Her television debut came in the series Starved in which she starred as Billie Frasier in 2005. In 2006 Benanti made her film debut in the movie Take the Lead. She starred in the series Eli Stone in 2008 and The Playboy Club in 2011. From 2012 to 2013 she starred as Lauren Schneider in the TV series Go On. She starred as Shelby Shackleford in the series Royal Pains in 2013 and as Mia in the series Nurse Jackie in 2014. Since 2011 she has played the recurring role of Maria Grazie in the series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2013 she starred in the NBC television production The Sound of Music Live!. Laura was previously married to actor Steven Pasquale and Spin Doctors lead singer Chris Barron.