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Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Cheese ravioli served in a creamy carbonara sauce with crispy pancetta, Parmesan, and fresh parsley for a comforting, easy Italian-American dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 skillet
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 colander

Ingredients
  

  • 20 oz cheese-filled ravioli fresh or frozen
  • 1 tsp salt for boiling water
  • 4 oz pancetta or bacon diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or more cream for extra richness
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated (plus 1/4 cup extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large egg yolks whisked
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese ravioli according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta or bacon until crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.
  • Melt butter in the skillet with pancetta fat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and whole milk. Warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt; whisk until cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Temper yolks by gradually whisking in a few tablespoons of warm sauce, then slowly pour mixture back into skillet, stirring continuously.
  • Cook sauce for 2 more minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat in sauce. Return pancetta to the pan and mix well.
  • If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

  • Use fresh ravioli for quicker cooking and better texture.
  • Adjust cream and milk ratio for a richer or lighter sauce.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.