Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Alfredo sauce delivers the indulgent, velvety texture and balanced flavor you’d expect from a classic Italian-American original. It lets you skip the jar and enjoy that luxurious taste straight from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Dairy: salted butter, heavy whipping cream, whole milk, Parmesan cheese

• Produce: fresh parsley, minced garlic

• Spices & pantry: garlic powder, salt, all-purpose flour

• Pasta: fettuccine

Directions

1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions, drain, and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt; whisk to combine.

3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk again. Slowly add heavy cream and whole milk while whisking continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

5. Add the cooked fettuccine and toss with tongs until well coated in sauce.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 6

Variations

• Substitute linguine if you prefer a slightly lighter texture than fettuccine.

• Try pappardelle, tagliatelle, bucatini, penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi to change up the presentation and sauce adherence.

• For extra protein, top with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or flaked salmon.

• Add vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or asparagus for more flavor and color.

• Sprinkle crispy beef or toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: After cooling, store sauce in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container (with room for expansion) for up to 2 months. Note: texture may slightly change.

• To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave in short bursts, whisking until smooth. If too thick, loosen it with milk, cream, chicken broth, or reserved pasta water. Avoid high heat to prevent separation.

FAQs

1. Can I make Olive Garden Alfredo sauce in a crockpot?

You can, but keeping the right texture requires attention—stir frequently and cook on low. For guidance, refer to a slow cooker Olive Garden chicken pasta recipe.

2. Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes. Use a larger pot to avoid spills and stir often to prevent scorching. Add cheese gradually, whisking to keep it smooth.

3. How much sauce does this recipe yield?

It makes about 3 to 3½ cups—enough to coat roughly 1 pound of pasta and serve 4 to 6 people.

4. Can this sauce be canned?

No, because of its dairy content, it’s unsafe for home canning due to separation risks and microbial concerns.

5. Where can I purchase fresh Parmesan to shred?

Look in grocery store deli or specialty cheese sections, warehouse clubs, Italian markets, or online retailers. Choose a block stamped ‘Parmigiano Reggiano.’

6. only have pre-grated or pre-shredded Parmesan—will it work?

It’s workable, but preferred to add gradually over low heat, whisking constantly. Expect less smooth results compared to freshly grated cheese.

7. What’s the best flour-to-liquid ratio?

Use about 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken 1¼ cups heavy cream and 1½ cups whole milk—this balances thickness without risking gumminess.

8. My sauce thickens after resting—is that normal?

Yes! It thickens when cooling and after mixing with pasta. If needed, loosen with pasta water or additional liquid before serving.

9. Can I use half-and-half instead of cream or milk?

You can substitute, but the sauce will be lighter—yet still rich and flavorful.

10. Can I add other cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago?

Absolutely. Asiago adds nuttiness; mozzarella gives stretchiness. Blend them carefully to avoid grainy textures.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is your shortcut to restaurant-style indulgence at home—creamy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether draped over fettuccine or reimagined with add-ins, it’s comfort on a plate.

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