Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

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Creamy, dreamy, and loaded with savory bacon goodness, this Olive Garden-inspired Ravioli Carbonara brings the best of restaurant comfort food right into your kitchen. With cheese-filled ravioli bathed in a rich carbonara sauce and topped with crispy bacon and fresh herbs, this dish delivers indulgence in every bite.

Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this ravioli recipe is a satisfying, one-pan dinner that feels fancy without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting guests, this creamy pasta meal is bound to impress—and you won’t believe how quick and easy it is to pull together.

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Why You’ll Love This Ravioli Carbonara

This recipe is a flavor-packed upgrade to the usual weeknight pasta. It combines the elegance of a creamy carbonara sauce with the richness of bacon and the satisfying bite of stuffed ravioli. You get restaurant-level flavor with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

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What Kind of Ravioli Should I Use?

You can use fresh or frozen cheese ravioli for this dish. Cheese-filled is classic for this creamy carbonara twist, but feel free to try spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even lobster ravioli if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure to cook them until tender but not mushy, since they’ll continue to warm in the sauce.

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Ingredients for the Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Cheese Ravioli
These plump pasta pockets are the heart of the dish, offering rich, cheesy flavor and a tender bite.

Thick-Cut Bacon
Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty depth to contrast the creamy sauce. It also brings a nice crunch!

Heavy Cream
The base of our carbonara-style sauce, heavy cream makes everything luscious and velvety.

Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan adds nutty, umami-rich flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

Egg Yolk
The secret to a true carbonara-style texture, egg yolk enriches the sauce and binds it all together.

Garlic
Sautéed until fragrant, garlic brings warmth and bold flavor to balance the richness.

Butter
Used to sauté the garlic and enhance the creamy texture of the sauce.

Salt & Black Pepper
Essential seasoning to make the flavors pop.

Fresh Chives or Parsley
These herbs give a pop of color and a hint of freshness right before serving.

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How To Make the Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese ravioli according to package directions (usually about 4 minutes if fresh, 7-8 minutes if frozen). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped thick-cut bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Add butter to the bacon drippings in the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 5: Temper the Egg Yolk

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk. Slowly add a tablespoon or two of the hot cream mixture into the yolk, whisking constantly to temper it. Then pour the tempered yolk back into the sauce, whisking to combine.

Step 6: Add Ravioli and Finish

Gently toss the cooked ravioli into the sauce. Let everything warm together for 2 minutes. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the crispy bacon and chopped herbs on top before serving.

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How to Serve This Ravioli Carbonara

Serve this dish warm and saucy, straight from the skillet to the plate. It feeds 4 people generously, or up to 6 if paired with a side salad and garlic bread. For a restaurant-style presentation, top with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper.

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How to Store Leftover Ravioli Carbonara

Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. It’s not freezer-friendly due to the dairy and pasta texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making the cream sauce?
Yes, but the homemade sauce is richer and more flavorful. If using Alfredo, heat it gently and stir in extra Parmesan and the tempered egg yolk for a carbonara feel.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love cheese ravioli, and the creamy sauce with bacon makes it even more appealing.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the garlic. Add mushrooms or peas for more flavor and texture.

What herbs go best with this dish?
Chopped fresh chives, parsley, or even basil work beautifully to balance the richness.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just double all ingredients, and use a large enough pan to handle the sauce and pasta together.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this ravioli carbonara, you’ll want to check out these other easy, satisfying meals:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake for another comfort classic.
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti with a cheesy, oven-finished twist.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for bold, beefy flavor.
• Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo for a seafood twist.
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo with rich tomato flavor and tender pasta.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic cheese ravioli or mix it up with mushroom or spinach? Did you skip the bacon or double it up?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more recipes like this one, check out Life With Livia on Pinterest!

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