Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

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Craving that creamy, cozy restaurant pasta but want it from your own kitchen? This Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara delivers rich, cheesy indulgence with a bacon-kissed finish that brings all the comfort of your favorite Italian-American dish home.

Imagine tender cheese ravioli swimming in a silky Parmesan cream sauce, layered with crispy pancetta or bacon, and finished with cracked black pepper and parsley. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply feeding your carb-loving soul on a weeknight, this recipe satisfies on every level.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the most out of this dish, start with the right tools:

• Large Nonstick Skillet: Crucial for crisping up pancetta or bacon evenly without sticking. Also used for building the sauce.
• Medium Pot: Needed to boil your ravioli until perfectly al dente. Choose a deep pot to prevent sticking and give pasta room to move.
• Slotted Spoon: Helpful to scoop the ravioli directly into the sauce without over-draining.
• Microplane Grater: Ensures fine, fluffy Parmesan that melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for gently tossing ravioli in the sauce without breaking them apart.

Having these on hand not only makes the process smooth but ensures your carbonara sauce comes together with the perfect balance of texture and richness.

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Ingredients for the Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

• Cheese Ravioli: The heart of this dish. Choose fresh or frozen, filled with ricotta or a cheese blend for a creamy bite.
• Pancetta or Bacon: Adds smoky depth and crispy texture, mimicking that signature carbonara flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the rich, silky base of the sauce, essential for indulgence.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, it melts into the sauce to deliver umami-packed flavor.
• Garlic: A quick sauté adds aromatic depth.
• Black Pepper: A must-have in carbonara, giving warmth and bite.
• Butter: Helps marry all elements into a cohesive, glossy sauce.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and freshness on top.

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How To Make the Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon or Pancetta

In a large nonstick skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2: Start the Sauce Base

Add a tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir frequently and let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Parmesan & Pepper

Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Season generously with black pepper.

Step 5: Cook the Ravioli

While the sauce is simmering, boil ravioli in a medium pot of salted water according to package directions. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the ravioli directly into the sauce.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Gently toss the ravioli to coat in the sauce. Add crispy pancetta or bacon back in and mix. Top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Ravioli Carbonara

Serve this dish immediately while warm and the sauce is velvety. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a satisfying meal. It also shines on its own as a main course.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought Alfredo instead?

You can, but making the sauce fresh gives it a silkier, more authentic texture and flavor.

What if I don’t eat pork?

Swap pancetta or bacon with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives—you’ll still get that nice texture.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze cooled ravioli carbonara in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What ravioli flavors work best?

Classic cheese ravioli works beautifully, but spinach-ricotta or mushroom-filled ravioli also pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

How do I avoid the sauce clumping?

Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir continuously. Don’t let the sauce boil once the Parmesan is in.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If creamy pasta is your comfort zone, don’t miss out on these hearty favorites. You might love the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a meaty twist with broad noodles. For a fun casserole option, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe—spicy and cheesy in layers.

Looking for more soup-meets-pasta magic? The Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup or Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup are cozy choices that deliver in both comfort and taste.

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If you try this Ravioli Carbonara, I’d love to hear how you served it. Did you go pancetta or bacon? Add mushrooms or peas? Let me know in the comments!

And for more delicious ideas daily, visit my Pinterest LadyPlate page and follow along for new recipes every week.

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