Description
This Olive Garden-inspired Ravioli Carbonara is a creamy, comforting dish ready in just 25 minutes. Featuring tender cheese ravioli tossed in a rich sauce made from crispy bacon, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it’s garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner that brings classic Italian flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Ravioli
- 1 package cheese ravioli (about 9-12 oz)
Sauce
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ravioli: Prepare the cheese ravioli according to the package instructions, usually boiling them until they float to the top and are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy, rendering out the fat for flavor.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer heavy cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to mix with the bacon flavors.
- Melt the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Toss ravioli in sauce: Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet, gently tossing them to coat evenly with the creamy bacon sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use gluten-free ravioli if you need a gluten-free meal.
- To make it vegetarian, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for depth.
- Ensure you don’t overcook the ravioli to avoid mushiness.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
