Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara! It’s one of those dishes that just wraps you up in a warm, creamy hug. Picture this: pillowy cheese-filled ravioli swimming in a rich, velvety carbonara sauce, all topped with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners, a cozy night in, or impressing friends without breaking a sweat. And the best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes! Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 1 package cheese ravioli
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
First things first, let’s get that ravioli cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—just like the ocean, but without the waves! Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be tender but not mushy. When they’re done, drain them gently and set them aside. Oh, and don’t forget to reserve a splash of that pasta water—trust me, it’ll come in handy later!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Now, let’s get that bacon sizzling! In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, because nobody likes burnt bacon! Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the delicious drippings in the skillet. This is where all the flavor happens!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet with those lovely bacon drippings, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant and slightly golden, but definitely not burnt—oops! That garlic aroma is going to make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step 4: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
Next up, pour in that luscious heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir it around and let it bubble for a minute or two, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season it with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy, it adds a lovely flavor!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the carbonara sauce and gently toss to coat every little piece. If the sauce seems too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve it up hot, garnished with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Wow, doesn’t that look like a bowl of pure happiness?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy and rich flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that’s utterly irresistible.
- Perfect for family dinners: It’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table—both kids and adults will be asking for seconds!
- Can be customized with additional ingredients: Feel free to add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or swap the bacon for pancetta or a vegetarian option!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh ravioli: Fresh cheese ravioli really elevates this dish. If you can find it, go for it! It has a delightful texture and flavor that frozen just can’t match.
- Adjust the bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, feel free to add an extra slice or two! On the flip side, if you want to cut back, you can reduce the amount or even swap it out for turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative.
- Don’t skip the pasta water: That reserved pasta water is liquid gold! It helps to loosen the sauce and makes it cling perfectly to the ravioli. Just a splash at a time until you get the consistency you like!
- Taste as you go: Seriously, don’t be shy about tasting the sauce before you serve it. Adjusting the seasoning to your liking is key for a truly delicious dish!
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds not only a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that brightens up the dish. Plus, it looks super pretty!
With these tips, you’ll be a carbonara pro in no time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this delicious Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so they might vary a bit depending on brands and specific quantities. But here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is definitely a treat, so it’s perfect for those special occasions or when you just want to indulge a little. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my best answers:
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Definitely! Frozen ravioli works just as well. Just cook them according to the package instructions, and you’ll still get that delicious creamy carbonara experience. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time since frozen pasta might need a minute or two longer.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Easy peasy! Simply skip the bacon and substitute it with sautéed mushrooms or even some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You could also add some spinach for an extra pop of color and nutrition! The creamy sauce will still shine through.
What can I serve with this dish?
Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is a star on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread. A light, crisp salad will balance out the richness of the dish beautifully!
Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out, and I’ll be happy to help you out! Enjoy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy that creamy goodness later. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container—this helps keep all that rich flavor locked in!
In the fridge, your leftovers will last for about 3 days. Just be sure to reheat gently to maintain that luscious texture. When you’re ready to dig in, I recommend warming it up in a skillet over low heat. This way, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or that reserved pasta water if it looks a bit thick. Just keep it moving and watch it warm up—nobody wants dried-out pasta!
If you’d like to store it for a longer time, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just remember to portion it out in freezer-friendly containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You’ll be back to creamy pasta bliss in no time!
Print
Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara: 5-Minute Comfort Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is a creamy pasta dish featuring cheese-filled ravioli and a rich carbonara sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese ravioli
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked ravioli to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ravioli for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of bacon based on preference.
- Serve immediately for optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara, pasta, creamy sauce