Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli with Lemon Butter Sauce

Oh my goodness!  Have you been catching Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy on Sunday nights CNN travel channel?  I am so hooked on this series...once again I am fully convinced that somewhere in my DNA, I am Italian.

It goes without saying how charming Stanley Tucci is, but the places he takes you, the scenery landscape and architecture, and the people he introduces to your living room every week is breathtaking.  

The food though!  By the end of each episode, I am starving (and I have usually watched after eating dinner already).  I am determined to try and make at least one dish from each episode and region that Stanley visits.

Before I get started on that adventure though, I did make this Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli with Lemon Butter Sauce.  This sauce is so beautiful and silky and the pop of lemon just screams Spring, which we are all ready for around here.  How about you?

This dish (less the chicken that we had with it that evening), would also make for a great Lent meatless dinner.

Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli with Lemon Butter Sauce

1 package (1 lb.) frozen Spinach & Ricotta ravioli

4 Tbl unsalted butter

2 lemons, zested and juiced

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.  Cook ravioli according to package directions.  Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water after the ravioli has finished cooking.

While the ravioli is boiling, make the sauce.  In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.  Add the lemon zest and juice.  Add 1/4 cup pasta water and bring to a low simmer.  Season with salt and pepper.

Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and carefully toss to coat in the sauce.  Stir in the heavy cream, and if the pasta looks dry, add a little more pasta water.  Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.

Plate and serve with more Parm...enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Jordan Marsh's Blueberry Muffins

Two Years Ago:  "Man"estrone Soup

Three Years Ago:  Eating My Words...Part 1 and Cheesy Country Ham Dip

Four Years Ago:  Nicoise Salad and No Meat Fridays

Five Years Ago:  Wisdom...(Words and Teeth) and Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken

Six Years Ago:  Spicy Asian Beef and Stocking Snacks

Seven Years Ago:  Tapenade Pasta Salad and Prayers