Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

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Creamy, savory, and satisfyingly indulgent, this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara brings the restaurant experience right to your dinner table. It’s one of those dishes that manages to be both comfort food and a bit of a showstopper at once. Stuffed pasta is already a win, but toss it with a rich carbonara sauce, crispy bacon, and a dusting of parmesan, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable meal.

What makes this version extra special is its weeknight simplicity. While traditional carbonara can be a bit fussy, this recipe is streamlined to use pantry staples and pre-made ravioli without compromising on flavor. So whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this creamy pasta comes together in a flash and delivers every single time.

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

This dish has all the cozy appeal of a creamy pasta with the elegance of an Italian favorite. You get the chewiness of fresh ravioli paired with the smoky saltiness of bacon and the silky richness of carbonara sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up with minimal prep and effort. And because it uses store-bought ravioli, there’s no need to fuss with making pasta from scratch.

What Kind of Ravioli Should I Use?

You have flexibility here! Cheese-stuffed ravioli is classic and always delicious in carbonara, but you can also use spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even a chicken-filled version. The sauce is versatile enough to pair with many fillings, so pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients for the Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

To make this hearty, creamy pasta come alive, you’ll want to start with simple but quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ravioli
The star of the show. Choose fresh or frozen ravioli with your preferred filling.

Bacon
Crispy chopped bacon gives the dish its signature smoky flavor and adds texture.

Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce ultra-rich and velvety.

Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish and helps thicken the sauce.

Egg Yolk
Traditional carbonara uses egg yolks for creaminess. It blends into the hot pasta to create a silky texture.

Garlic
Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor of the sauce without overpowering it.

Black Pepper
Freshly ground pepper is key to balancing the richness with a bit of heat.

Parsley
Chopped parsley brightens up the dish and adds a hint of freshness.

How To Make the Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Boil your ravioli according to the package instructions. Be gentle if using fresh pasta, and don’t forget to salt the water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and let it drain on paper towels, but leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Egg Yolk

Stir in the parmesan cheese and whisk in the egg yolk quickly so it doesn’t scramble. The sauce should thicken and become silky.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat. Stir in the crispy bacon and sprinkle with plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Warm everything through, but don’t overcook.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve immediately with chopped parsley on top and extra parmesan if you’re feeling generous.

How to Serve and Store Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

This recipe makes enough for about 4 hungry people, or 6 if you’re serving with sides. It’s rich and hearty, so a little goes a long way.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled, so when reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring it back to life. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often.

What to Serve With Ravioli Carbonara?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with buttery, crisp garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine with a tangy dressing perfectly balances the creamy pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

A little green helps lighten the plate, and the roasted flavor complements the bacon.

Bruschetta

Tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar add a refreshing contrast.

Creamy Tomato Soup

Pairing a rich pasta with a vibrant soup turns dinner into an event.

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly charred zucchini is a fresh and low-carb side that adds balance.

Antipasto Skewers

Marinated mozzarella, olives, and cherry tomatoes make a fun and tasty starter.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water

Pair with a nice Chianti or keep it light with bubbly water and lemon slices.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If creamy ravioli carbonara is your jam, you’ll definitely want to try these cozy pasta favorites:

• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use cheese ravioli or mix it up with mushroom? Did you sneak in peas or swap bacon for pancetta?

I love seeing your takes on my recipes. Ask away if you’re unsure about a step—we’re all here to help each other cook with joy.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comforting meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite dinner tonight!

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