I’ve always loved the idea of transforming humble pumpkin into something special. This roasted pumpkin ravioli is a reminder that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can elevate a meal. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and a little unexpected, perfect for a quiet fall dinner. Plus, making the pasta from scratch feels like a small, satisfying victory.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Dish
It embodies the change of seasons, the kind of meal that feels both nostalgic and new. The process of roasting, filling, and folding makes me slow down, savoring each step. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—more sage, a splash of cream, a drizzle of honey—whatever feels right. It’s the kind of thing I crave when I want cozy, something that feeds both body and mind.
Inside the Pumpkin & Pasta World
- Pumpkin: Rich and sweet, it becomes velvety when roasted. Swap with butternut squash if needed.
- Pasta dough: Simple flour, eggs, a pinch of salt. Use gluten-free if you prefer, but expect different texture.
- Nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and depth, but skip if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.
- Butter & sage (optional): For browning and aroma, adds a nutty, aromatic finish.
- Lemon zest: Brightens the pumpkin flavor, makes it pop.
- Cheese (Parmesan or ricotta): Adds creaminess and umami, optional but recommended.
Tools of the Trade for Ravioli Making
- Rolling pin or pasta machine: To roll out thin sheets of dough.
- Piping bag or spoon: To fill the ravioli neatly.
- Sharp knife or ravioli cutter: To cut and seal the ravioli.
- Baking tray and parchment: For roasting pumpkin and preventing sticking.
- Large pot: To boil the ravioli.
Crafting the Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out seeds, and roast on a baking tray lined with parchment for 40 minutes or until tender.
Step 3: While pumpkin roasts, prepare your pasta dough or buy fresh sheets. Roll thin, about 1mm.
Step 4: For filling, scoop roasted pumpkin into a bowl, mash it smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Cooking Checkpoints & Tips
- Dough should be silky and elastic, not sticky.
- Pumpkin filling should be smooth and not watery.
- Seal ravioli edges well to prevent leaks during boiling.
- Cook ravioli until they float and the pasta is just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Common Ravioli Mistakes & How to Fix Them
- Ravioli leaking open during cooking.? Use a little water or egg wash to seal edges properly.
- Overstuffed ravioli tearing.? Don’t overfill, or pasta tears. Use a small teaspoon of filling.
- Pasta turning mushy or sticking.? Cook in gently boiling water, not aggressive boiling.
- Soggy ravioli from excess water.? Let cooked ravioli drain well before serving.
Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Rolling pin or pasta machine
- Piping bag or teaspoon
- Sharp knife or ravioli cutter
Ingredients
- 1 medium pumpkin preferably sugar pumpkin or butternut squash
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional, for warmth
- 2 tablespoons butter for optional sage butter
- 4 sage leaves fresh sage for butter sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest brightens the filling
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated, optional
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Roast for about 40 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily mashed, filling your kitchen with a sweet, roasted aroma.
- Once roasted, let the pumpkin cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh into a bowl and mash until smooth. Stir in lemon zest, a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg for warmth and depth. Mix in grated parmesan if using, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare your pasta dough by placing flour on a clean work surface, creating a well in the center, and cracking in the eggs. Add a pinch of salt and gently mix with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, then wrap in plastic and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Divide the rested dough into four portions. Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll each portion into a thin sheet about 1mm thick. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Place a sheet of pasta on a floured surface. Using a teaspoon or piping bag, dollop small spoonfuls of pumpkin filling onto half of the sheet, spacing them evenly. Cover with the other half of the sheet.
- Gently press around each mound of filling to remove air, then cut between the dollops with a sharp knife or ravioli cutter to form individual squares. Seal the edges well with your fingers or a little water to prevent leaks during boiling.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the ravioli in, working in batches if needed. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the ravioli float to the surface and are tender.
- While the ravioli cook, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until the butter is golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and prepare to serve.
- Drain the cooked ravioli carefully, then transfer them to a serving platter or bowl. Drizzle with the sage butter and sprinkle with additional parmesan if desired. Finish with a squeeze of lemon if you like a fresh zing.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the tender pasta, sweet pumpkin filling, and aromatic sage butter. The combination offers a cozy, seasonal flavor with delicate textures that are sure to impress.















