Imagine the comforting aroma of pancetta sizzling in a pan, inviting everyone to the table. This Olive Garden inspired ravioli carbonara is just the dish to warm hearts and satisfy cravings. It’s a cozy favorite, and it always feels like a little treat at the end of a busy day.
Think tender cheese-filled ravioli coated in a creamy, savory sauce. You’ll use just a handful of pantry staples, making it as practical as it is delicious. It’s like a restaurant dish, but ready in 20 minutes, perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something special without the fuss.
Started whipping this up back when my kids were in school and I needed quick, delicious meals. The first time I served it, they devoured every bite, asking for seconds. I learned to keep the heat gentle while mixing in the egg, creating that silky sauce without scrambling it. After years of testing, this recipe feels like home.
Joe Rooney
Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Easy and Delicious
Discover a creamy, flavorful Olive Garden inspired ravioli carbonara that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly cheesy. This easy Olive Garden ravioli carbonara recipe combines tender cheese-filled ravioli with a luscious pancetta cream sauce and a rich egg yolk finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal, this cheesy baked ravioli carbonara delivers authentic Italian flavors in just 25 minutes.
1 (20-ounce) package cheese-filled ravioli (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk (or more cream for extra richness)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
2 large egg yolks, whisked
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Cracked black pepper, to taste
Method
Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
Cook the ravioli according to package directions, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta or bacon until it turns crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Transfer the cooked pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate and leave one tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan.
Add butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and milk, warming gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
Mix in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt, stirring until the cheese fully melts.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and gradually incorporate a few spoonfuls of the warm cream sauce, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the skillet while stirring nonstop.
Keep cooking and stirring for 2 more minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the drained ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
Fold in the crispy pancetta or bacon and mix everything together well.
If your sauce is thicker than desired, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
Serve topped with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Olive Garden-inspired ravioli carbonara right away!
Notes
For a richer sauce, substitute the whole milk with additional heavy cream. Be careful to temper the egg yolks gradually to avoid scrambling. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Get this Easy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe on the table in just 20 minutesperfect for busy weeknights.
Cozy Comfort: The cheesy, creamy sauce envelops tender ravioli, evoking a warm, nostalgic feeling.
Family Favorite: With its mix of crispy pancetta and rich flavors, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Flexible Ingredients: Use either fresh or frozen cheese-filled ravioli, making meal prep easy any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Tools
To whip up this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Carbonara, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
Cheese-filled ravioli (fresh or frozen)
Pancetta or bacon for that crispy, salty goodness
Heavy cream and whole milk to create a luxurious sauce
Parmesan cheese for richness
Basic kitchen tools: a large pot, skillet, whisk, and a draining colander
Note: Ensure your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor, especially the eggs and dairy!
How It Works Step-by-Step
Cook the Ravioli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, cook the ravioli according to package instructions, reserve some pasta water, then drain.
Cook the Pancetta: In a skillet, crisp up the pancetta or bacon, then remove and set aside, leaving a bit of that delicious fat in the pan.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then stir in cream and milk. Add cheese and seasonings, warming them together lightly before tempering the egg yolks.
Combine: Mix everything in the skillet, toss with ravioli, and add pasta water if needed for the desired sauce consistency.
Garnish: Finish with fresh parsley, more Parmesan, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately!
Troubleshooting Tips
Too Thick? If your sauce is thicker than desired, simply add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Scrambled Eggs? To prevent this, remember to temper the egg yolks by adding a little of the warm sauce first, before incorporating them back into the skillet.
Seasoning Adjustment: Taste as you go! Feel free to tweak with more salt, pepper, or cheese to suit your personal preference.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips
Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread would also be a delightful side!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Flavor and Ingredient Swaps
If you’re looking to switch it up or use what you have on hand, here are some friendly substitutions:
Ingredient
Swap
Pancetta
Bacon, smoked sausage, or turkey bacon
Heavy Cream
Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option
Parmesan Cheese
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile
Expert Says
Creating a rich sauce for your Olive Garden inspired ravioli carbonara involves balancing fat and acid. The creaminess from the egg yolks and cheese combines perfectly with the smoky notes of pancetta, while adding a splash of white wine elevates the flavor profile.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Reddit!
The Sweet Success of Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
After countless attempts to get this Olive Garden-inspired ravioli carbonara just right, I’ve finally struck gold. It started with a pan that was too hot, which turned cream into scrambled eggs. However, with patience and a few tweaks, I created a dish that’s rich and satisfyingperfect for any family gathering.
FAQs ( Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara )
What type of ravioli is best for this recipe?
Fresh or frozen cheese ravioli works best for this dish. You can use spinach or mushroom-stuffed ravioli for a delightful twist, but cheese is a classic choice that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Can I use bacon in place of pancetta?
Yes, you can substitute bacon for pancetta if needed, but it may impart a smokier flavor. Just be sure to cook the bacon until crispy to add the desired texture to this meal.
How can I make the sauce creamy?
For a creamier sauce, include extra heavy cream or half-and-half. Incorporating some grated Parmesan cheese can also help thicken and enrich the sauce, making every bite luscious and satisfying.
What side dishes go well with this dish?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also make excellent sides, offering a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Olive Garden inspired ravioli carbonara transforms simple ingredients into a cozy masterpiece in just 20 minutes. The aroma of crispy pancetta and creamy sauce will envelop your kitchen in warmth, making each bite feel like a comforting hug.
For a fun twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick! If you have leftovers, simply reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore that velvety texture. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is to always taste and adjust seasoningit makes all the difference.
I’d love to hear how your family enjoys this dish! Did you grow up with something similar? Snap a photo, share your thoughts, and don’t forget to save this recipe for those busy nights when you need a little love in your kitchen.
