Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Featured in: Cheesy Comfort Bites

This dish features tender cheese-filled ravioli coated in a luscious carbonara sauce made with crispy pancetta, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. The sauce blends heavy cream, milk, and egg yolks for a rich texture, enhanced with garlic and butter. Perfectly balanced with black pepper and a hint of salt, it's a quick, comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes. For a vegetarian touch, omit the pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms for a flavorful alternative.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:03:00 GMT
Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara features cheese ravioli coated in rich, flavorful carbonara sauce. Save
Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara features cheese ravioli coated in rich, flavorful carbonara sauce. | williesnack.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 recipe quickly became a favorite in my home I love how the creamy sauce perfectly complements the cheesy ravioli

Ingredients

  • Cheese ravioli: 567 grams cheese-filled ravioli (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 for sauce, 25 grams grated for garnish
  • Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon plus cracked pepper to taste
  • Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
  • Egg yolks: 2 large whisked
  • Unsalted butter: 28 grams
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped

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 (3–5 minutes if fresh 8–10 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 4–5 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 2–3 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 dish always brings the family together with smiles and second helpings guaranteed

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 If unsure double-check all labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

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

A close-up of delicious Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara with crispy pancetta and fresh parsley garnish. Save
A close-up of delicious Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara with crispy pancetta and fresh parsley garnish. | williesnack.com

This Carbonara Ravioli is a perfect weeknight meal that combines rich flavors with ease Give it a try and enjoy a comforting Italian classic

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I prevent the ravioli from breaking during cooking?

Use a large pot with plenty of boiling salted water and cook gently according to package instructions. Avoid overcrowding and stir gently to keep ravioli intact.

Can I use frozen ravioli for this dish?

Yes, frozen ravioli works well. Just adjust cooking time based on packaging, typically 8–10 minutes, and reserve some pasta water for sauce consistency.

How can I make a vegetarian version?

Simply omit the pancetta or bacon and sauté mushrooms in olive oil to add a savory depth, maintaining the rich sauce flavors.

What is the best way to thicken the carbonara sauce?

Whisk egg yolks slowly into warmed cream mixture off heat to gently thicken without curdling. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.

Which wines pair best with this dish?

A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Italian red wine complements the creamy and savory elements beautifully.

How do I enhance the sauce flavor?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sautéed garlic in butter add rich layers, along with cracked black pepper for a balanced finish.

Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Cheese ravioli tossed in creamy sauce with pancetta, Parmesan, and parsley for a satisfying Italian-inspired dish.

Prep time
10 min
Time to cook
20 min
Total duration
30 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Total yield 4 Number of servings

Dietary notes None specified

What You'll Need

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 (optional, substitute with cream for 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 0.9 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
02 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
03 Cracked black pepper, to taste

How to make it

Step 01

Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions, 3–5 minutes for fresh or 8–10 minutes for frozen. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the ravioli and set aside.

Step 02

Prepare the Pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta or bacon until crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 03

Make the Sauce Base: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk, warming gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Add grated Parmesan, black pepper, and salt, whisking until the cheese melts and blends smoothly.

Step 04

Temper the Egg Yolks: Whisk egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually incorporate several tablespoons of the warm sauce into the yolks while whisking continually to temper. Slowly return the tempered yolks to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, taking care not to boil.

Step 05

Combine Ravioli and Sauce: Add cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Return crispy pancetta to the pan and mix thoroughly. If the sauce is overly thick, add reserved pasta water incrementally to reach desired consistency.

Step 06

Serve and Garnish: Divide ravioli evenly among plates. Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Tools you'll need

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat, eggs, and dairy
  • May contain tree nuts depending on cheese brand

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 645
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 27 g