Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Featured in: Everyday Comfort Dishes

This dish features cheese ravioli enveloped in a rich carbonara sauce made from pancetta, creamy dairy, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is gently thickened with egg yolks, creating a silky texture that clings to each bite. Fresh parsley and cracked black pepper brighten the flavors, while crispy pancetta adds savory crunch. The preparation balances minimal effort with satisfying depth, ideal for a comforting, flavorful weeknight meal. Vegetarian options can omit pancetta and add mushrooms for earthiness.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:04:00 GMT
Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara, topped with crispy pancetta and fresh parsley, looks absolutely delicious. Pin Recipe
Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara, topped with crispy pancetta and fresh parsley, looks absolutely delicious. | fordishes.com

Cheese ravioli tossed in a creamy carbonara sauce with crispy pancetta, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. This Italian-inspired comfort dish delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal effort perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

This dish brings back memories of family dinners where everyone asked for seconds and the kitchen smelled heavenly.

Ingredients

  • Cheese-filled ravioli: 567 grams fresh or frozen
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon for boiling water
  • Pancetta or bacon: 113 grams diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Heavy cream: 240 milliliters
  • Whole milk: 120 milliliters or use all cream for extra richness
  • Parmesan cheese: 50 grams grated
  • Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
  • Egg yolks: 2 large whisked
  • Unsalted butter: 28 grams
  • Parmesan cheese (garnish): 25 grams grated
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped
  • Cracked black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Fill a large pot with water add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions (3 to 5 minutes if fresh 8 to 10 minutes if frozen) Reserve 120 milliliters of the pasta cooking water Drain ravioli and set aside
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat cook diced pancetta or bacon until crisp about 4 to 5 minutes Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate Leave about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet
Step 3:
In the same skillet melt the butter and add minced garlic Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant Reduce the heat to medium-low then add heavy cream and milk Stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes to warm Add grated Parmesan black pepper and salt whisk until the cheese melts into the sauce
Step 4:
In a small bowl whisk egg yolks Gradually add several tablespoons of the warm sauce to the yolks whisking constantly to temper Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the skillet stirring continuously Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly (do not boil)
Step 5:
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce Return pancetta or bacon to the pan and mix well If the sauce is too thick add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached
Step 6:
Divide ravioli among serving plates Top with extra grated Parmesan chopped parsley and cracked black pepper Serve immediately
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This recipe has become a family favorite bringing everyone to the table with a smile and full plates.

Required Tools

Large pot Large skillet Slotted spoon or strainer Whisk Ladle or measuring cup Mixing bowl Chefs knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (ravioli) Eggs Milk (cheese cream butter) May contain Tree nuts if using certain brands of cheese Double-check all labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 645 Total Fat 38 g Carbohydrates 47 g Protein 27 g per serving

A close-up shot of Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara showcases rich, cheesy pasta in a luscious sauce. Pin Recipe
A close-up shot of Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara showcases rich, cheesy pasta in a luscious sauce. | fordishes.com

This creamy carbonara ravioli is sure to become a go-to dish for easy comfort food evenings.

Recipe FAQs

How do I prevent ravioli from sticking together during cooking?

Use plenty of boiling salted water and stir gently during the first minute of cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pot and drain ravioli carefully.

Can I substitute pancetta with another ingredient?

Bacon works well as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta and sauté mushrooms in olive oil for added flavor.

How is the carbonara sauce thickened without curdling?

Egg yolks are tempered by gradually adding warm sauce before combining. Stirring continuously while cooking gently thickens sauce without scrambling eggs.

What’s the best way to adjust sauce consistency?

Use reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to thin the sauce until it reaches the desired creaminess and coats the ravioli nicely.

What wine pairs well with this creamy dish?

A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Italian red wine complements the rich, savory flavors without overpowering the palate.

Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Cheese ravioli tossed in creamy carbonara sauce with pancetta, Parmesan, and fresh parsley.

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cooking Duration
20 mins
Complete Time
30 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Vegetarian Option

Ingredient List

Ravioli

01 20 oz cheese-filled ravioli (fresh or frozen)
02 1 teaspoon salt, for boiling water

Carbonara Sauce

01 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 cup heavy cream
04 1/2 cup whole milk (or use all cream for extra richness)
05 1.75 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
06 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 2 large egg yolks, whisked
09 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Garnish

01 1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
02 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
03 Cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Cook ravioli: Fill a large pot with water, add 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions (3–5 minutes if fresh, 8–10 minutes if frozen). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain ravioli and set aside.

Step 02

Prepare pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta or bacon until crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 03

Make sauce base: Melt butter in the same skillet and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream and milk. Stir gently for 2–3 minutes to warm. Add grated Parmesan, black pepper, and salt; whisk until cheese melts into the sauce.

Step 04

Temper egg yolks: In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually add several tablespoons of warm sauce to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper. Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the skillet, stirring continuously. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly without boiling.

Step 05

Combine ravioli and sauce: Add cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Return pancetta or bacon to the pan and mix well. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Step 06

Serve: Divide ravioli among plates. Top with extra grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Needed Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon or strainer
  • Whisk
  • Ladle or measuring cup
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (ravioli), eggs, milk (cheese, cream, butter)
  • May contain tree nuts depending on cheese brand; verify labels if concerned

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 645
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 27 g