.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

There's something deeply satisfying about this creamy Parmesan pasta — the kind of dish that makes you forget you're making dinner and just start eating. The garlic-infused olive oil base gives way to a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, with the sharp bite of freshly grated Parmesan cutting through the richness of the heavy cream. It's the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but comes together in under fifteen minutes once the water's boiling.

Canadian home cooks gravitate toward this dish because it hits that perfect balance between comfort food and something special enough for guests. It's approachable enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, especially when you take the time to grate your own Parmesan and finish it with a generous grinding of black pepper.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Cream

Saliez généreusement votre eau de cuisson — elle doit avoir le goût de la mer, et c'est votre seule chance d'assaisonner les pâtes elles-mêmes. Réservez un bon verre d'eau amidonnée avant d'égoutter; ce liquide doré est essentiel pour émulsionner la sauce et la faire adhérer à chaque nouille. Cuisez vos pâtes une minute de moins que recommandé si vous comptez les finir dans la sauce, puisqu'elles continueront à absorber du liquide.

What to Serve With It

This pasta shines with a crusty loaf of sourdough or baguette to soak up every last drop of sauce. Pair it with a simple salad of bitter greens like frisée or radicchio dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A full-bodied white wine such as a BC Chardonnay or Italian Pinot Grigio complements the cream beautifully. For a heartier spread, serve alongside roasted root vegetables or a quick side of sautéed spinach.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools, so when reheating, warm gently on low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen it back to a silky consistency. Avoid the microwave, which tends to separate the cream sauce unevenly. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.

Nutrition Facts

430

cal

23g

Protein

17g

Fat

53g

Carbs

3g

Fiber

544mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?+

This recipe doesn't actually contain pumpkin — it's a classic garlic and Parmesan cream pasta. If you're looking for a pumpkin dish, you'd need to add roasted or pureed pumpkin separately.

Is fresh pasta better for this recipe?+

Fresh pasta is wonderful if you have access to it, but dried pasta works perfectly fine. Fresh pasta absorbs sauce differently and cooks much faster, so reduce the cooking time accordingly and watch it closely.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?+

Yes — prepare the sauce completely and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of pasta water or cream to bring it back to a silky consistency before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I make this spicier?+

Add red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic for maximum flavor infusion. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to taste. You can also finish with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top.

Is this good for entertaining?+

Absolutely. This pasta is elegant enough for guests but forgiving enough to make while chatting. Just cook the pasta right before serving so it doesn't sit and dry out, and have your garnishes ready to sprinkle on top.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (3)

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The flavour combination is spot on. I added a little extra garlic because that's how we like it, and it was incredible.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.

André G.★★★★★

Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.