Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

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If you’re like me, you’ve probably had a craving for something rich, creamy, and full of comfort—but you didn’t want to wait for a restaurant table. That’s exactly what inspired this Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara. It’s a homemade twist on a beloved classic, bringing together tender cheese ravioli, crispy bacon, and a silky parmesan cream sauce that’s so satisfying, it tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian-American bistro.

I’ve always been a fan of Olive Garden’s carbonara dishes, but this version is even better because you control the ingredients, the richness, and the flavor intensity. It’s a weeknight dinner you can actually look forward to, without needing to make fresh pasta from scratch. I promise you, once you try this version, it’s going to make its way into your regular meal rotation.

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

This recipe is a dream for busy weeknights and indulgent weekends alike. It’s rich without being heavy, quick but full of flavor, and layered with textures from the soft ravioli to the crispy bacon bits. The creamy parmesan sauce is pure comfort, and the fact that it’s all done in under 30 minutes is just a bonus. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for both picky eaters and gourmet lovers alike.

What Kind of Ravioli Should I Use?

I recommend using refrigerated cheese ravioli for this dish—they cook faster and hold up beautifully in the sauce. You can also use frozen ravioli; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you want to experiment, go for spinach and ricotta or even mushroom-stuffed ravioli for a deeper umami kick.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t eat pork? Swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta for a more Italian flair. Want to lighten things up? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. And for a vegetarian twist, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to give that savory depth.

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Ingredients for this Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

• Cheese Ravioli – The star of the dish. Use refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli for convenience. Their soft, cheesy centers pair perfectly with the creamy carbonara sauce.
• Bacon – Adds a salty, smoky crunch. It also infuses the sauce with an incredible depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream – The base of the carbonara sauce. It brings the luxurious, silky texture you expect from a restaurant-quality sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – For sharp, nutty richness. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
• Egg Yolk – This is traditional in carbonara-style sauces. It adds extra creaminess and helps emulsify the sauce.
• Garlic – Just a clove or two, finely minced, to deepen the flavor.
• Black Pepper – Freshly cracked is best. Adds warmth and a classic bite to balance the creaminess.
• Salt – For seasoning the pasta water and adjusting the final flavor.
• Parsley – A finishing touch for freshness and color.

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Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions (usually 4-6 minutes if using refrigerated). Stir gently to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the ravioli is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the bacon grease in the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—you just want to release its flavor.

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Step 4: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and a few tablespoons of the hot cream mixture to temper it. Then slowly whisk the tempered yolk back into the skillet. Add the grated parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Step 5: Combine and Toss

Add the drained ravioli to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving a bit for topping. Let everything warm through together for 1-2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the ravioli and sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top. Add a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of parsley, and an extra shaving of parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

This recipe is perfect when you’re short on time but still want something indulgent. From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes.

Prep Time: The prep mainly involves chopping bacon, mincing garlic, and grating cheese. You can get all that done in under 10 minutes.

Cooking Time: The actual cook time, including boiling the ravioli and simmering the sauce, is around 20 minutes. If you’re using frozen ravioli, add just 2-3 minutes more. Timing is tight and efficient, making this a go-to for a busy evening.

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Tips for Perfect Ravioli Carbonara

• Use fresh parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture. Pre-shredded versions don’t melt as well.
• Temper the egg yolk properly so it doesn’t scramble when added to the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the ravioli—they’re delicate and should be tender, not mushy.
• Reserve pasta water in case the sauce gets too thick. It helps create a silkier texture.
• Serve immediately after tossing. This dish is best when it’s hot and creamy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Adding the egg yolk directly to hot sauce without tempering. It can curdle instantly.
• Using low-quality bacon. The bacon is a major flavor contributor, so go for thick-cut or smoked varieties.
• Letting the sauce boil. High heat can cause the cream to separate or the cheese to clump.
• Skipping salt in the pasta water. It’s the first layer of seasoning your dish gets.
• Overcrowding the skillet. Tossing ravioli in a cramped pan can lead to tearing and uneven coating.

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What to Serve With Ravioli Carbonara?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

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

3. Roasted Asparagus

A healthy side with a slightly bitter bite that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

4. Caprese Skewers

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella add a bright, refreshing contrast.

5. Sparkling Lemon Water or Light White Wine

Either of these helps cleanse the palate and balance the heaviness of the cream sauce.

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Storage Instructions

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

Freezing: While you can freeze the ravioli, creamy sauces tend to separate after thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked ravioli without the sauce and make the sauce fresh.

Make Ahead Tips: You can pre-cook the bacon and prep the garlic and cheese a day in advance to make the assembly even faster.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with homemade ravioli?

Yes, if you have the time! Just make sure they’re sealed well so they don’t fall apart in the sauce.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolk?

The egg yolk gets tempered and mixed into the hot cream, bringing it to a safe temperature. Just make sure it’s fresh and of good quality.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Peas, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions and boost the nutrition.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low and add the egg yolk slowly after tempering. Never let the sauce boil.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep all components separately and assemble just before serving.

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Conclusion

This Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara checks every box for a comforting, impressive, and effortless meal. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, it delivers restaurant-level results with simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of your time. Once you master this, you’ll never need to rely on takeout carbonara again.

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