Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce Recipe

Make Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce at home with this easy, creamy garlic and lemon sauce recipe—perfect over chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.

This Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce recipe is quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving seafood, grilled chicken, or pasta, it adds that perfect restaurant-style finish to your dish.

Once you try it, you’ll find new ways to use it again and again!

Love the bold, creamy flavor of Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce? This copycat recipe brings the signature spicy, lemony cream sauce right into your kitchen. Perfect over seafood, chicken, or even veggies, this sauce is packed with rich flavor, just the right amount of heat, and that signature Carrabba’s flair. It’s simple to make and seriously versatile—you’ll want to pour it on everything!

Why You’ll Love This Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce

✅ Creamy and flavorful with a kick of spice

✅ Just like the one served at Carrabba’s

✅ Made with simple, real ingredients

✅ Ready in under 15 minutes

✅ Delicious over seafood, chicken, or pasta

Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce Ingredients

• Unsalted butter – Rich base for sautéing
• Garlic, minced – Adds bold, savory flavor
• Lemon juice – Brightens and balances the richness
• Crushed red pepper flakes – For that signature heat
• Heavy cream – Creates a smooth, creamy texture
• Salt and black pepper – Rounds out the flavor
• Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth
• Parsley, chopped – Optional, for garnish and freshness

How to Make Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce

This easy Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce comes together quickly in just one pan!

Step 1: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Let it bubble for about a minute to release the flavors.

Step 2: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and spoon over grilled chicken, shrimp, scallops, or your favorite vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce Recipe Tips

• Don’t brown the garlic – Sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
• Simmer gently – Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from curdling.
• Use fresh Parmesan – It melts better and gives a smoother, richer flavor than pre-shredded.
• Balance the spice – Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
• Stir constantly – This helps the sauce stay creamy and prevents sticking or separation.
• Serve immediately – The sauce is best right after cooking while warm and smooth.
• Garnish for flavor and color – A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a bit of lemon zest adds a fresh finish.

Storing Instructions

Store leftover Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth texture.

What To Serve With Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce Recipe

Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meals. It’s excellent drizzled over grilled or sautéed chicken and shrimp, adding a bright, creamy burst of flavor.

You can also toss it with roasted or steamed vegetables for an easy, flavorful side. For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve it alongside crusty bread or over pasta to soak up every bit of the tangy garlic and lemon sauce

Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce Recipe Faqs

What ingredients are needed to make Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce? The sauce typically includes garlic, lemon juice, heavy cream, butter, and herbs like parsley.

Can I make Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

How long does Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce? Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate and lose its texture.

Is this sauce gluten-free? Yes, the sauce is naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels to be sure.

What dishes go well with Carrabba’s Ricardo Sauce? It’s great with chicken, shrimp, roasted vegetables, or pasta.

More Copycat Carrabba’s Recipes

Copycat Carrabba’s Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan

Carrabba’s Bread Dipping Oil

Carrabba’s Spaghetti Recipe

Copycat Carrabba’s Zucchini

Instant Pot Copycat Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup

Carrabba’s Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Carrabba’s Chicken Piccata Recipe

Carrabba’s Italian Grill Stuffed Mushrooms Parmigiana Recipe

Carrabba’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Arugula Recipe

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