Among the many Italian dishes served at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, few are as comforting, creamy, and flavorful as the Half Moon Ravioli, also known as the Mezzaluna. This pasta dish is a true symbol of Carrabba’s dedication to homemade Italian cuisine, combining delicate half-moon shaped ravioli stuffed with tender chicken, ricotta, and spinach in a rich tomato cream sauce.
If you love authentic Italian pasta with a modern touch, the Carrabba’s menu Half Moon Ravioli is a must-try. It’s the perfect blend of hearty, creamy, and tangy a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
The Inspiration Behind Half Moon Ravioli
The Half Moon Ravioli Carrabba’s draws its inspiration from Italian tradition but adds a distinct Carrabba’s flair. Ravioli, a classic Italian filled pasta, has been a part of family dining tables for centuries. Carrabba’s took this traditional recipe and reinvented it with a Southern Italian twist.
The “half-moon” name comes from the ravioli’s unique shape folded like a crescent, resembling the moon. This shape isn’t just aesthetic; it’s designed to perfectly cradle the creamy filling and sauce, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
For Carrabba’s founders, Johnny and Damian Carrabba, this dish symbolizes their Sicilian heritage. It’s handcrafted comfort food, built on generations of Italian home cooking with a flavor profile designed for the modern American palate.
What Is Half Moon Ravioli?
The Half Moon Ravioli, or Mezzaluna, is one of the signature pasta dishes on the Carrabba’s menu. It features tender pasta pockets stuffed with:
- Chicken for a savory, hearty base.
- Ricotta cheese for creaminess and depth.
- Spinach –to add freshness and balance.
These half-moon ravioli are then tossed in Carrabba’s signature tomato cream sauce, which combines the tanginess of marinara with the richness of Alfredo. The result? A perfect harmony of creamy and zesty smooth yet vibrant.
Key Ingredients
Every bite of Carrabba’s menu Half Moon Ravioli is made with high-quality, carefully selected ingredients.
| Ingredient | Purpose in the Dish |
| Chicken | Adds heartiness and flavor to the ravioli filling. |
| Ricotta Cheese | Creates a creamy, velvety texture. |
| Spinach | Provides freshness and color balance. |
| Parmesan Cheese | Adds saltiness and umami depth. |
| Tomato Cream Sauce | Combines tangy marinara and buttery cream sauce for perfect flavor harmony. |
| Garlic & Herbs | Elevate the dish with Italian aroma and seasoning. |
This thoughtful combination ensures that the Half Moon Ravioli delivers layers of flavor and texture soft, creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
The Sauce Tomato Cream Perfection
Carrabba’s Tomato Cream Sauce is a signature blend that has made several dishes, including Rigatoni Martino and Half Moon Ravioli, famous. It’s the perfect middle ground between two classics marinara and Alfredo.
Here’s why the sauce stands out:
- The tomato base provides acidity and brightness.
- The cream and butter balance the tang with smoothness.
- A touch of Parmesan and garlic gives it depth.
When the tender ravioli are tossed in this sauce, they absorb the flavor beautifully without losing their delicate texture. It’s a sauce that clings not too thick, not too watery just perfect for coating every half-moon pasta.
Flavor Profile
Every bite of Half Moon Ravioli Carrabba’s is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory.
- First Bite: You’ll notice the smooth pasta shell giving way to the warm, cheesy filling.
- Middle Notes: The creamy ricotta meets the tangy tomato cream sauce, creating a balanced flavor.
- Finish: A gentle hint of herbs and Parmesan lingers on the palate, making you crave more.
It’s a dish that’s rich yet light, comforting yet elegant.
How Carrabba’s Makes It The Craft of Perfection
Carrabba’s prides itself on handmade, from-scratch cooking, and the Half Moon Ravioli is no exception. While the exact recipe is a trade secret, the general process involves:
- Preparing the Filling: Cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs are mixed together to create a creamy, savory filling.
- Forming the Pasta: Fresh pasta dough is rolled out and cut into circles, then folded in half over the filling to create the “half-moon” shape.
- Cooking: The ravioli are gently boiled until they float, ensuring they stay tender but not overcooked.
- Tossing in Sauce: The cooked pasta is then tossed in the signature tomato cream sauce and garnished with Parmesan and parsley.
The result is a dish that feels handmade because it is.
Price and Calories
| Dish Name | Price | Calories |
| Half Moon Ravioli (Mezzaluna) | $21.29 | 700 cal |
The Carrabba’s menu Half Moon Ravioli offers a satisfying portion without being too heavy. With just around 700 calories, it’s a balanced option for lunch or dinner, especially if paired with a salad or a light appetizer.
Perfect Pairings
To make your Half Moon Ravioli Carrabba’s experience even better, try pairing it with complementary dishes and drinks from the Carrabba’s menu.
| Pairing Type | Menu Item | Why It Works |
| Appetizer | Mozzarella Marinara | Crispy and cheesy — a great texture contrast to soft ravioli. |
| Appetizer | Four-Cheese & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms | Adds savory depth before the creamy pasta. |
| Side | Italian Salad | Fresh greens balance the richness of the pasta. |
| Side | Caesar Salad | Classic choice for a creamy-salty pairing. |
| Drink | Rita Sangria | Fruity and smooth, cutting through the tomato cream sauce. |
| Drink | Sicilian Prickly Pear Margarita | Adds sweetness and acidity to balance the creamy sauce. |
| Dessert | John Cole | Buttery caramel and nutty crunch finish the meal beautifully. |
Why Diners Love It
Guests often describe the Half Moon Ravioli Carrabba’s as one of the most comforting and flavorful pasta dishes on the menu. Here’s what makes it special:
- Balanced flavor: Creamy and tangy without being too rich.
- Handcrafted feel: You can tell it’s made from scratch.
- Perfect portion: Filling but not overwhelming.
- Versatile pairing: Goes well with almost any appetizer or wine.
Many loyal customers say they order it every time they visit because it’s “the perfect comfort pasta.”
A Dish for Every Occasion
The Half Moon Ravioli fits every dining moment:
- Lunch Special: Light yet satisfying for midday cravings.
- Dinner Date: Elegant presentation and rich flavor make it romantic.
- Family Gathering: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Celebration Meal: Pairs beautifully with Carrabba’s famous appetizers and drinks.
It’s one of those rare dishes that’s both casual and classy.
For a Lighter Touch
If you love the flavors of Half Moon Ravioli but want something lighter, consider pairing it with:
- A side of grilled asparagus
- A small Caesar salad
- A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
These additions keep your meal balanced and fresh without losing any of the indulgence.
The Tomato Cream Sauce A Culinary Gem
Carrabba’s Tomato Cream Sauce deserves special mention because it’s not just a sauce it’s a signature element that defines the restaurant’s pasta dishes.
Here’s what makes it magical:
- Made fresh daily. The sauce isn’t prepackaged it’s made in-house every morning.
- Balanced flavor. The cream softens the tang of tomatoes without overpowering it.
- Velvety texture. It coats the pasta perfectly without feeling heavy.
For many, it’s the reason they keep coming back to Carrabba’s and it’s the secret to why the Half Moon Ravioli tastes so perfect every single time.
Homemade Feel The Carrabba’s Promise
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is known for preserving the spirit of homemade Italian dining. The Half Moon Ravioli embodies that promise with its hand-stuffed filling, delicate pasta, and freshly made sauce.
Unlike factory-made ravioli, each piece feels handcrafted slightly unique in shape, tender in bite, and rich in flavor. It’s comfort food that carries warmth and tradition in every forkful.
Try Making It at Home (Inspired Version)
If you can’t get to Carrabba’s but crave that creamy goodness, here’s a home-inspired version of Half Moon Ravioli you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs
- Fresh pasta sheets or wonton wrappers
- 2 cups tomato cream sauce (made by combining equal parts marinara and Alfredo sauce)
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions:
- Mix chicken, ricotta, spinach, and herbs for the filling.
- Spoon filling onto pasta rounds, fold into half-moons, and seal edges.
- Boil for 2–3 minutes until ravioli float.
- Toss gently in tomato cream sauce.
- Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.
This version brings a touch of Carrabba’s menu Half Moon Ravioli right to your kitchen.
Fun Fact: “Mezzaluna” Means Half Moon
The Italian word Mezzaluna literally translates to “half-moon,” describing both the ravioli’s shape and a special rocking knife used in Italian kitchens. The name reflects Carrabba’s attention to Italian authenticity even in small details.
Carrabba’s Menu The Perfect Companions
| Dish Name | Price | Calories | Why Try It With Half Moon Ravioli |
| Chicken Bryan | $23.79 | 690 cal | The smoky, tangy flavors contrast beautifully with creamy ravioli. |
| Rigatoni Martino | $22.20 | 1690 cal | Shares the same tomato cream sauce for a cohesive flavor experience. |
| Meatballs & Ricotta | $8.29 | 480 cal | Adds extra protein and a burst of savory flavor. |
| Tuscan-Grilled Sirloin | $23.79 | 650 cal | Offers a meaty pairing to balance the softness of the pasta. |
Wine Pairings
The Half Moon Ravioli Carrabba’s pairs beautifully with light to medium-bodied wines that highlight its creamy and tangy notes.
- White Wine: Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay adds crispness.
- Red Wine: Chianti or Merlot complements the tomato cream sauce.
- Rosé: Works as a balanced choice for both flavor and refreshment.
The Comfort Dish That Never Fails
There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of ravioli especially one filled with chicken, cheese, and spinach. It’s nostalgic, hearty, and indulgent all at once.
Carrabba’s Half Moon Ravioli captures the essence of Italian home cooking a celebration of simple ingredients, made extraordinary through care and craftsmanship.
Why It’s a Must-Try on Carrabba’s Menu
The Half Moon Ravioli remains one of Carrabba’s most popular dishes for several reasons:
- It’s a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- It offers authentic Italian taste with modern flair.
- It’s comfort food done with sophistication.
If you’re visiting Carrabba’s for the first time, this dish is a great introduction to their style hearty, fresh, and full of love.
How to Order Carrabba Menu
1. Dine-In at the Restaurant
Go to one of the closest Carrabba Italian Grill and see the Carrabba Menu with your own eyes. Visitors get to enjoy freshly cooked meals, beverages and desserts served in a cozy restaurant.
2. Order Online Through Website or App
Carrabba Menu can be ordered online and delivered and also taken out. All you have to do is go to the official site or download the app, explore the categories, personalize your order, and complete the checkout safely.
3. Call for Takeout
The call center allows customers to make a direct order, placing a takeout order, at their local Carrabba. The employees will prepare your chosen Carrabba Menu foods to take away.
4. Delivery via Third-Party Apps
Depending on your location, the Carrabba Menu is also available on popular delivery services such as UberEats, DoorDash, or Grubhub.
Final Thoughts
The Carrabba’s menu Half Moon Ravioli is proof that simplicity can be extraordinary when done right. From its delicate pasta to the flavorful chicken-ricotta filling and velvety tomato cream sauce, every bite feels like a celebration of Italian culinary art.
It’s no wonder guests return to Carrabba’s again and again for this dish. Whether you’re looking for comfort, nostalgia, or pure indulgence, the Half Moon Ravioli delivers on every level.
So next time you explore the Carrabba’s menu, let the Half Moon Ravioli be your choice it’s creamy, dreamy, and perfectly Italian in every bite.
