Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe
This copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara recipe is your golden ticket to creamy, cheesy bliss, packed with all the good stuff – cheese, bacon, and more cheese! This easy family-friendly recipe is a foolproof way to impress everyone from your picky eater to your foodie friend. Plus, it’s so quick to whip up, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time digging in!
Why you will love making Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Here’s why you’re going to adore making this Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara:
- Easy to Follow: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: It comes together quickly, offering a gourmet meal without the reservation or long wait.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy sauce, combined with the cheese and bacon, creates a comfort food masterpiece.
- Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to customize this dish to your liking.
- Impressive Flavor: Despite its simplicity, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
- Family Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a meal option for the whole family. It’s the BEST weeknight pasta dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to make Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making this Olive Garden Cheese Ravioli Recipe at home is so simple. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to your table:
Ingredients Assembly
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This recipe calls for cheese ravioli, butter, minced garlic cloves, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Mozzarella cheese, milk, salt and pepper, bacon bits, and fresh parsley. Having everything on hand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Cooking the Cheese-Filled Ravioli
Boil the ravioli according to the package directions. This usually involves boiling them in salted water in a large pot until they float to the surface, indicating they’re done. Drain them and set them aside, reserving a bit of the cooking water for the sauce if needed.
Preparing the Creamy Carbonara Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Substitute olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for a couple of minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter.
Add the cream, a mix of Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese, and a splash of milk to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the delicious alfredo carbonara sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combining Ravioli and Sauce
Add the cooked ravioli to the pan with the creamy sauce. Gently toss the ravioli in the sauce, until they’re well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving
Serve the ravioli carbonara hot, garnished with bacon bits, additional shredded Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. This final touch adds a burst of flavor and color that makes the dish even more appealing.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some insider tips to make your Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara even better:
- Cheese: For the best flavor, use high-quality Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese. Grate it yourself for a fresher taste and smoother melt.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks. You want it fragrant, not browned, to avoid a bitter taste.
- Consistency: Adjust the sauce’s thickness by playing with the cream and milk ratios. For a thicker sauce, add more cheese or a little flour whisked into some of the sauce before incorporating it back into the pan. For a thinner sauce, add more milk or a splash of pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add in some extra ingredients like mushrooms, broccoli, peas, fresh basil, or even spinach to sneak in those veggies and add a pop of color. Pancetta or shrimp for shrimp carbonara can add a boost of protein and texture.
- Bacon Bits: For a crunchier texture, you can fry your own crispy bacon and crumble it over the top instead of using store-bought bacon bits.
- Pasta Perfection: Make sure your ravioli is cooked al dente for the best texture. Overcooked ravioli can become mushy and lose its shape when mixed with the sauce.
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ravioli? Absolutely! While cheesy ravioli adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish, you can substitute it with other pasta types (dried or fresh pasta) like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a different twist on the classic carbonara. You can also use mushroom-filled ravioli for another taste.
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon bits and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also explore vegetarian bacon alternatives for that smoky flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free ravioli or pasta. Most supermarkets carry a range of gluten-free options nowadays, making it easy to adapt the recipe to your dietary needs.
How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your Ravioli Carbonara tasting great for later:
- Cool and Airtight: Let the dish cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the ravioli gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce when reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.
- Freezing: If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze them in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently for best results.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Making Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara at home is not only delicious but can also be cost-effective. Here are three tips to save money while preparing this scrumptious dish:
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase ingredients like pasta, cheese, and bacon in bulk and use them in multiple recipes throughout the week.
- DIY Bacon Bits: Make your own bacon bits from scratch. Buy bacon when it’s on sale, cook it up, crumble it, and freeze for later use.
- Bulk Cooking: Make a large batch of the carbonara sauce and freeze it in portions. It’s a time and money saver for future meals.
What to Serve with Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Pairing the right side dishes with your Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara can turn a simple meal into a feast. Here are some ideas to complement your creamy pasta:
Fresh Salad
A crisp, fresh salad is the perfect counterbalance to the rich and creamy carbonara. Opt for a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing or a classic Caesar salad to add a refreshing touch to your meal. The acidity and crispness of the salad will cut through the richness of the carbonara beautifully.
Garlic Bread
No pasta dish is complete without a side of warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s great for soaking up any leftover sauce and adds a lovely garlic punch that pairs well with the carbonara. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Breadsticks are also a great option in a pinch.
Roasted Vegetables
For a healthier side option, try roasting a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, making them a delightful complement to the savory flavors of the ravioli carbonara.
More Comfort Food Recipes You Will Love
- Cheesy Caprese Pesto Tarts
- Walking Taco Casserole
- Copycat KFC Chicken Zinger Burger
- Chipotle Pasta
- Tuna Casserole
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Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheese ravioli
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and pepper
- ¼ cup bacon bits
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the ravioli according to the package directions. Reserve.2 cups cheese ravioli
- In a non-stick skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic cloves. Cook for a couple of minutes, or until fragrant.2 tablespoons butter, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the cream, cheese, and milk. Mix well and cook for a few minutes, or until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.1 cup cream, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons milk, Salt and pepper
- Add the ravioli to the pan and mix well.
- Serve with bacon bits, shredded Parmesan cheese, and parsley.¼ cup bacon bits, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, Fresh parsley
Notes
- Cheese: For the best flavor, use high-quality Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese. Grate it yourself for a fresher taste and smoother melt.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks. You want it fragrant, not browned, to avoid a bitter taste.
- Consistency: Adjust the sauce’s thickness by playing with the cream and milk ratios. For a thicker sauce, add more cheese or a little flour whisked into some of the sauce before incorporating it back into the pan. For a thinner sauce, add more milk or a splash of pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add in some extra ingredients like mushrooms, broccoli, peas, fresh basil, or even spinach to sneak in those veggies and add a pop of color. Pancetta or shrimp for shrimp carbonara can add a boost of protein and texture.
- Bacon Bits: For a crunchier texture, you can fry your own crispy bacon and crumble it over the top instead of using store-bought bacon bits.
- Pasta Perfection: Make sure your ravioli is cooked al dente for the best texture. Overcooked ravioli can become mushy and lose its shape when mixed with the sauce.
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ravioli? Absolutely! While cheesy ravioli adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish, you can substitute it with other pasta types (dried or fresh pasta) like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a different twist on the classic carbonara. You can also use mushroom-filled ravioli for another taste.
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon bits and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also explore vegetarian bacon alternatives for that smoky flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free ravioli or pasta. Most supermarkets carry a range of gluten-free options nowadays, making it easy to adapt the recipe to your dietary needs.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool and Airtight: Let the dish cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the ravioli gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce when reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.
- Freezing: If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze them in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently for best results.
