Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

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Imagine the creamy richness of a restaurant-style carbonara, but with half the effort and all the comfort of home. This Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara is a dream for pasta lovers who want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With pillowy cheese ravioli drenched in a luscious Parmesan-cream sauce and topped with crispy bacon, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe captures the soul of a classic Italian-American dish but simplifies it into a weeknight wonder. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, it’s perfect for when you crave something cozy, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Bonus? You only need a handful of ingredients and one pan to make it happen.

What Kind of Ravioli Should I Use?

Cheese-stuffed ravioli works beautifully here since it balances the rich sauce without overpowering it. You can use store-bought fresh ravioli from the refrigerated section or frozen ones. Avoid meat-filled ravioli, which may clash with the bacon and creamy carbonara flavors.

Ingredients for the Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Cheese Ravioli – The star of the dish. It provides a creamy, cheesy bite that complements the carbonara sauce.

Bacon – Cooked until crispy, it adds a smoky depth and salty crunch that balances the richness.

Heavy Cream – The base of the carbonara sauce. It creates a velvety texture that clings to each ravioli.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharpness and umami to the cream sauce. Freshly grated is best for melting and flavor.

Garlic – Sautéed in the bacon fat, it adds a savory foundation to the sauce.

Black Pepper – A key flavor in carbonara, giving it that signature bite.

Parsley – For a touch of freshness and color to finish the dish.

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How To Make the Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Chop the bacon and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Add minced garlic to the pan with the bacon fat and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.

Step 3: Add the Parmesan

Lower the heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Ravioli

While the sauce simmers, cook the cheese ravioli according to the package directions. Drain and gently stir them into the sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Add most of the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the ravioli and sauce, tossing gently to combine. Serve topped with remaining bacon, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan.

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Ravioli Carbonara

Serve this dish hot right after it’s tossed together for the best creamy texture. If you have leftovers, store them 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 revive the sauce’s silkiness. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce can separate.

What to Serve With Easy Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of that rich sauce.

Caesar Salad

The tangy, crunchy freshness of a Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

A light veggie side with a touch of char makes a great contrast to creamy pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a juicy, herby brightness.

Lemon Broccolini

Zesty and crisp-tender broccolini cuts through the heaviness of the sauce.

Italian Sausage Bites

For a heartier spread, serve with bite-sized sausage skewers or slices.

Grilled Zucchini

A smoky, soft side that complements without competing.

Antipasto Platter

A small platter with olives, cheeses, and cured meats offers variety and elegance.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this ravioli carbonara, you’ll want to dive into these other creamy and satisfying favorites:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is your go-to for a meatier twist.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole brings even more cheesy comfort.
• Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli adds veggies and protein for a full meal.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce takes your tastebuds to another level.
• Creamy Beef and Shells is a nostalgic classic with grown-up flavor.

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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 full Olive Garden and serve it with salad and breadsticks? Or did you get creative with the add-ins?

I love hearing how you put your own spin on these comfort food classics. Ask any questions below—let’s make weeknight dinners delicious together.

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