Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

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Craving that creamy, cheesy, smoky flavor you get from a perfect carbonara but want it in ravioli form? This Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara brings together comfort and indulgence with pillowy pasta, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to recreate a restaurant-style dinner at home, this dish checks every box. It’s rich, easy to make, and comes together quickly using store-bought ravioli—no pasta machine required. The crisp bacon bits on top add just the right crunch and saltiness to complement the silky sauce.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this Ravioli Carbonara to life, you’ll need a few kitchen staples:

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Crucial for building the sauce and tossing the ravioli in all that creamy goodness without crowding.
• Medium saucepan: To cook the ravioli until just tender. If you’re using fresh pasta, keep an eye on timing.
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer: This helps scoop the ravioli straight from boiling water to sauce, saving time and preserving a bit of pasta water for emulsifying.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothing out the cream sauce and making sure the cheese doesn’t clump.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For dicing bacon and fresh herbs.

These tools aren’t fancy, but they make each step smoother and more efficient. A good skillet especially makes a difference when combining the bacon, cream, and cheese into that signature rich sauce.

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Ingredients for the Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

• Cheese Ravioli – These form the heart of the dish, bringing a creamy, cheesy bite to every forkful.
• Thick-Cut Bacon – Adds smoky flavor and a crispy topping contrast.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a luxurious base for the sauce.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan – Melts into the sauce, giving it that salty, umami punch.
• Garlic – Lightly sautéed for aroma and depth.
• Butter – Helps bind the sauce and adds richness.
• Parsley – For a fresh finish and pop of green.
• Salt and Cracked Black Pepper – To balance the flavors perfectly.

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How To Make the Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking chopped thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about a tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Add a bit of butter to the skillet and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep the heat medium-low to avoid burning.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3 minutes, then whisk in freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Boil the Ravioli

While the sauce simmers, cook the ravioli in salted boiling water according to package directions. Use a slotted spoon to gently transfer the ravioli directly into the cream sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the ravioli gently in the sauce until coated. Add most of the crispy bacon (reserve some for topping), season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, and stir in chopped parsley. Serve hot, topped with extra bacon and Parmesan.

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Serving and Storing This Creamy Ravioli Delight

Serve this dish hot off the stove, while the sauce is creamy and clings beautifully to the ravioli. It’s best plated in shallow bowls with a generous spoonful of bacon and herbs on top. Pair it with a light green salad or roasted veggies if you’re balancing richness.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Freezing is not recommended, as cream sauces tend to separate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen ravioli?

Yes, frozen ravioli works perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.

What kind of bacon should I use?

Thick-cut bacon is preferred for its meaty texture and flavor, but standard-cut works too if cooked until crisp.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich.

How do I avoid curdling the sauce?

Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cheese to avoid separating or clumping.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Not as written, but you can skip the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon crumbles.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a heartier beef-based dish. Or try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta if you love a spicy twist on creamy sauces.

Looking for something baked and indulgent? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna layers comfort in every bite.

Need another ravioli take? Check out the Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna for a cheesy casserole-style dinner.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you crisp your bacon extra crunchy? Did you add peas or mushrooms? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others spin it.

For daily updates and more pasta favorites, follow my boards on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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