Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Featured in: Savory Bites

This dish features cheese-filled ravioli enveloped in a luscious carbonara sauce made creamy with heavy cream, Parmesan, and egg yolks. Pancetta adds a crisp, smoky layer while fresh parsley brightens the flavors. Preparation is quick and straightforward, involving cooking the ravioli, making the sauce in a skillet with rendered pancetta fat, and gently tossing together. The result is a satisfying, savory comfort meal perfect for weeknights, with an easy vegetarian option by omitting pancetta and adding sautéed mushrooms.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:39:00 GMT
Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara with crispy pancetta, perfect for a comforting Italian meal. Save
Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara with crispy pancetta, perfect for a comforting Italian meal. | cravebop.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 dish quickly became a family favorite due to its comforting taste and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • For the Ravioli: 567 grams cheese-filled ravioli (fresh or frozen), 1 teaspoon salt for boiling water
  • For the Carbonara Sauce: 113 grams pancetta or bacon diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 240 milliliters heavy cream, 120 milliliters whole milk (or use all cream for extra richness), 50 grams Parmesan cheese grated, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 2 large egg yolks whisked, 28 grams unsalted butter
  • For Garnish: 25 grams Parmesan cheese grated, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, Cracked black pepper to taste

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 (35 minutes if fresh 810 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 45 minutes Transfer to a paper towellined 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 mediumlow then add heavy cream and milk Stir gently for 23 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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Sharing this meal has brought many joyful moments around our family table.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan delivers the best flavor Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Italian red wine

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 doublecheck all labels for hidden allergens

Golden, cheese-filled Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara served with fresh parsley offers inviting savory aromas. Save
Golden, cheese-filled Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara served with fresh parsley offers inviting savory aromas. | cravebop.com

This recipe combines simplicity with rich flavor making it irresistible every time.

Recipe Guide

Can I use frozen ravioli for this dish?

Yes, frozen cheese ravioli works well; just adjust cooking time to 8–10 minutes and reserve some cooking water for sauce consistency.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding yolks?

Temper the yolks by slowly whisking in warm sauce before combining it all in the skillet, then cook gently without boiling.

What can I substitute for pancetta to keep it vegetarian?

Omit pancetta and sauté mushrooms in olive oil to add savory depth and texture.

How do I adjust the sauce consistency if it’s too thick?

Add reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time while tossing the ravioli until you reach a smooth, silky texture.

Which wine pairs best with this dish?

Opt for a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Italian red to complement the creamy, savory flavors.

Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Cheese ravioli tossed in creamy carbonara sauce, topped with crispy pancetta and Parmesan for rich flavors.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Savory Bites

Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition labels Meat-free

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 (use all cream for extra 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

Method

Phase 01

Boil and Cook Ravioli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon salt. Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions (3–5 minutes for fresh, 8–10 minutes for frozen). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and set ravioli aside.

Phase 02

Prepare Pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta or bacon until crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.

Phase 03

Make Sauce Base: Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and milk, warming gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt, whisking until cheese is fully incorporated.

Phase 04

Temper Egg Yolks and Thicken Sauce: Whisk egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually whisk several tablespoons of warm sauce into the yolks to temper. Slowly return the tempered yolks to the skillet, stirring continuously. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly; avoid boiling.

Phase 05

Combine Ravioli and Sauce: Add cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Return pancetta or bacon to the pan and mix well. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water in small increments if necessary.

Phase 06

Garnish and Serve: Plate ravioli and top with extra grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (ravioli), eggs, and dairy (cheese, cream, butter)
  • May contain tree nuts depending on cheese brand; verify all labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 645
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 27 g