Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe

With its creamy sauce, bacon bits, and perfectly cooked ravioli, it feels like a restaurant experience right in your own kitchen.

The secret here is to make sure the cheese melts gently into the cream for a smooth texture.

You’ll love the way the crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it can be a lifesaver to thin out the sauce if it gets too thick.

It’s an easy recipe to follow, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.

How to Make Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

• 1 cup Cream
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 pack Cheese Ravioli (16 oz.)
• 4 slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 small Onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2:

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.

Sauté until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3:

Add the cream to the pan, stirring constantly.

Mix in the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt completely into the sauce.

Step 4:

Add milk, salt, and pepper to the mixture.

Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 5:

Add the cooked ravioli to the pan and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Top with crumbled bacon and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Crisping the Bacon:

Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy.

This adds a delightful crunch to the creamy ravioli.

Adjusting the Creaminess:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk or add a bit more cheese.

Conversely, for a lighter sauce, add a splash more milk.

Fresh Ingredients:

Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.

Pre-grated cheese often lacks the creaminess needed for a perfect sauce.

Keeping Ravioli Intact:

Gently stir the ravioli to prevent them from breaking apart.

Handle them carefully when draining and mixing with the sauce.

Enhancing the Flavor:

For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top before serving.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Garlic Bread

A classic side to pair with ravioli carbonara is garlic bread.

You can make it by spreading a mix of butter, garlic, and parsley on sliced baguettes and baking them until crispy.

The crunchy texture and garlic flavor complement the creamy carbonara sauce perfectly.

Caesar Salad

For a refreshing contrast, serve a crisp Caesar salad.

The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons add a nice balance to the rich ravioli.

Grilled Asparagus

Add some color and freshness to your plate with grilled asparagus.

Simply season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender.

The charred flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy ravioli.

Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Try something different with lemon roasted Brussels sprouts.

Toss the sprouts with olive oil, lemon zest, and a touch of sea salt before roasting until caramelized.

The lemon adds a zesty twist that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

A tomato and mozzarella salad can bring a fresh and juicy component to your meal.

Slice fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and sprinkle with basil.

It’s a light and delicious side that complements the ravioli carbonara.

Variations and Substitutions

You can swap out the cheese ravioli for mushroom or spinach ravioli to add a different flavor dimension to your Carbonara dish.

Instead of bacon, try using pancetta or even prosciutto for a slightly different taste with a touch of Italian authenticity.

Light cream can be substituted with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter sauce.

Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and focus on adding more cheeses like Romano and Mozzarella or even some sautéed vegetables.

Gluten-free ravioli is an excellent choice for those looking to avoid gluten. The sauce remains the same, maintaining the creamy goodness without any compromise.

Extra Veggies

Adding vegetables like peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes brings a fresh, flavorful twist.

You could sauté the veggies in a little olive oil before mixing them into the sauce for added depth of flavor.

Different Cheeses

Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination, like adding goat cheese or gouda.

Using a mix of cheeses can enhance the savory profile and provide a more complex taste.

Feel free to get creative with these substitutions and make the recipe your own!

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Storing leftover Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara properly ensures that it stays fresh and tasty for later.

Make sure the dish is cooled completely before you attempt to store it.

Use an airtight container to keep the ravioli carbonara.

Refrigerate the container within two hours of cooking to keep it safe to eat.

Portion Sizes

Divide the leftovers into smaller portions for easier reheating.

Doing this will also help the ravioli stay intact and maintain its texture.

Smaller portions will cool down faster, reducing the time food spends at unsafe temperatures.

Airtight Containers

Choose an airtight container that fits the portion size well.

Remove as much air as possible before sealing the container.

Label the container with the date so you remember when to eat it by.

Freezing Option

If you desire to store the ravioli for more than a couple of days, freezing is a great method.

Place the ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.

This technique prevents the ravioli from clumping together, making it easier to heat just the amount you need.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Pasta Cooking Time

Make sure to cook the ravioli until it’s just al dente.

Overcooking can result in mushy pasta, which isn’t pleasant.

Follow the package instructions precisely for the best texture.

Lumpy Sauce

Always whisk the flour into the cream and milk mixture quickly to avoid lumps.

Continuous stirring is key to achieving a smooth and velvety sauce.

If you notice lumps, strain the sauce before adding it to the pasta.

Overloading the Sauce with Salt

Be cautious when seasoning the sauce with salt, especially if you’re using bacon.

Bacon already contains a good amount of salt and can make the dish too salty.

Taste the sauce before adding extra salt to ensure it’s well-balanced.

By keeping these common mistakes in mind, your Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara will turn out delicious every time!