Delicious Olive Garden Ravioli Recipe: A Simple Copycat

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s famous ravioli, you’re in for a treat!

This homemade Olive Garden Ravioli recipe brings the rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen.

Whether you’re craving a comforting Italian meal or looking to impress your family with a delicious homemade dish, this recipe will guide you through creating restaurant-quality ravioli from scratch—or using store-bought options for a quicker fix.

With a velvety filling, tender pasta, and a luscious sauce of your choice, this dish is a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Get ready to recreate the magic of Olive Garden at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Authentic Olive Garden Flavor at Home

This recipe captures the signature taste of Olive Garden’s ravioli, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dish without leaving your house.

2. Easy to Follow, Even for Beginners

Whether you’re making fresh ravioli from scratch or using pre-made pasta, the process is simple and rewarding.

3. Customizable to Your Taste

From choosing between Alfredo or marinara sauce to adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, this recipe is highly adaptable.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this ravioli dish is guaranteed to impress.

5. Made with Simple, High-Quality Ingredients

Using fresh, wholesome ingredients ensures a better taste and a healthier alternative to restaurant takeout.

Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get started! 🚀🍝

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ravioli Dough (If Making from Scratch)

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, creating a light yet sturdy texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and a slight fruity flavor to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the richness of the filling.
• Water: To help bring the dough together to the right consistency.

For the Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese: The creamy base of your filling, lending a mild, smooth texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the creaminess of the ricotta.
• Mozzarella cheese: For extra meltiness and a slightly chewy texture.
• Garlic powder: A pinch of garlic brings depth to the flavor.
• Nutmeg (optional): A touch of this warm spice enhances the richness of the filling.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, ensuring all the flavors are well-balanced.

For the Sauce

You can choose between two different sauce options depending on your preference:

• Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
  • Heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce, creating its silky, luxurious texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and depth.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic, finely minced, for aromatic flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese: For that unmistakable cheesy, umami flavor.
• Tomato Marinara Sauce:
  • Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the marinara sauce, creating a thick, tangy base.
  • Garlic & onion: For the classic Italian flavor.
  • Italian herbs: Oregano, basil, and thyme to add depth and aroma to the sauce.

For Garnishing

• Fresh basil or parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Extra Parmesan: To sprinkle on top for that finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Ravioli Dough (If Not Using Store-Bought)

Start by combining all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and crack in your eggs, adding a splash of olive oil.

Gradually mix with a fork until the dough begins to come together.

Slowly add water as needed to form a smooth dough, and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and firm. Once done, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures your pasta is soft and easy to work with.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

While your dough is resting, make the filling. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Stir in a pinch of garlic powder, a dash of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The filling should be thick, creamy, and well-seasoned. Set this aside, ready for the next step.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Assemble the Ravioli

Once the dough has rested, divide it into smaller sections for easier handling. Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll each section into a thin sheet.

Ensure it’s thin enough to fold easily but sturdy enough to hold the filling. Place small spoonfuls of the cheese filling on one half of the pasta sheet, making sure there’s enough space between each.

Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press down around the edges to seal, removing any air pockets.

Cut the ravioli into individual squares or circles, and press the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed tightly.

Step 4: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water, ensuring they don’t stick together.

Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface, signaling they are ready. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set them aside.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

For the Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently.

Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you’re making marinara sauce, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add the crushed tomatoes and herbs. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until it’s rich and thickened.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Toss the freshly cooked ravioli gently in your sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Plate the ravioli, top with extra Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color.

And there you have it—your homemade Olive Garden-inspired ravioli, ready to enjoy! 🍽

What to Serve with Olive Garden-Style Ravioli

1. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

No Italian meal feels complete without a side of warm, crispy garlic bread or Olive Garden’s signature breadsticks.

The soft, buttery texture of these sides complements the rich, creamy ravioli, allowing you to scoop up any leftover sauce.

You can easily make garlic bread at home by toasting baguette slices with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley.

2. Fresh Side Salad with Italian Dressing

A light, fresh salad is the perfect contrast to the rich ravioli. Think of a classic Italian-style salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and Kalamata olives.

Dress it with tangy Italian dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing balance to the creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant make a wonderful side dish to complement the hearty ravioli.

The smoky, caramelized flavor of roasted veggies provides a lighter contrast to the richness of the pasta and sauce.

4. Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans

For something a little more refined, serve steamed asparagus or green beans with your ravioli. Their bright, crisp flavors help cut through the creamy sauce and add a pop of color to the plate.

5. Wine Pairing

If you’re in the mood for wine, a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

For a heartier tomato marinara, a Chianti or Sangiovese will bring out the savory, herby flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

How to Store Leftover Ravioli

To store leftover ravioli, carefully place them in an airtight container. Make sure the sauce and ravioli are separate, as this helps maintain the texture of the pasta. Store both the cooked ravioli and sauce in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

If you have uncooked ravioli, you can freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can cook them from frozen without needing to thaw.

How to Reheat

• For Refrigerated Ravioli:
  To reheat refrigerated ravioli, gently simmer them in a pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through. If you’re reheating the sauce, simply warm it up in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to bring back the creamy consistency.
• For Frozen Ravioli:
  If you’ve frozen your ravioli, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just drop them into boiling water straight from the freezer and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until they float to the surface. You can also reheat the sauce the same way by gently warming it in a pan.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden-Style Ravioli recipe is a fantastic way to recreate the restaurant experience at home, offering the rich, comforting flavors we all love.

Whether you’re making the ravioli dough from scratch or opting for store-bought, you’ll enjoy a dish that’s flavorful, customizable, and sure to impress. The creamy cheese filling, coupled with the sauce of your choice, brings the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort.

The best part? This recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special meal for guests.

So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfying process of making this beloved dish from the comfort of your kitchen.

After all, good food is meant to be shared—so don’t forget to invite others to the table to share in the delicious experience. Buon appetito!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought ravioli for this recipe?

Yes! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, you can use store-bought ravioli instead of making them from scratch. Simply follow the same steps for cooking and pairing them with the sauce of your choice.

2. Can I freeze homemade ravioli?

Absolutely! To freeze homemade ravioli, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can cook frozen ravioli straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the boiling time.

3. How can I make the cheese filling extra creamy?

For a richer filling, you can add a small amount of cream cheese or mascarpone alongside the ricotta. This will give the filling an even creamier texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the ravioli ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to cook them before serving. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

5. What’s the best way to reheat leftover ravioli?

The best way to reheat leftover ravioli is to gently simmer them in boiling water for a few minutes. You can also reheat the sauce separately in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency. This method keeps the ravioli soft and prevents them from becoming soggy.