The Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe

Creamy carbonara takes an unexpected twist with this delectable Olive Garden ravioli carbonara that promises a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Pasta lovers will adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Bacon adds a smoky depth that perfectly complements the silky sauce.

Rich egg yolks and parmesan cheese create an incredibly luxurious coating for each ravioli.

Comfort food rarely looks this elegant or tastes this incredible.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next pasta night.

Tips For Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Bliss

• Avoid overcooking ravioli by checking package directions and testing for al dente texture just before draining.
• Whisk cream and cheeses slowly to prevent clumping and create a silky, uniform sauce.
• Crisp bacon before adding to enhance its smoky taste and provide a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Taste and adjust seasoning gradually, remembering that bacon and Parmesan cheese already add saltiness.
• Chop parsley just before sprinkling to maintain its vibrant color and release maximum flavor.

Ravioli Carbonara Flavors For Olive Garden Lovers

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace bacon with roasted mushrooms or crispy tofu bits for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cheese ravioli and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat content.
• Spicy Carbonara Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara With Salad

• Tuscan Sunset Plating: Arrange ravioli on a large white platter with sauce cascading around edges, creating a rustic Italian restaurant feel that promises delicious comfort.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp to add extra protein and transform this dish from side to hearty main course.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Sprinkle additional fresh chopped parsley and cracked black pepper right before serving to enhance visual appeal and add bright, zesty notes that complement the creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this rich pasta with a crisp Pinot Grigio or buttery Chardonnay to balance the creamy texture and cut through the dish's richness.

How To Store Ravioli Carbonara Leftovers Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place ravioli in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few tablespoons of milk or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add splash of cream or milk to revive sauce's creamy texture. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• What type of ravioli works best for this recipe?

Cheese or cheese and spinach ravioli are perfect, providing rich flavor and complementing the creamy carbonara sauce.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace bacon with crispy mushrooms or vegetarian bacon bits to maintain the smoky flavor profile while keeping it meat-free.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a little pasta water while cooking to help maintain a smooth, silky consistency that coats the ravioli evenly.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and cheesy flavor make it appealing to children, and you can adjust spices to suit their taste preferences.

Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara For Dinner Nights

• Savor Quick Comfort: This ravioli carbonara delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving a satisfying meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap bacon for pancetta or add grilled chicken to personalize the dish, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and classic carbonara elements create a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults at family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few simple pantry staples, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious pasta experience that feels like a gourmet restaurant treat.

Ingredients Needed For Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

• Ravioli: Soft, pillowy pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese that absorb the rich sauce perfectly.

• Butter: Creates a smooth and rich base for the creamy carbonara sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and velvety texture to the sauce.
• Milk: Helps to thin and balance the sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Bacon Bits, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Adds crispy texture, extra cheesy flavor, and fresh herbal brightness to complete the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the depth of flavors in the sauce and balance the overall taste.

Steps For Creamy Ravioli Carbonara Like Olive Garden

Step 1: Boil Ravioli

Get a large pot of water bubbling.

Drop in your store-bought or fresh ravioli and cook them until they float and look perfectly tender.

Drain the pasta in a colander, giving it a quick shake to remove excess water.

Step 2: Create Bacon Crisp

Grab a skillet and cook bacon until it turns golden and crunchy.

Remove bacon and set aside, leaving those delicious bacon drippings in the pan.

Chop the bacon into small, delectable bits that will add a wonderful crunch to your dish.

Step 3: Build Silky Sauce

In the same skillet with bacon drippings, melt butter until it’s smooth and golden.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic magic.

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Romano cheese

Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and starts to thicken.

Season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently slide the cooked ravioli into the creamy sauce.

Use a soft spatula to coat each ravioli completely, ensuring every pocket gets covered in the rich, velvety mixture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the saucy ravioli to serving plates.

Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits over the top.

Add a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and inviting.

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s ravioli carbonara brings Italian comfort straight to home kitchens with its creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Rich pancetta, silky cream, and parmesan cheese create a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cheese ravioli
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for topping

Flavor Enhancers and Garnish:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup bacon bits
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil the ravioli in salted water according to package instructions until perfectly tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and lightly golden, about 30-45 seconds.
3. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, gradually blend in ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, and incorporate whole milk, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce.
4. Season the creamy sauce with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting flavors to taste and maintaining a gentle simmer.
5. Gently transfer the cooked ravioli into the sauce, carefully folding to ensure each pasta pillow is evenly coated with the luxurious cream mixture.
6. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the ravioli, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
7. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and the ravioli are steaming, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal texture.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk to reduce calories without compromising texture.
• Toast garlic gently to prevent burning and release subtle, nutty flavors.
• Use pre-cooked bacon or pancetta for a quicker preparation and consistent crispiness.
• Make this dish vegetarian by replacing bacon with roasted pine nuts or sautéed mushrooms for added depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 628 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg