Hey y'all! If you're craving a cozy, restaurant-style pasta dish that absolutely wows at home, you’ll fall for this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara. Imagine tender ravioli smothered in a luscious, smoky carbonara sauce with crispy bacon and a touch of garlic—it's pure comfort in every bite! Whether you’re serving family, impressing a date, or treating yourself, this creamy dinner has you covered. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
- Rich, creamy sauce and pillowy ravioli deliver ultimate comfort.
- Quick and easy—on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Uses simple, grocery-friendly ingredients.
- Versatile enough for a weeknight or special occasion.
- Customizable with different ravioli fillings or proteins.
Ingredients for Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes) until they float. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While ravioli cooks, place diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, draining on a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons bacon fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Carbonara Sauce
Add butter to the bacon fat in the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to low, then add heavy cream and warm through (do not boil). In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks, ¾ cup Parmesan, and a splash of warm cream until smooth.
Step 4: Toss the Ravioli
Add drained ravioli to the skillet. Remove from heat. Quickly stir in the egg yolk-Parmesan mixture, tossing swiftly to coat (the heat will gently cook the yolks, forming a silky sauce). If desired, add reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve Up Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
Return crisped bacon to the pan and season generously with black pepper and salt. Mound onto plates, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve immediately!
Notes for the Best Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
- Use fresh, refrigerated ravioli for the best texture—find out more about picking great pasta.
- For extra creaminess, add a spoonful of reserved pasta water before serving.
- Swap bacon for pancetta to get closer to the traditional Roman flavor. Learn about bacon vs pancetta.
Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Variations
- Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli Carbonara: Use spinach and ricotta-filled ravioli for a slightly lighter flavor.
- Chicken Ravioli Carbonara: Substitute cheese ravioli with cooked chicken ravioli for added protein.
- Mushroom Carbonara: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms to the sauce before tossing with ravioli.
Required Equipment for Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl and whisk
Storing Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess; avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating. Not suitable for freezing, as the sauce may break.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
- Serve with a crispy green salad or steamed asparagus for freshness.
- Pair with buttery garlic bread or a slice of crusty Italian loaf.
- Complement with a glass of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with lemon.
Pro Tips for Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
- Work off the heat when adding the egg yolk mixture to prevent scrambling.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, meltier sauce. Here’s why freshly grated cheese matters.
- Crisp the bacon until just golden—overcooking can impart bitterness.
FAQ: Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, simply cook frozen ravioli according to package instructions (they may need a minute or two longer in boiling water).
Is the sauce safe with raw eggs?
The heat from the pasta and pan gently cooks the egg yolks, creating a safe and creamy sauce; make sure to work quickly and always use fresh eggs.
Can I make Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara vegetarian?
Absolutely—just omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon or sautéed mushrooms for depth of flavor.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese ravioli, fresh or frozen
- 6 oz bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Cook cheese ravioli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
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3Add minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth.
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5Reduce heat to low. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually add a little hot cream sauce to egg yolks to temper them, then whisk the yolk mixture back into the skillet.
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6Add cooked ravioli and bacon to the skillet, tossing to coat. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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