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Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Make Olive Garden’s creamy Alfredo sauce at home in just 20 minutes. This easy recipe delivers rich, delicious flavor every time.
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Craving Olive Garden's Alfredo sauce? Our copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce recipe tastes just like the original, creamy and rich. With simple ingredients, you’ll whip up this delicious sauce in no time. Perfect for pasta nights at home!
This recipe is easy to make and you can follow the guide below. We include step-by-step photos and directions to help you out. Plus, we share pro tips and tricks for the best results. Check out our FAQs for answers to common questions.
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This copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce recipe takes just 20 minutes to make and tastes amazing. Perfect for dinner, parties, or special occasions, this sauce stands out with its creamy, rich flavor. Using simple ingredients, you'll create a delicious dish that everyone loves. Give it a try at home and impress your family and friends!
Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
What you'll need to make this Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce:
- 16-ounce package of fettuccine
- 6 tablespoons of salted butter
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1½ cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of parmesan cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your sauce uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter Alfredo sauce.
- Substitute Parmesan Cheese: Try Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor twist.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in steamed broccoli or spinach for a nutritious addition.
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to make it a complete meal.
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks listed below. Let's get started! You’ll make the best Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce at home.
FIRST STEP: Cook pasta per package directions, drain, and set aside.
SECOND STEP: In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk together to combine.
THIRD STEP: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk together and then slowly add in the heavy cream and milk while still whisking. Let the sauce begin to boil and then reduce the heat to low temperature and allow the cream mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Pro Tip
Heat the butter and cream to bubbling so that the cheese melts better when added.
FOURTH STEP: Add in the parmesan cheese and whisk together.
Pro Tip
To help make your sauce extra creamy, allow your cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce.
FIFTH STEP: Add in the cooked and drained fettuccine. Using tongs, toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it well.
Pro Tip
Alfredo sauce thickens while standing and thickens even more when added to pasta. If it seems too thin, resist the urge to thicken it as it will thicken once mixed with your pasta.
SIXTH STEP: Garnish with a bit of fresh, chopped parsley and fresh parmesan cheese and serve!
How to Serve
Serve this Alfredo sauce over pasta for any occasion. Kids and adults love it! Perfect for all seasons and special events, and taste just like the restaurant version.
- Family Dinners: This Alfredo sauce makes a fantastic family dinner. Pair it with cheesy garlic bread and a fresh salad. Everyone will ask for seconds!
- Special Occasions: Impress guests at special events with this rich, creamy sauce. Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp and a side of vegetables.
- Seasonal Celebrations: This Alfredo sauce fits any season. In summer, add grilled veggies. In winter, serve with hearty meatballs and warm bread.
Why You'll Love This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Our Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is more than just a dish—it’s a beloved favorite for several delightful reasons:
- Creamy Perfection: This Alfredo sauce boasts a rich, creamy texture that’s hard to resist. The blend of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that elevates any pasta dish.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily personalize this sauce with your favorite ingredients. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steamed vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love this Alfredo sauce. Its mild yet flavorful taste makes it a hit at family dinners, parties, and special occasions.
Our readers adore this Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe for its creamy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing qualities. Give it a try and see why it’s a favorite!
Recipe FAQ
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese for this Alfredo sauce?
We don't recommend it. Freshly grated parmesan is necessary to give the sauce the proper taste and texture.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from clumping?
Whisk the sauce continuously while adding cheese and ensure it melts evenly for a smooth texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Alfredo sauce?
Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation and maintain the creamy consistency.
How long does it take to make this Alfredo sauce?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick meal.
Serving FAQ
How should I serve the Alfredo sauce for the best presentation?
Serve the Alfredo sauce over hot, cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
What pasta works best with Alfredo sauce?
Fettuccine is the classic choice, but penne, linguine, and spaghetti also pair wonderfully with this creamy sauce.
Can I serve Alfredo sauce as a dipping sauce?
Yes, Alfredo sauce makes a delicious dip for breadsticks or garlic bread at parties and gatherings.
How much Alfredo sauce should I make per person?
Plan on about ½ cup of Alfredo sauce per serving of pasta for a perfectly creamy dish.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of this recipe. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered.
Can I prepare Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, make the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
What's the best way to store leftover Alfredo sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days.
Is it possible to freeze Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce?
While fresh is best, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to one month.
How do I thaw frozen Alfredo sauce?
Thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight.
How should I reheat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce when ready to serve?
Reheat the sauce gently in a skillet on medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. You may need to whisk the sauce well, and potentially add more cream to return it to its original consistency.
Can I reheat Alfredo sauce in the microwave?
Yes, for quick reheating, use the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals to avoid overcooking.
Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe
Make Olive Garden’s creamy Alfredo sauce at home in just 20 minutes. This easy recipe delivers rich, delicious flavor every time.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fettuccine
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- fresh parsley (finely chopped)
DIRECTIONS
- Cook pasta per package directions, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk together to combine.
- Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk together and then slowly add the heavy cream and milk while whisking. Let sauce begin to boil and then reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add parmesan cheese and whisk together.
- Add the cooked and drained fettuccine. Use tongs to toss the pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Heating the butter and cream to bubbling so that the cheese melts better when added.
- To help make your sauce extra creamy, allow your cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce.
- Alfredo sauce thickens while standing and thickens even more when added to pasta. If it seems too thin, resist the urge to thicken it as it will thicken once mixing it with your pasta.
Nutrition
Calories: 674kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 168mg | Sodium: 604mg | Potassium: 356mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1355IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 338mg | Iron: 2mg
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