Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

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Creamy, savory, and decadently rich — this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara is everything I crave when I want the comfort of a restaurant-style pasta dish without leaving my kitchen. The first time I made this, I was surprised by how easy it was to recreate that signature velvety sauce paired with tender ravioli and crispy bacon. It’s indulgent, yes, but it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a win for weeknights or special dinners alike.

What I love most about this dish is how customizable it is. Whether you use store-bought cheese ravioli or make your own, the real magic is in that silky carbonara sauce — loaded with Parmesan, eggs, cream, and garlic. Add the salty crunch of bacon and a shower of fresh herbs, and you’ve got a plate of pasta that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

• It brings restaurant flavors into your own kitchen with minimal effort.
• The combination of creamy sauce, rich cheese ravioli, and crispy bacon is irresistible.
• It’s quick and easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
• You only need a handful of ingredients to make something truly satisfying.
• It’s a perfect comfort food that the whole family will enjoy.

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What Kind of Ravioli Should I Use?

For the most authentic experience, I go with cheese-filled ravioli, which closely mimics the Olive Garden version. However, feel free to explore! Spinach and ricotta ravioli add a bit of green freshness, while mushroom ravioli give the dish an earthy twist. Use fresh or frozen — both work beautifully here, just be sure not to overcook them.

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Options for Substitutions

• Bacon: Pancetta is a great alternative if you’re looking for something more traditional. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano adds a saltier, more intense bite.
• Garlic: If you’re not a garlic fan, shallots give a milder, sweeter flavor.

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Ingredients for This Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

• Cheese Ravioli: These are the heart of the dish. Go for fresh or frozen; either will soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Bacon: Adds salty, smoky crunch that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides the base for the velvety carbonara sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth. Freshly grated is best.
• Egg Yolks: Give the sauce its signature silky texture and richness.
• Garlic: Brings warmth and savory depth to the sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and finishing the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby brightness to cut through the richness.

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Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to the package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside, drizzling with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy and golden. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the reserved bacon fat, sauté minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the egg yolks, stirring quickly to avoid scrambling. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

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Step 5: Add the Cheese

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

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Step 6: Combine Ravioli and Sauce

Add the cooked ravioli into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly without breaking the ravioli.

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Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Top the dish with the crispy bacon pieces, more grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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How Long to Prepare the Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Prep Time: Most of your prep work—chopping bacon, mincing garlic, grating cheese—takes about 10–15 minutes. If you’re using store-bought ravioli, you’re saving quite a bit of time already.

Cook Time: From boiling the ravioli to finishing the sauce, cooking takes around 15–20 minutes. Everything comes together in one pan after the pasta is cooked, which makes cleanup a breeze.

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Tips for Perfect Ravioli Carbonara

• Temper the Egg Yolks: Whisk in a little hot cream before adding them to the pan. This prevents curdling and gives you that smooth, creamy texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: Keep them al dente so they hold up in the sauce without getting mushy.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese gives a richer, silkier finish.
• Reserve Bacon Fat: That fat is flavor gold. Use it to sauté your garlic for added depth.
• Work Quickly: Once the sauce is made, add the ravioli and serve immediately to keep the texture ideal.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Scrambling the Eggs: Always keep the heat low and whisk continuously when adding yolks to the hot cream.
• Not Draining Pasta Properly: Too much water on the ravioli will thin out your sauce.
• Over-Salting: The bacon and Parmesan already bring saltiness—season carefully.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast, and burnt garlic can overpower the dish.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Let your eggs and cream come to room temp before cooking to help everything blend smoothly.

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What to Serve With Ravioli Carbonara?

1. Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up any extra creamy sauce on the plate.

2. Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Adds color and a healthy contrast with a bit of bite.

4. Sauteed Spinach with Lemon

Bright and fresh, this balances the creamy texture of the pasta.

5. A Glass of White Wine

Try Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to enhance the flavors of the carbonara.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Freezing: Not ideal, as the creamy sauce can separate. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the sauce, freezing only the cooked ravioli and bacon.

Reheating: Avoid the microwave for best texture. Use low heat on the stovetop and stir gently to avoid breaking the ravioli.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving – Based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 640 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Cholesterol: 180mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the components (bacon, sauce, ravioli) separately and assemble just before serving for best texture.

Can I use another kind of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine or tortellini work well with this carbonara sauce.

Is this a traditional carbonara?

Not quite—traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, but this version is inspired by Olive Garden’s creamy take.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the bacon and replace it with mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

How do I make it less rich?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and go lighter on the cheese.

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Conclusion

This Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara is proof that restaurant-quality meals can be achieved at home with a few simple ingredients and a bit of love. Rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors, it’s a dish that always hits the spot—whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or just treating yourself. Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your pasta night rotation.

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