Name: Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (20-ounce) package cheese-filled ravioli (fresh or frozen); 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water); 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk (or more cream for extra richness); ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 2 large egg yolks, whisked; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been craving a restaurant-style dinner at home, this decadent Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara will absolutely knock your socks off! Imagine tender cheese-filled ravioli enveloped in a rich, creamy carbonara sauce, studded with crispy pancetta, plenty of Parmesan, and just a hint of fresh parsley. Every bite feels indulgent, like a special occasion meal, yet it’s actually quite accessible to make right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving comfort food or simply want to recreate an Olive Garden classic with a personal twist, this is the perfect recipe to share with family or friends!

Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of straightforward ingredients can deliver such bold, classic Italian flavor! Each one serves a unique purpose, from bringing irresistible creaminess to that signature pop of salt and savor found in Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara.

Cheese-filled ravioli: Go for fresh or frozen; the cheesy filling adds lushness to the finished dish.
Salt (for boiling water): Properly seasoned pasta water makes all the difference in developing flavor right from the start.
Pancetta or bacon, diced: These add a rich, savory crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Garlic, minced: Just two cloves give an aromatic punch, infusing the sauce with warm Italian flavor.
Heavy cream: Provides the luxurious, silky texture that carbonara is famous for.
Whole milk (or more cream): Use milk for a lighter sauce, or swap it for even more cream for extra richness.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated is best; it melts smoothly and gives a nutty, salty edge.
Black pepper: Essential for cutting through the richness and giving that signature little kick.
Salt (for the sauce): An extra touch helps round out all the flavors—adjust to taste.
Large egg yolks, whisked: These create that classic carbonara silkiness and help thicken the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds an extra mellow richness and helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
Extra Parmesan cheese: For serving; sprinkle generously for restaurant-level finish.
Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, bright pop of color and herbal flavor to round everything out.
Cracked black pepper, to taste: A final dusting just before serving really makes the dish sing!

How to Make Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen ravioli and cook according to the package instructions. If you’re using fresh pasta, just a few minutes will do; frozen might take a little longer. Be sure to save a bit of that starchy pasta water before draining—you’ll use it later to make your Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara sauce just the right consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Pancetta or Bacon

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium and toss in your diced pancetta or bacon. Let it sizzle until beautifully golden and crispy. Once done, transfer the pieces to a paper towel-lined plate but leave a little of that savory fat in the pan—it’s pure flavor gold and will help anchor the entire sauce.

Step 3: Make the Carbonara Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—it only takes about 30 seconds. Now lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, then let it warm gently. Raining in the Parmesan cheese next is pure magic—it melts into the base and transforms it into a velvety pool. Slowly whisk a few spoonfuls of the hot sauce into your egg yolks to temper them, then, stirring constantly, add the yolk mixture back into the pan. This keeps your sauce super creamy and silky, never scrambled!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the drained ravioli right into the skillet, gently coating each pillow in that luscious carbonara sauce. Fold in the crispy pancetta or bacon for even more flavor and depth. If the sauce feels a touch thick, loosen it up with a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s perfect for twirling and scooping.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Now comes the fun part—finish your Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara with a shower of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a few cracks of black pepper. Serve it piping hot and dig in while the cheese is gloriously melty and the sauce hugs each ravioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Garnishes

The finishing touches truly make your Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara feel special! Always sprinkle plenty of fresh Parmesan on top, add a flutter of chopped parsley for brightness, and crack some black pepper for a gorgeous speckled look. If you want an extra punch, a small drizzle of good olive oil or a few shavings of Pecorino can add restaurant-worthy flair.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with lemon. Warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta make the perfect vehicles for swiping up extra sauce. For a bistro-style meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlicky sautéed spinach.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want your Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara to wow visually, try serving it in shallow bowls for a rustic look, or go for individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party. Top each plate with a little nest of crispy pancetta, or swirl a thin line of balsamic reduction around the rim for a modern touch. Tiny edible flowers or microgreens can add a splash of spring color for a unique twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any remaining Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep a small splash of sauce separate so you can add a bit when reheating for extra creaminess.

Freezing

While ravioli itself freezes well, dairy-based carbonara sauce can change a bit in texture after freezing. If you must freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat very gently, stirring often.

Reheating

To make leftovers taste like a fresh batch, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Microwave works too, but go slow so you don’t overcook the sauce or pasta. Stir well and garnish with a new sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta or filling?

Absolutely! While cheese ravioli is classic for Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara, you can swap in meat or mushroom-filled ravioli, or even tortellini for a fun twist. Just keep an eye on cooking times and use what you love.

Is it necessary to temper the egg yolks?

Yes, tempering prevents scrambled eggs in your sauce and ensures you get that smooth, creamy carbonara consistency. Don’t skip this step if you want authentic results!

What if I don’t have pancetta?

No worries—bacon is a great substitute and brings similar salty, smoky flavor. Even turkey bacon can work if you’d like a lighter option, though the sauce will have a slightly different taste.

How do I keep the sauce from thickening too much?

If your sauce gets a bit too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water. The extra starch helps thin and bind the sauce, so it glides luxuriously over the ravioli again.

Is this recipe spicy?

Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara isn’t naturally spicy, but the cracked black pepper gives a gentle warmth. If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a garnish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara a try soon—it’s the perfect combination of cozy, creamy, and downright delicious! It’s always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen, and I’m sure it’ll find a place in your weeknight dinner routine. Buon appetito, friends!

Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Olive Garden-inspired Ravioli Carbonara. Cheese-filled ravioli bathed in a luscious carbonara sauce with crispy pancetta, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic. A decadent pasta dish that will elevate your dinner table!

Instructions

Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the ravioli and set aside.
Cook the Pancetta or Bacon: In a skillet, cook diced pancetta or bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Make the Carbonara Sauce: In the skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, milk, Parmesan, black pepper, and salt. Temper egg yolks, then mix into the sauce until thickened.
Combine Everything: Add ravioli to the skillet, along with pancetta. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and cracked pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta or bacon and use vegetable broth for added flavor.
Feel free to add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian