Ravioli Carbonara Olive Garden

This copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara recipe is your go-to for creamy, cheesy indulgence! With layers of cheese, crispy bacon, and a rich sauce, it’s a perfect dish for everyone, from your picky eater to the most adventurous food lover. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the deliciousness than to cook it. It’s a family-friendly favorite that’s sure to impress!

Why You Will Love Making Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara:

• Simple and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: You’ll have a gourmet-style meal ready in no time, no need to wait for a reservation!
• Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with crispy bacon is the definition of comfort food.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it truly your own.
• Impressive Yet Simple: It’s easy to make but packed with flavor that will wow everyone who tries it.
• Family Friendly: Both kids and adults love it, making it the ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cheese ravioli
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup bacon bits
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the ravioli according to the package directions and set aside.
2. In a non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add the cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and milk. Stir well and cook for a few minutes, or until the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently mix until well-coated with the sauce.
5. Serve with bacon bits, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Notes and Expert Tips:

• Cheese: For the richest flavor, always use high-quality Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese. Grating it yourself ensures a fresher taste and a smoother melt, making the sauce even creamier.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic should be cooked just until fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent browning, which can lead to a bitter taste that will affect the overall flavor of the dish.
• Consistency: You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by tweaking the cream and milk ratio. If you want a thicker sauce, try adding extra cheese or whisk a bit of flour into some of the sauce before adding it back to the pan. For a thinner sauce, just add more milk or pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
• Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, peas, or fresh basil to this recipe. If you want a protein boost, try adding pancetta or shrimp to elevate the texture and flavor.
• Bacon Bits: For a more satisfying crunch, fry up your own crispy bacon and crumble it on top instead of using store-bought bacon bits. This can add extra flavor and texture.
• Pasta Perfection: Ensure your ravioli is cooked to al dente perfection to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Overcooking ravioli can make it lose its shape and texture.
• Pasta Substitution: If you don’t have ravioli, you can easily substitute with other pasta types such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. You can even experiment with mushroom-filled ravioli for a unique flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon bits and use vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian version. Alternatively, try vegetarian bacon substitutes to maintain the smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free: If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can swap out regular ravioli or pasta with gluten-free alternatives. Many supermarkets offer a wide range of gluten-free pasta options, making this recipe easy to adapt for everyone.

With these expert tips, you can make your Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara even more tailored to your taste preferences!

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara:

Got some leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Ravioli Carbonara to keep it tasting delicious:

• Cool and Airtight: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: To reheat, warm the ravioli gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce while reheating to restore its creamy texture.
• Freezing: If you have extra leftovers, you can freeze the dish in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw the ravioli in the fridge overnight and reheat gently for the best results.

By following these simple steps, your Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara will remain just as tasty as when it was first made!

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe:

Making Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara at home doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are three simple ways to save money while preparing this delicious dish:

1. Buy in Bulk: Buy ingredients like cheese, pasta, and bacon in bulk. These pantry staples can be used in multiple recipes throughout the week, helping you save in the long run.
2. DIY Bacon Bits: Instead of buying pre-made bacon bits, buy bacon when it’s on sale, cook it up, crumble it, and freeze it for later use. This way, you’ll always have bacon bits on hand for your carbonara and other recipes.
3. Bulk Cooking: Make a large batch of the carbonara sauce and refrigerate it in portions. This will save you time and money in the future, as you can simply defrost and use the sauce when you need it.

With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, budget-friendly Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara!

What to serve with Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara:

Pairing the right side dishes can elevate your Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara from great to extraordinary. Here are some delicious ideas to complement your creamy pasta:

1. Fresh Salad: A crisp, fresh salad provides the perfect balance to the rich and creamy carbonara. opt for a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. The acidity and crispness of the salad will cut through the richness of the sauce and refresh your palate.
2. Garlic Bread: No pasta dish is complete without warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and adds a delightful garlic punch that pairs beautifully with the carbonara. If you’re short on time, breadsticks make a great alternative.
3. Roasted Vegetables: For a healthier side, roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are a great option. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect complement to the savory flavors of the ravioli carbonara.

These side dishes will help round out your meal and create a well-balanced, delicious feast!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1268 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Protein: 55g
• Fat: 95g
• Saturated Fat: 53g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 276mg
• Sodium: 2347 mg
• Potassium: 273mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Vitamin A: 2801 IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 1034mg
• Iron: 10mg