Homemade Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of creamy, indulgent pasta dishes, Olive Garden’s Ravioli Carbonara is a must-try. This dish combines tender, cheese-filled ravioli with a rich and velvety carbonara sauce, topped with crispy bacon for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Making this restaurant favorite at home is easier than you might think! Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have full control over the ingredients—allowing you to adjust flavors, portion sizes, and even experiment with different ravioli fillings.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to recreate Olive Garden’s Ravioli Carbonara, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the creamy sauce. Get ready to bring a taste of your favorite Italian-American restaurant to your own kitchen!

What is Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara?

A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Traditional carbonara is an Italian pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, creating a creamy sauce without the use of heavy cream.

Olive Garden’s take on Ravioli Carbonara puts a unique spin on this classic by using a rich Alfredo-style sauce combined with crispy bacon, Parmesan cheese, and stuffed ravioli instead of spaghetti.

What Makes It So Irresistible?

The magic of this dish lies in its combination of flavors and textures. The pillowy cheese ravioli provide a rich and creamy bite, while the savory bacon adds a crispy, smoky contrast.

The carbonara-inspired sauce ties everything together with its smooth, garlicky, and cheesy goodness.

How It Compares to Other Carbonara Dishes

Unlike traditional Italian carbonara, which relies on eggs to create the creamy texture, Olive Garden’s version uses a more Americanized Alfredo base—typically made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

This results in a richer and more indulgent dish that pairs beautifully with ravioli, making it a standout item on the restaurant’s menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate Olive Garden’s Ravioli Carbonara, you’ll need a few key ingredients that bring together the rich, creamy sauce and the tender, cheese-filled pasta.

For the Ravioli

• Cheese Ravioli (16 oz) – Store-bought or homemade, filled with ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
• Salt (for boiling water) – Enhances the flavor of the ravioli.

For the Carbonara Sauce

• Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps create the smooth base of the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Provides a fragrant, savory depth.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – The foundation for the creamy carbonara-style sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup, grated) – For a bold, nutty, cheesy flavor.
• Egg Yolks (2, beaten) – Thickens the sauce and adds a velvety texture.
• Black Pepper (½ tsp, freshly ground) – Enhances the classic carbonara flavor.

For the Toppings

• Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled) – The star of the dish, adding a crispy, smoky bite.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – For a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Extra Parmesan (for garnish, optional) – Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara at home is surprisingly simple.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a perfectly creamy, indulgent dish.

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli or 7-8 minutes for frozen).
3. Drain the ravioli and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
3. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.

Step 3: Make the Carbonara Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously, letting it warm up but not boil.
4. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
5. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks, then slowly add a spoonful of the warm sauce to temper the eggs (this prevents scrambling).
6. Gently stir the tempered eggs back into the sauce, mixing until the sauce thickens.
7. Add black pepper and stir. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

1. Reduce the heat to low and gently toss the cooked ravioli in the creamy sauce.
2. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon, allowing everything to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Plate the ravioli and generously spoon extra sauce over the top.
2. Sprinkle with the remaining crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finishing touch.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara!

Tips for the Perfect Ravioli Carbonara

Creating a restaurant-quality Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara at home is all about technique and balance.

Here are some expert tips to ensure a creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked dish every time.

1. Cook the Ravioli Just Right

• Ravioli is delicate, so avoid overcooking—it should be tender but not falling apart.
• Drain carefully and toss with a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking if not adding to the sauce immediately.

2. Achieve the Perfect Carbonara Sauce

• Temper the egg yolks before adding them to the sauce—this prevents scrambling and ensures a silky consistency.
• Stir continuously while adding Parmesan cheese to prevent clumping.
• If the sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until smooth.

3. Get Crispy, Flavorful Bacon

• Cook the bacon slowly over medium heat for an even crisp.
• Use pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic Italian flavor.
• Save a little bacon grease to enhance the sauce’s richness.

4. Season Thoughtfully

• Parmesan and bacon already add salt, so taste before adding extra.
• Freshly ground black pepper is essential for authentic carbonara flavor.

5. Serve Immediately

• Carbonara sauce thickens quickly as it cools, so serve the dish as soon as it’s ready.
• If reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about making Ravioli Carbonara at home is the ability to customize it to your preferences.

Here are a few delicious variations to try:

1. Add Protein for a Hearty Meal

• Grilled Chicken – Sliced, seasoned chicken breast makes a great addition.
• Shrimp – Lightly sautéed shrimp pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Italian Sausage – A spicy or mild sausage adds depth of flavor.

2. Try Different Ravioli Fillings

• Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli – A great option for a slightly lighter version.
• Mushroom Ravioli – Earthy mushrooms add a gourmet touch.
• Lobster Ravioli – Elevate the dish with a luxurious seafood twist.

3. Make It Lighter

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.
• Use turkey bacon or prosciutto for a leaner protein option.
• Reduce cheese slightly to cut down on fat without sacrificing flavor.

4. Enhance with Extra Ingredients

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds a sweet and tangy burst of flavor.
• Caramelized Onions – Brings a touch of sweetness and depth.
• Fresh Spinach – Toss in for added greens and a nutritional boost.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the steps, tips, and variations, you’re ready to make a restaurant-quality Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara right in your own kitchen!

This dish is rich, creamy, and full of irresistible flavors—perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests.

Making it from scratch allows you to customize the ingredients, adjust the flavors to your liking, and enjoy the satisfaction of recreating one of Olive Garden’s fan-favorite dishes.

Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different proteins and ravioli fillings, this dish is sure to be a hit.

We’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share it with your fellow pasta lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pasta instead of ravioli?

Yes! While ravioli is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can substitute fresh fettuccine, spaghetti, or pappardelle.

Just keep in mind that fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, so adjust the boiling time accordingly.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover ravioli carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce.

Avoid microwaving on high, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Look for gluten-free ravioli at your local grocery store or make homemade gluten-free pasta.

Also, ensure that all ingredients, including bacon and cheese, are gluten-free certified if needed.

4. What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water, cream, or milk to loosen it up. Always keep the heat low when mixing the sauce with the ravioli to maintain its smooth texture.

5. Can I make this dish without eggs?

Yes! While eggs help thicken traditional carbonara sauce, you can skip them and use extra heavy cream for a creamy, Alfredo-like texture. It won’t be an exact carbonara, but it will still be delicious!