Skip to main content

Ravioli Carbonara at Olive Garden — Review, Price and Copycat Recipe

Last Updated: April 1, 2026

The Ravioli Carbonara is one of the most underrated dishes on the Olive Garden menu. It features cheese-filled ravioli tossed in a rich carbonara sauce with Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and peas, finished with shaved Parmesan. Priced at approximately $17.99 to $18.99 with 1,170 calories per serving, it delivers a hearty, indulgent meal that combines two Italian favorites: stuffed pasta and creamy carbonara.

This guide covers the full review and breakdown of the Ravioli Carbonara at Olive Garden, including what is included, how it compares to other classic entrees, whether it is worth the price, and a complete step-by-step copycat recipe for making it at home. If you love carbonara-style pasta, you should also check out the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, which uses the same base sauce profile with different proteins.

What Is in the Ravioli Carbonara?

The Ravioli Carbonara combines several components into a single rich, layered dish. Here is what you get:

ComponentDescription
PastaCheese-filled ravioli (ricotta and Parmesan blend)
SauceCreamy carbonara with egg, cream, and Parmesan
ProteinItalian sausage (some locations use pancetta)
VegetablesRoasted red peppers and green peas
ToppingShaved Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper
Included WithUnlimited breadsticks + soup or salad

Ravioli Carbonara Price and Nutrition

DetailValue
Price~$17.99 to $18.99
Calories1,170
Total Fat64g
Sodium2,350mg
Protein44g
CategoryClassic Entrees

Is the Ravioli Carbonara Worth It?

At approximately $18.99, the Ravioli Carbonara sits in the middle of Olive Garden's price range. It is less expensive than premium items like the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo ($23.79) but costs a few dollars more than the basic Fettuccine Alfredo ($15.79). The portion is generous enough for leftovers, and the combination of stuffed ravioli with a rich carbonara sauce gives it a more complex, restaurant-quality feel compared to simpler pasta dishes.

For the best value, check the current Olive Garden specials to see if the Ravioli Carbonara is included in any promotional pricing. You can also apply an active coupon code to your order or save by buying a discounted gift card before your visit.

How to Reheat Ravioli Carbonara Leftovers

Carbonara-based sauces require gentle reheating to prevent the egg from curdling. Transfer the leftovers to a saucepan over low heat and add a tablespoon of cream or milk. Stir continuously until warmed through. Do not microwave on high power as the cream will separate. For a full guide on the best methods, see our post on microwaving Olive Garden to-go boxes.

If you are ordering for takeout, the Ravioli Carbonara is available through the Olive Garden app, website, and delivery services. The sauce holds up reasonably well in To Go containers compared to thinner marinara-based dishes.

Other Olive Garden Entrees Worth Trying

If you enjoy the Ravioli Carbonara, here are some related items on the menu that share a similar flavor profile:

For the complete dining experience, pair any entree with the unlimited house salad and breadsticks. You can also explore the Olive Garden secret menu for off-menu hacks like the Alfredo Dipping Sauce and Creamy Minestrone.

Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara with pancetta and roasted red peppers

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Total: 35 min Medium

The Ravioli Carbonara is a standout on the Olive Garden menu because it combines two Italian comfort food staples: cheese-filled ravioli and a classic carbonara sauce. The restaurant version uses a slightly modified carbonara that includes cream (traditional Roman carbonara does not use cream), making it richer and more forgiving to cook at home.

The key to this copycat recipe is tempering the egg yolks correctly. If you add the yolk mixture to a pan that is too hot, you will end up with scrambled eggs in your pasta. The technique is simple: remove the pan from heat entirely before adding the egg and cheese mixture, then toss quickly so the residual heat gently cooks the eggs into a silky, clingy sauce.

Ingredients

4 servings

Pasta

Carbonara Sauce

Add-Ins and Garnish

Instructions

0 / 7

  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the cheese ravioli according to package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.

    8 min

  2. While the ravioli cook, render the diced pancetta in a large, deep skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until crispy. If using Italian sausage, crumble it into the pan and cook through.

    6 min

    Do not add oil to the pan. The pancetta will render its own fat, which becomes the flavor base for the sauce.

  3. Add the minced garlic to the pancetta and saute for 45 seconds. Add the diced roasted red peppers and frozen peas, stirring for 1 minute until the peas are bright green.

    2 min

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and salt until smooth. This is the carbonara base.

    2 min

  5. Remove the skillet completely from the heat. Add the drained ravioli to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the pancetta and vegetables.

    1 min

  6. Immediately pour the egg-cream mixture over the ravioli while the pan is OFF the heat. Toss continuously for 60 seconds so the residual heat gently cooks the eggs into a silky, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

    2 min

    This is the most important step. The pan must be off the heat. If the pan is still hot, the eggs will scramble instead of forming a smooth sauce.

  7. Plate immediately. Top with extra Parmesan, a crack of fresh black pepper, and chopped parsley.

    1 min

Pro Tips

  • Use egg yolks only, not whole eggs. The yolks create a richer, more velvety sauce. Whole eggs are more likely to curdle.
  • Fresh refrigerated ravioli from the deli section cooks faster and has a better texture than frozen. If using frozen, do not thaw first — cook from frozen.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan is essential. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth, clingy sauce.
  • Reserve that pasta water! It contains starch that helps the carbonara sauce cling to the ravioli. Add it sparingly if the sauce is too thick.

Variations

Classic Carbonara (No Ravioli)

Replace the cheese ravioli with 1 pound of rigatoni or spaghetti for a traditional Roman-style carbonara. Everything else stays the same.

Chicken Carbonara

Add one pound of sliced grilled chicken to the pancetta and vegetable mixture. This mirrors Olive Garden's Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara.

Mushroom Carbonara

Add 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan after the pancetta renders. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden before adding garlic.

Lighter Version

Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce the egg yolks to 3. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still rich.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve after a bowl of Olive Garden house salad with Italian dressing for the full restaurant experience
  • Pair with warm, garlic-buttered breadsticks
  • Serve alongside a glass of Pinot Grigio or a dry Prosecco
  • Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a green vegetable
  • Follow with a slice of chocolate mousse cake or tiramisu for dessert

Find an Olive Garden Near You

900+ locations with hours, menus, and directions.

Olive Garden Store Locator
→ Olive Garden Specials → Olive Garden Coupons → Olive Garden Buy One Take One → Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta → Olive Garden 2 for $25 → Olive Garden Birthday Reward → Olive Garden Gift Card
Olive Garden Deals & Promos

Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara FAQ

The Ravioli Carbonara is priced at approximately $17.99 to $18.99 at most Olive Garden locations. Prices may vary slightly by region.
The Ravioli Carbonara contains approximately 1,170 calories per serving. It is one of the higher calorie pasta dishes on the Olive Garden menu.
The Ravioli Carbonara features cheese-filled ravioli in a creamy carbonara sauce with Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and peas, topped with Parmesan cheese. Some variations have included pancetta or bacon in the sauce.
Yes. The Ravioli Carbonara is available for takeout through the Olive Garden website, app, and third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Yes. The dish uses store-bought cheese ravioli combined with a homemade carbonara sauce made from egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and rendered pancetta or Italian sausage. The full copycat recipe is included in this guide.
The Ravioli Carbonara pairs well with the unlimited house salad and breadsticks that come with every dine-in order. For an appetizer, the stuffed mushrooms or fried calamari complement the rich carbonara sauce.