why make this recipe

Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara is a delightful dish that combines the comforting taste of cheese-filled ravioli with a rich carbonara sauce. This recipe is not only indulgent but also surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it promises to impress everyone at the table. The blend of flavors—savory pancetta, creamy sauce, and delicate ravioli—makes it irresistibly good.

how to make Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Ingredients :

567 grams cheese-filled ravioli (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
113 grams pancetta (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
240 milliliters heavy cream
120 milliliters whole milk (or more 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
25 grams extra Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
cracked black pepper (to taste)

Directions :

Fill a large pot with water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil, then gently add the cheese-filled ravioli. Cook fresh ravioli for 3-5 minutes, or frozen for 8-10 minutes, until tender.
Carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the ravioli and set them aside, ensuring they stay warm and ready for the sauce.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the pancetta, leaving the flavorful fat behind in the skillet.
Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of whole milk. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to warm through and thicken slightly.
Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, along with 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the cheese has melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
In a separate bowl, whisk 2 egg yolks. Gradually add a few tablespoons of the warm sauce to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Slowly mix the yolk mixture back into the skillet, stirring for another 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the skillet with the carbonara sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Add the crispy pancetta back in and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.
Plate your creamy ravioli carbonara with extra grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley on top. Finish with a crack of black pepper for that perfect touch. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor!

how to serve Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Serve the creamy ravioli carbonara hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.

how to store Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the pan to help restore the creamy texture.

tips to make Creamy Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

For a richer sauce, you can use all heavy cream instead of mixing with milk.
Make sure to temper the egg yolks properly to avoid scrambling them in the sauce.
If you prefer, add vegetables like spinach or peas to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

variation (if any)

You can easily customize this recipe by using different fillings for the ravioli, such as mushroom or spinach. For a meaty version, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also replace pancetta with bacon or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, frozen ravioli work perfectly. Just ensure to follow the cooking times mentioned for frozen ravioli.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare this dish fresh. However, you can cook the ravioli and sauce separately and combine them right before serving.

3. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan is recommended for its flavor, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.