Ingredients
Scale
For the Ravioli:
- 1 (20-ounce) package cheese-filled ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk (or more cream for extra richness)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 large egg yolks, whisked
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add ravioli and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh, 8-10 minutes for frozen).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the ravioli and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pancetta or Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta or bacon until crispy (about 4-5 minutes).
- Remove the pancetta from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
Step 3: Make the Carbonara Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir gently and let it warm up for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt until the cheese melts completely.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the warm sauce to the yolks while whisking (this prevents scrambling).
- Slowly pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the skillet while stirring constantly.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the crispy pancetta or bacon and mix well.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra spice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-inspired Ravioli Carbonara!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of ravioli carbonara
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g