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Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you may have savoured their delectable Ravioli Carbonara, a dish that skilfully combines creamy sauce with tender ravioli, crispy pancetta, and a delightful blend of flavours. But what if you could recreate this Italian classic in the comfort of your own home? In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making a Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Ravioli:

• 250g fresh cheese ravioli (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt, for boiling the pasta

For the Carbonara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 175g pancetta or bacon, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 300ml heavy cream
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
• Additional grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

1. Salt the water: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt; this flavours the pasta as it cooks.

2. Boil the ravioli: Bring the water to a boil and carefully add the ravioli. Cook according to package instructions, typically around 2-4 minutes if using fresh ravioli. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce

1. Cook the pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and diced pancetta. Cook until browned and crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. As the pancetta cooks, it will render its fat, adding flavour to the dish.

2. Add the garlic: Once the pancetta is crispy, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not burnt.

3. Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, allowing it to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should begin to thicken slightly.

4. Incorporate the cheese and egg: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and grated Parmesan cheese. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the egg mixture to the sauce, stirring quickly to prevent the egg from scrambling. The residual heat will help create a creamy consistency.

5. Season the sauce: Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Combine Ravioli and Sauce

1. Mix together: Carefully add the cooked ravioli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the luscious carbonara sauce. Ensure each piece is well-coated.

2. Serve immediately: Once well mixed, serve the Ravioli Carbonara while hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients, particularly for the ravioli, can elevate this dish. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, to add a unique touch.

• Pasta Water: Don’t underestimate the importance of reserved pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce’s consistency while adding extra starch to aid emulsification.

• Timing: Timing is key when combining the elements. Ensure your ravioli are ready just as your sauce is thickening for the best results.

Conclusion

Creating a Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara at home is not only rewarding but allows you to customise the dish to your taste. With its rich, creamy sauce and delightful flavours, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or an intimate gathering. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a slice of Italy right in your kitchen. Buon appetito!

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