Description
Bring restaurant comfort to your kitchen with this creamy olive garden ravioli carbonara. Tender cheese ravioli is tossed in a silky carbonara sauce with crispy bacon, parmesan, and a hint of black pepper—easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests!
Ingredients
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1 (20-ounce) package cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
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6 slices bacon (or 4 oz pancetta), chopped
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2 large eggs
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½ cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter touch)
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1 cup of parmesan cheese, freshly grated (pecorino romano works too)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a mild heat, if you like a little extra zing.
Instructions
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Boil the ravioli:
Fill a big pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add ravioli and cook according to package directions until just tender. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. -
Cook the bacon:
While the ravioli cooks, add chopped bacon to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Lift out with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb any extra grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan. -
Make the sauce:
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, cream, and parmesan together until smooth. Add a little salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to taste. -
Combine:
Lower the skillet heat and add garlic to the bacon fat. Sauté briefly, then add the cooked ravioli and toss to coat. Remove from heat. -
Temper the sauce:
To keep the sauce smooth, gradually whisk some hot pasta water into your egg and cheese mixture. Pour the mixture over the ravioli, tossing constantly so the sauce thickens and clings. Add a splash of pasta water if needed. -
Finish:
Stir in the crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and more parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and swap in sautéed mushrooms.
- For a lighter option, use turkey bacon or Canadian bacon instead.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or toss in some fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 165mg