We don’t live anywhere near an Olive Garden so whenever I’m craving some of that chain restaurant goodness I have to make it at home. Not that I’m complaining, because in all honesty, most of their recipes just taste so much better made in our own kitchen. This ravioli carbonara is a fan favorite that combines the rich flavors of cheese ravioli with a creamy Parmesan sauce and bacon, reminiscent of classic Italian carbonara which is traditionally made with spaghetti pasta. It brings the essence of Olive Garden’s famous menu right into your own home! For more creamy Italian pasta dishes, check out my Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta, Creamy Sausage Gnocchi, Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup, Instant Pot Creamy Penne Alfredo, and Creamy White Chicken Lasagna!
Why We Love This Recipe
The creamy sauce is made with heavy cream and a blend of Italian cheeses, making it rich and flavorful! It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adapted with different types of ravioli or added vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, taking less than an hour from start to finish!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Cheese Ravioli – The main ingredient, providing a cheesy and tender bite. Use your favorite fresh or frozen ravioli. Bacon – Adds a crispy, savory element to the dish. Onion – Enhances the flavor of the sauce with its sweetness. Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a rich, aromatic taste. All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency. Heavy Cream – The base of the sauce, giving it a rich and smooth texture. Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the sauce. Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Black Pepper – Adds a hint of spice. Ground Nutmeg – Provides a subtle warmth to the sauce. Mozzarella Cheese – Melts on top to create a gooey, cheesy layer. Asiago Cheese – Adds a nutty and tangy flavor to the topping.
How to Make Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Tips for Success
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Make sure to cook the flour thoroughly to avoid a raw taste in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of reserved pasta water from cooking the ravioli.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a different flavor. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce. Try different cheese blends like Gruyère or Fontina. Add peas, red peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Omit the bacon for a vegetarian option, using a dash of olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic instead of the bacon fat.
More Italian Recipes You’ll Love
Creamy Crockpot Italian Chicken Italian Grinder Sandwich (TikTok Salad Sandwich) New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs Italian Pasta Salad Olive Garden Dressing Recipe Authentic San Francisco Cioppino Seafood Stew (Italian Seafood Stew) Italian Sausage Stuffing with Cranberries & Apples Italian Cream Soda
