If you love the creamy richness of carbonara paired with the comforting charm of stuffed pasta, you are going to adore this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe. It’s a wonderful twist on traditional carbonara that uses cheese ravioli for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of crisp bacon, silky sauce made with egg yolks and Parmesan, and fresh parsley turns simple ingredients into a decadent, restaurant-quality meal that you can easily whip up at home. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward and thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating that luscious texture, bold flavor, and beautiful appearance.
- 1 lb cheese ravioli: Fresh or frozen ravioli work well; the cheesy filling adds richness and makes every bite wonderfully satisfying.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Crisp bacon brings salty crunch and smoky depth that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This forms the silky base of the carbonara sauce, giving it that velvety smoothness.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds sharp, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce for an irresistible finish.
- 2 egg yolks: These enrich the sauce, helping it thicken and develop a luxurious, custard-like consistency without scrambling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic imparts aromatic warmth, balancing the richness with its subtle bite.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds that essential sharpness and a wee bit of heat.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley lightens the dish visually and adds a burst of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your cheese ravioli and cook according to package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float to the surface. Once cooked, drain carefully, then toss with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking together. Setting them aside warm is key to later absorbing that creamy sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While the ravioli cooks, chop your bacon into bite-sized pieces and use a large skillet over medium heat to cook it until it’s golden and crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, but be sure to save about 1 to 2 tablespoons of that flavorful bacon fat in the skillet for the next step. This fat will infuse your sauce with smoky goodness.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Using the reserved bacon fat, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for just 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. This quick step wakes up the flavor without overpowering the delicate balance of the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Lower the heat to prevent scorching, then pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer. This moment is where the sauce begins to take shape — warm, rich, and inviting.
Step 5: Add Egg Yolks Carefully
Slowly whisk in the egg yolks while stirring constantly. This technique prevents the yolks from scrambling and instead allows them to thicken the sauce gradually, giving it that signature silky texture you expect in an authentic carbonara.
Step 6: Melt in Parmesan and Season
Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until completely melted. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This final seasoning step really pulls the flavors together beautifully.
Step 7: Combine and Toss
Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the pan, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the luscious carbonara sauce. The cheese-filled pasta envelopes itself in the rich mixture, making each forkful a moment of pure comfort.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Scatter the crispy bacon bits over the top along with extra Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, and the fresh parsley to add color and a burst of freshness. Serve your Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
How to Serve Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on top adds an irresistible finishing touch, while chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also provides a lovely fresh contrast to the rich sauce and salty bacon.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy ravioli pairs beautifully with light and crisp side dishes such as a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon. The acidity and crunch of these sides balance the indulgence of the carbonara, making the meal feel complete without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party presentation, serve the ravioli in shallow white bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant toppings. Add a rustic loaf of crusty bread on the side for guests to soak up every last bit of sauce. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra-special twist that will wow your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture is best fresh, but careful storage will keep the flavors intact for a quick second meal.
Freezing
While ravioli can technically be frozen, the creamy carbonara sauce does not freeze well due to the egg yolks and cream, which can separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze uncooked cheese ravioli separately and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid using high heat or the microwave alone, as the yolk-based sauce can curdle. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating helps restore that luxurious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen store-bought cheese ravioli works perfectly for this recipe. Just follow package instructions for cooking times to ensure they don’t overcook and become mushy.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?
The heavy cream is key for creating that rich, creamy texture that defines this carbonara variation. You could substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as luscious or thick.
Can I substitute pancetta for the bacon?
Yes, pancetta is a traditional carbonara ingredient and makes a wonderful substitute for bacon. It will give the dish an authentic Italian flair and a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the egg yolks from scrambling in the sauce?
When adding the egg yolks, be sure to lower the heat and whisk them in slowly while stirring constantly. This gradual incorporation and gentle heat allow the sauce to thicken without turning into scrambled eggs.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate nature of the sauce, but you can prepare the ravioli and bacon ahead of time. Store the sauce separately and combine just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, turning familiar ingredients into a stunning meal. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress without stress, give this recipe a try and enjoy all the rich flavors and satisfying textures that make it an instant favorite. You won’t regret inviting this delightful twist on carbonara into your kitchen!
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Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Olive Garden-inspired Ravioli Carbonara is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish perfect for a quick and comforting meal. Tender cheese ravioli are combined with a rich sauce made from crispy bacon, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolks to create a luscious carbonara variation. Finished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
Bacon Sauce
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the ravioli and set aside, drizzling with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the reserved bacon fat and sauté over medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer cream: Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add egg yolks: Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl, then gradually incorporate them into the simmering cream sauce while stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss ravioli in sauce: Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the sauce to coat evenly, taking care not to break the delicate pasta.
- Serve: Plate the ravioli and top with the crispy bacon pieces, additional Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh ravioli for the best texture, but frozen works well too.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Be careful when adding the egg yolks to prevent scrambling by stirring constantly and lowering the heat.
- This dish is best served immediately as the sauce can thicken further when cooled.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated varieties.
