Ravioli Carbonara Olive Garden Recipe – The Ultimate Copycat Pasta Dish

Craving the creamy, smoky goodness of Olive Garden’s pasta? My Ravioli Carbonara Olive Garden Copycat Recipe brings that restaurant-style comfort food straight into your kitchen. Tender cheese-filled ravioli gets tossed in a rich Alfredo-based carbonara sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh basil for a decadent yet simple meal. This recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Olive Garden copycat Ravioli Carbonara at home is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by dicing the bacon slices and cooking them in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. This adds the signature smoky flavor that makes carbonara so irresistible. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Be sure to discard excess grease, but leave a touch in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 2: Boil the Ravioli

Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Drop the cheese-filled ravioli into the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually about 4–5 minutes, until they float to the top. Be careful not to overcook, as you want them tender but not mushy.

Step 3: Warm the Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the bacon, add Alfredo sauce and almond milk. Stir gently over medium-low heat until warm and creamy. The almond milk lightens the sauce slightly without sacrificing that rich texture.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat each ravioli in the creamy carbonara goodness. Add the crispy bacon back in, stirring evenly so every bite has a smoky crunch.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Sprinkle in freshly chopped basil and a pinch of ground black pepper. For an extra Olive Garden touch, top with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.

Serving and Presentation

This Ravioli Carbonara Olive Garden Recipe is best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. I love serving it in warm pasta bowls with an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top; it really makes the dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Pair your Ravioli Carbonara with:

• A crisp side salad with Italian dressing
  
• Warm garlic bread or breadsticks (just like Olive Garden!)
  
•  A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, for a perfect Italian-inspired dinner
  

For a family-style meal, serve everything on a large platter and let everyone help themselves. The creamy sauce and smoky bacon make it a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Don’t Overcook Ravioli: Keep a close eye on the ravioli while boiling. Overcooking can cause them to break apart.
  
• Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce feels too thick, add a splash more almond milk or pasta water for creaminess.
  
• Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Romano cheese along with parmesan for a bolder flavor.
  
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian twist.
  
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make the meal heartier and even closer to Olive Garden’s signature pasta dishes.
  

These little tweaks let you customize the recipe to suit your preferences while still keeping that signature Olive Garden taste.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), Store your Ravioli Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, but a splash of milk when reheating will bring it back to life.

Freezing Ravioli Carbonara

While freshly cooked ravioli is best, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop with a little milk or Alfredo sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Ravioli Carbonara at Olive Garden?

Olive Garden’s Ravioli Carbonara is a rich and creamy pasta dish made with cheese-filled ravioli tossed in Alfredo-style carbonara sauce and topped with crispy bacon. It’s indulgent, smoky, and full of cheesy goodness.

2. Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen ravioli works fine for this recipe. Just follow the package directions for cooking, but add 1–2 extra minutes to the boiling time.

3. What can I substitute for bacon?

If you don’t eat pork, you can substitute turkey bacon or even pancetta. For a vegetarian version, sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes make an excellent alternative.

4. How do I make the sauce creamier?

If you want an even creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or add extra shredded parmesan cheese right before serving.

5. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp are delicious additions and make the dish feel more like a hearty Olive Garden entrée.

6. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat ravioli gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or Alfredo sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make ravioli gummy.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, since most ravioli is made with wheat flour. But you can use gluten-free ravioli and Alfredo sauce to make this dish fully gluten-free.

Conclusion

Recreating the Ravioli Carbonara Olive Garden Recipe at home is easier than you might think, and the results are every bit as comforting and indulgent. With cheesy ravioli, smoky bacon, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a touch of fresh basil, this dish combines rich flavors with weeknight convenience.

Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner, a cozy date night, or to impress guests, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy pasta cravings. Once you try it, you’ll realize that restaurant-quality Italian-American comfort food can be enjoyed right from your kitchen.

So grab your skillet, boil up some ravioli, and bring the magic of Olive Garden to your table tonight. Buon appetito!