So, what makes Olive Garden Alfredo sauce so special? The secret lies in its simplicity.
Made with just a handful of ingredients - butter, cream, cheese, and some seasoning - this classic sauce is a perfect balance of flavors and textures is done in under 30 minutes.
It's rich, creamy, and has a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Alfredo sauce fans will want to check out more of my Alfredo Sauce recipes here.
Imagine recreating the rich, creamy taste of this copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce at home. Sounds too good to be true?
Well, it's not! I have been making homemade alfredo sauce with half and half or homemade alfredo sauce with milk at home for many years. Homemade alfredo sauces have been a staple in my kitchen for a long time!
With this simple recipe, you can whip up a restaurant-quality Alfredo sauce in your kitchen any time you are craving a rich and creamy pasta dish at home.
It's convenient, delicious, and sure to impress your family.
Recipe Prep
- Cook the fettuccine pasta following the directions on the box. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️
👇See the step by step directions below!
Using high-quality butter and cream is very important for the recipe. The quality of cheese also plays a significant role in determining the taste of the final dish. That is why you should always use a block of real cheese when making alfredo sauce.
- butter: The base of any good Alfredo sauce, butter adds depth, richness, and a velvety texture. Use real butter. Margarine or any other substitute will not yield the same authentic alfredo sauce flavor.
- all-purpose flour: This acts as a thickener, giving your sauce that perfect consistency. Flour is used to make a roux that binds the butter, cream and cheeses together to form the alfredo sauce.
- minced garlic: Garlic infuses the sauce with a robust flavor, balancing the creaminess of the other ingredients.
- heavy cream: The key to the sauce's decadent, creamy texture. Use real cream for the thickest and creamiest alfredo sauce that will cling to the pasta.
- finely shredded Parmesan cheese: Parmesan lends a nutty, salty flavor that elevates the sauce. Use a block of real Parmesan cheese for the best Alfredo flavor.
- finely shredded Romano cheese: Romano cheese adds a sharp, tangy twist, making the sauce even more flavorful. Use a block of real Romano cheese for the best Alfredo flavor.
- cooked fettuccine noodles: The perfect vehicle for your homemade Alfredo sauce.
- fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Step by Step Directions
Now that you know the secret and ingredients behind Olive Garden's famous Alfredo sauce, here's a simple recipe for you to try at home:
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Sauce
- Step 1: Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. This forms the flavorful base for your sauce.
- Step 2: Add garlic: Once the butter is fully melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for a minute or two until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Whisk in flour: Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, continuing to stir, creating a roux. This acts as a thickener for your sauce.
- Step 4: Pour in the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while constantly whisking to incorporate it into the thick roux. Allow it to come to a simmer.
- Step 5: Add cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Continue to stir until all of the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6: Season the sauce: Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Serve over fettuccine noodles: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked fettuccine noodles to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta with the alfredo sauce.
- Step 8: Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and sprinkle with more shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden style Alfredo sauce!
Storing Leftover Alfredo Sauce
Leftover Alfredo sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing Alfredo Sauce
You can also freeze leftover Alfredo sauce. Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stove.
Variations
There are many delicious dishes you can make with a copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce. Here are a few ideas:
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or peas can also be added for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: This classic dish is simple to make. Just cook some fettuccine, mix it with the Alfredo sauce and top it off with some grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Alfredo Pizza: Spread the Alfredo sauce on a pizza crust, add your favorite toppings like grilled chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese, and bake until golden brown.
- Baked Ziti Alfredo: Mix cooked ziti pasta with the Alfredo sauce, add some cooked ground beef or sausage, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Alfredo Lasagna: Use the Alfredo sauce in place of traditional tomato sauce in your lasagna recipe for a creamy twist.
- Chicken Alfredo Bake: Combine cooked penne pasta, Alfredo sauce, cooked chicken, and broccoli in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Alfredo Dipping Sauce: Use the Alfredo sauce as a dip for breadsticks or vegetables.
- Seafood Alfredo: Sauté shrimp or scallops and mix them with the Alfredo sauce and linguini for a decadent seafood dish.
Remember, the possibilities are endless with Alfredo sauce. You can get creative and use it in any dish that calls for a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Recipe FAQS
Real Parmesan and Romano cheese is used to make an authentic Olive Garden Alfredo sauce recipe.
This delicious homemade copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce recipe can be used for pasta, pizza, lasagna, and as a dipping sauce.
Olive garden Alfredo Sauce tastes so good because it is made with quality ingredients like butter, real cream, Parmesan and Romano cheese.
📌Pro Cooking Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your Alfredo sauce turns out perfect every time:
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the sauce's smoothness and flavor. For an authentic flavor use a block of real Parmesan and Romano cheese.
- Use the right pan: use a heavy bottomed pan to prevent the thick sauce from scorching.
- Make sure to stir the sauce constantly while adding the cheese to prevent it from clumping.
- Cook the sauce over low/medium heat to avoid burning.
- Sauteing the garlic: do not over cook the minces garlic. when garlic is browned it gets a bitter flavor.
Final Thoughts
There you have it - an easy, foolproof way to make the famous Olive Garden's beloved Alfredo sauce at home.
This recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable, allowing you to put your personal spin on it. So why wait? Bring the magic of Olive Garden to your table today!
More Alfredo Recipes
Craving more creamy, indulgent Alfredo recipes? Dive into our treasure trove of Alfredo sauce recipes to satisfy your taste buds and bring that authentic Italian flair to your home!
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Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded Romano cheese
- 16 oz. cooked fettuccine noodles
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Prep
- Cook the fettuccine pasta following the directions on the box. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
Make the sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. This forms the flavorful base for your sauce.
- Once the butter is fully melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for a minute or two until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, continuing to stir, creating a roux. This acts as a thickener for your sauce.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while constantly whisking to incorporate it into the thick roux. Allow it to come to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Continue to stir until all of the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked fettuccine noodles to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta with the alfredo sauce.
- If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and sprinkle with more shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden style Alfredo sauce
Recipe Expert Tips
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the sauce's smoothness and flavor. For an authentic flavor use a block of real Parmesan and Romano cheese.
- Use the right pan: use a heavy bottomed pan to prevent the thick sauce from scorching.
- Make sure to stir the sauce constantly while adding the cheese to prevent it from clumping.
- Cook the sauce over low/medium heat to avoid burning.
- Sauteing the garlic: do not over cook the minces garlic. when garlic is browned it gets a bitter flavor.
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