Irresistible Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara Recipe
The Secret to Perfect Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
If you’re craving a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, look no further than this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara. This delightful recipe brings the beloved Italian restaurant experience right to your kitchen, allowing you to indulge in velvety cheese-filled ravioli enveloped in a luscious carbonara sauce. With each bite, you’ll savor the harmony of savory turkey or bacon, aromatic garlic, and the richness of cream and Parmesan cheese, making it an instant family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
– Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
– Creamy and flavorful—perfect for satisfying cravings.
– Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
– Versatile; easily customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies.
– Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into this delicious culinary adventure, gather a few essential tools to make the process seamless:
– Large pot: For boiling the ravioli to perfection.
– Skillet: To create the mouthwatering carbonara sauce.
– Whisk: Essential for beating the egg yolks and mixing them smoothly into the sauce.
– Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
– Slotted spoon: To transfer the cooked ravioli without losing any delicious filling.
Preparation Tips
For a perfect Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara, ensure your water is at a rolling boil before adding salt and ravioli. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Don’t skip on whisking the egg yolks thoroughly; this will create a silky texture in your sauce. Finally, adjust seasoning as needed based on your taste preference; a little extra black pepper can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients for this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
– 1 (20-ounce) package cheese-filled ravioli (fresh or frozen)
– 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
– 4 ounces turkey strips 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
– ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Cracked black pepper, to taste
Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that brings the essence of Olive Garden right into your kitchen, then this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara is just the ticket. This creamy, dreamy dish combines cheese-filled ravioli with a rich sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is simple yet deliciously satisfying. Let’s dive into the details!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add in 1 teaspoon of salt and gently drop in the cheese-filled ravioli. Fresh ravioli usually cooks in about 3-5 minutes, while frozen may take slightly longer. Keep an eye on them as they float to the top; it’s a sign they’re done! Drain the cooked ravioli carefully and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Turkey Strips
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add in the diced turkey strips or bacon. Sauté until they are nicely browned and crispy—about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to create those delicious flavors that will infuse into your sauce later.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic
Now it’s time to add some aromatic goodness! Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin your dish’s flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of whole milk (or more cream if you want extra richness). Stir well, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. As it thickens slightly, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with black pepper and salt (to taste). This creamy sauce is where all your flavors come together beautifully!
Step 5: Add Egg Yolks
In a small bowl, whisk together two large egg yolks until smooth. Gradually mix a couple of spoonfuls of your hot sauce into the egg yolks—this step helps temper them so they don’t scramble when added to the sauce. Now, slowly whisk this mixture back into your skillet, stirring continuously until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Gently fold in your drained ravioli into this luscious sauce mix. Make sure each piece is well-coated with that decadent carbonara goodness. If it seems too thick, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit more milk or cream.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined nicely, serve your ravioli carbonara right away! Top each plate with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and some freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness. Don’t forget a crack of black pepper on top for added flavor!
Notes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! You can easily swap out turkey for chicken or even sautéed veggies like zucchini or spinach for a lighter option. If you’re looking to elevate the flavor even further, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for an unexpected twist. The creamy base pairs beautifully with various ingredients, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients can affect how well everything combines.
– Overcooking garlic leads to bitterness; keep an eye on it!
– Adding egg yolks directly without tempering can cause scrambling.
– Not seasoning enough; taste as you go!
Storage Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on low heat on the stove or microwave until heated through—adding a splash of milk can help bring back that creamy texture! Freezing isn’t recommended due to the dairy content but can be done if needed; just know it may change texture upon thawing.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 620 calories
– Protein: 22g
– Fat: 36g
– Carbs: 52g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ravioli is traditional here, feel free to use other pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne if you prefer.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes! Simply omit any meat and add more veggies such as mushrooms or bell peppers instead for heartiness.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free ravioli available at many grocery stores or substitute with gluten-free pasta options.
Conclusion
I hope you’re excited to try making this Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara at home! It’s truly one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. I would love to hear how yours turns out—feel free to share your thoughts or any tweaks you made along the way! Happy cooking!
Olive Garden-Inspired Ravioli Carbonara
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and gently drop in the cheese-filled ravioli. Cook for 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli or slightly longer for frozen. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the diced turkey strips or bacon and sauté until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of whole milk. Stir and allow to simmer. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Whisk together two large egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually mix in a couple of spoonfuls of the hot sauce to temper the yolks, then whisk this mixture back into the skillet.
- Gently fold in the drained ravioli into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Add more milk or cream if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve immediately, topping with extra grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper.
