July 25, 2024
Review RecipeOlive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe
With just six simple steps, this delicious copycat Olive Garden alfredo sauce has a creamy flavor that is just like the restaurant favorite. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Table of Contents
- Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe Ingredients
- Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe Substitutions & Additions
- How to make Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- Tips for extra creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- How to serve Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- Storing Olive Garden Copycat Alfredo
- Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe FAQs
- MORE FAVORITES YOU’LL LOVE
- JUMP TO RECIPE
- Even More Recipes You’ll Love
Who doesn’t love Olive Garden’s creamy Alfredo sauce? Sometimes, whipping up a restaurant-quality meal at home feels intimidating. Here at Spaceships and Laser Beams, we’ve been creating and testing recipes for over a decade, and we’re all about making delicious food accessible to everyone. That’s why we developed this copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce – it’s easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and delivers that same incredibly rich and flavorful taste you crave.
Our team includes experienced recipe developers and testers who are passionate about bringing restaurant favorites to your kitchen. We understand the importance of replicating those classic flavors you know and love. This copycat recipe was meticulously crafted in multiple kitchens to capture the essence of Olive Garden’s Alfredo sauce, using readily available ingredients to create a smooth, decadent sauce that will elevate any pasta dish.
Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 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
Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe Substitutions & Additions
PROTEIN: Adding protein is a great idea for pasta with Alfredo sauce. Some of our favorite options include shrimp, grilled chicken breasts, steak tips, or salmon.
VEGETABLES: You can’t go wrong with adding veggies to your Alfredo. Try adding cooked broccoli, mushrooms, red peppers, or asparagus.
PASTA: The classic choice to go with Alfredo sauce is fettuccine, but there is no reason you can’t choose a different pasta shape. Pick your favorite pasta to mix with this creamy sauce. If you are able to find fresh homemade pasta, it would make this meal even more delicious.
CHEESE: Olive Garden uses both parmesan and Romano cheeses but you can just use parmesan. Or you can use mozzarella, gruyere, asiago, gouda, or even an Italian cheese blend for this recipe.
How to make Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
STEP ONE: Cook pasta per package directions, drain, and set aside.
STEP TWO: In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk together to combine.
STEP THREE: 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.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Heat the butter and cream to bubbling so that the cheese melts better when added.
STEP FOUR: 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.
STEP FIVE: 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.
STEP SIX: Garnish with a bit of fresh, chopped parsley and fresh parmesan cheese and serve!
Tips for extra creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Here are some tips for making an extra creamy Olive Garden-style Alfredo sauce:
- CHEESE
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate your own for the creamiest texture.
- Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding it. Cold cheese can seize the sauce.
- Consider adding a touch of another cheese, like mozzarella, gruyere, or asiago, for extra richness.
- FAT CONTENT
- Use high-quality butter.
- You can substitute some of the heavy cream with cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
- COOKING TEMPERATURE:
- Don’t overheat the sauce after adding cheese. High heat can make the cheese separate and turn grainy.
- Keep in mind the sauce will thicken as it cools slightly.
How to serve Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Pasta is a classic dish that is often served with salad and bread on the side. Try our Caesar salad and garlic bread. You can also choose to serve your fettuccine alfredo as a side dish along with our baked bruschetta chicken.
Wondering how to complete your fettuccine Alfredo pasta meal? Try starting the meal out with this recipe for copycat Olive Garden salad, and don’t forget the side of bread! This cheesy pull-apart bread is the perfect side for any pasta dish.
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Storing Olive Garden Copycat Alfredo
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. Typically, I find that using a jar with a tight lid works best.
Can you freeze Alfredo sauce?: You can also freeze leftover Alfredo sauce for up to 2 months. To do so, place the sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container and place it in the freezer. Let it thaw before reheating for a super easy dinner!
How to reheat Alfredo sauce:: The alfredo sauce can easily be reheated either in the microwave (the time will vary depending on the quantity) and then whisked until smooth. You can also reheat the sauce on the stovetop on low heat until heated through. If you find that the sauce is still too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.
Save yourself the trip to Olive Garden next time, by using this recipe instead for an easy dinner idea! Copycat Olive Garden alfredo sauce can be made easily from the comfort of your own kitchen and tastes just like the real thing, full of fresh garlic and cheese. With just six steps to the instructions, you’ll have a creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce that is perfect over any type of pasta.
Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe FAQs
What kind of pasta works best with this Alfredo recipe?
Fettuccine is recommended for this amazing recipe and the one used by the restaurant chain because it is nice and broad, and the sauce clings to it well. If you prefer to use a different pasta, it will still taste amazing!
Can I add vegetables to fettuccine Alfredo?
Sauteed vegetables would be delicious in this sauce. Try mushrooms, red peppers, onion, asparagus, and broccoli for great options.
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Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe
With just six simple steps, this delicious copycat Olive Garden alfredo sauce has a creamy flavor that is just like the restaurant favorite. Your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fettuccine
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- 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.
Video
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: 677kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 179mg | Sodium: 622mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1355IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 332mg | Iron: 2mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
Bethany says
How much garlic powder do you use? It’s not listed in the ingredients but is in the instructions. Thanks!
Layne Kangas says
It’s one teaspoon of garlic powder. Enjoy!
Peg Patricia says
I would like to add chicken, can I do that and when. I thought at the very end. I want it cooked before adding it.
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Peg – I would cook the chicken separately and then add it at the end when plating. Enjoy!!
Cindi Breese says
Tried this last night! It was delicious! Very easy, requires very little prep! Will definitely make again and pass on to friends!
Rebecca says
Can I use the bagged, pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Layne Kangas says
I would recommend shredding it yourself as it melts better! 🙂
Lisa Rodgers says
Made this today and OMG!! It was delicious and very easy to make. I grated my parmesan myself and I think it made it better then using package cheese. My entire family was amazed how delicious it was and that it tasted as good as our favorite Italian restaurant maybe even better! My husband was very impressed with it
Dani says
OMG!!! Can I give this more than 5 stars?! Olive Garden’s alfredo is my favorite in the entire world, and this is just like it! I am a SUPER picky eater, and my 4yr old doesn’t normally like alfredo, but loves this! And it was super easy to make. I am going to make this all the time, and recommend this recipe to everyone I know. Thank you!!!
Layne Kangas says
Yay, that’s wonderful to hear! So glad you loved it!
Ava says
How many box’s of pasta do I use. I use 2 box’s so do I need to double up the recipe?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Ava – this recipe is for 16 ounces of pasta so you would need to adjust the sauce amount accordingly if you’re using more than 16 ounces. Enjoy!
Dawn says
What can I substitute for the flour that’s lower in carbs and would still thicken the sauce?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Dawn – you might be able to use something like coconut flour if you are doing keto. I have not tried that with this recipe, so I can’t say for sure how it would turn out. I typically thicken sauces with either flour or a little cornstarch and both have carbs. There might be someone who specializes in low-carb that will have an answer if you search on Google. Enjoy! 🙂
Kelsey says
Do you have to use whole milk or can you use 2% milk?
Layne Kangas says
It will be creamier with whole milk but you could use 2% if you need to.
Suzanne says
I love this recipe. Super easy! And came out perfectly!
April says
Can freshly shredded pecorino Romano be substituted for parmesan cheese? I have bagged shredded parm at home but whole pecorino Romano so was wondering if I could sub or combine them together and achieve a similar taste?
Layne Kangas says
I haven’t tried that personally so I don’t know if it will impact the end result. I would imagine it would work! Please let me know if you test it out!
Kathy says
Excellent recipe easy to make!
Lynn says
This is a keeper! It was picky eater son approved! I have made it twice in a week; once with penne noodles and tonight, it went over spaghetti squash abs topped with shrimps and veggies. It’s also easy to make.
Gloria says
Literally the best sauce ever, so good!
Cindi says
Absolutely delicious! Super easy to make!
Robby says
Easy and outstanding recipe. I have cooked this quite a few times and everyone one loves it when I do.
Liane says
So, I added what I had… Some aged cheddar, some pre grated parmesan cheese, whipping cream, 1%milk and some fresh grated nutmeg… I ended up browsing the butter with the garlic(oops but a great oops) and followed the directions. Omg so delicious!!
Martha says
I’ve tried about 5 different alfredo sauce recipes and this by far is the superior one! It tasted so good and reheated great in the microwave at 30 second intervals! My only question is the correct amount of time it will last in the freezer? It says 6 months in one part of the article and yet 2 months in another part. This would be great to thaw and have dinner made in 15 minutes! I just love this easy recipe! Thanks so much!
Layne Kangas says
Two months is correct! Enjoy 🙂
Gloria says
This is the best!
Tracie Jackson says
Delicious
Tee V. Q says
Very smooth, creamy, and has good taste. I added Shrimp and Crab. My go to Alfredo sauce recipe!❤️
Christine says
Would be interesting to learn Olive Garden thier cooks
Barbara Walsh says
Better than Olive Garden!
Tricia says
We’ve made this a few times now and chose to double the recipe both times so we had leftovers. It reheats well and we even used the leftovers as a sauce for chicken alfredo pizza. Definitely a keeper!
B says
How did you reheat it? Microwave or stove top? Did you need to add anything to it when reheating it?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, B – this is covered in the post. Here you go: The alfredo sauce can easily be reheated either in the microwave (the time will vary depending on the quantity) and then whisked until smooth. You can also reheat the sauce on the stovetop on low heat until heated through. If you find that the sauce is still too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating. Enjoy!
Vickie says
Oh my, my, my!! Yummy! This is the best Chicken Alfredo recipe out there. It tastes just like Olive Garden, which is my all time favorite restaurant. So simple to make and doesn’t take a long time either.
Try it, you will not be sorry!!!!
A.Thomas says
Easy recipe to allow , good flavor and is nice and smooth. I will have to remake this recipe due to I made a boo boo. I used unsalted butter instead of salted butter, and was wondering why it was lacking salt 😂 so I added some salt to my portion on my plate and it was very good and definitely what the recipe was lacking. Ima definitely make this again but with salted butter for sure.
Adriana says
So good, my family loved it!!
Valerie says
This was super duper easy to make and is SO FREAKING DELICIOUS!!! My husband was flabbergasted that the sauce was homemade.
Linda says
Easy and delicious!
Valerie Gallegos says
First time making this. OMGOSH, this is amazing. I will definitely make my Alfredo using this recipe from now on. I won’t buy Alfredo in a jar ever again
Liz says
Sooooo delish. Did not change a thing, other than doubling the recipe. It is a bit thin but as the recipe says, it will thicken over the noodles and it does. Sooooo gooood.
Evelyn Stallings says
Love homemade Alfredo sauce , among other different Italian recipes, can’t beat homemade.
Sheryl B says
This is my favorite Alfredo recipe. Soooooo good.
Lisa A Stebbins says
Yummy!!!
Brenda Newman says
Spaghetti noodles love the red flake suggestion I like a kick to my food.
Venie Appleby says
Great recipe! Sooo good!
Such a versatile recipe, thank goodness because depending on which granddaughter wanted it, the ingredients used are different.
One likes the traditional recipe with fettuccine noodles and no extras.
The oldest loves hers with ziti (with lines) pasta, broccoli, sometimes chicken and she adds her own heat (red pepper flakes)
Cindy says
Loved it! Added shrimp
And peas with medium shells foor a complete dinner. The sei d time I used fettucinninnoodlrd with prosciutto ribbons and oeas. Third time, made as is with fettuccini and served along sid shot Italian saiges and peppers. We really liked it.
aLISSA says
I would try adding chicken and a veggie, maybe broccoli.
Michelle says
I would love to try this with asparagus!
Kristen says
I love Alfredo with linguine! Yum!
Kim Phillips says
I think I would add some chicken to the alfredo sauce for some protein. Then it would be perfect.
Raafia says
Seems like a good recipe. I would probably add cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan cheese as it’s sme and taste is too overwhelming for me.
Toni Randall says
The vegetable I like to add is broccoli give it more flavor and color
Deborah Andross says
I would add shrimp to my recipe for something different.
Gabriela says
My favorite type of noodle to serve with alfredo sauce is Bowtie
Danielle says
Thank you so much for this recipe!
What’s your favorite type of noodles to serve with alfredo sauce? I like Linguini
What type of protein would you add to your pasta? Chicken
Do you add vegetables? Sometimes I will add mushrooms
Would you add a different type of cheese to your sauce? No, I like it the way it is.
Have you ever added crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat? No, I am not fond of the heat.
Teresa Gerber says
I love linguine with all my Italian dishes:)!!! Thank you for all your awesome recipes!!
TeAuna Drayton says
Linguine is my favorite noodles to pair with Alfredo sauce!!
Janice says
I will try making this with bow tie pasta. Sauce is yummy- I wonder if it would freeze well for later.
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Janice – you can also freeze leftover alfredo sauce for up to 2 months. To do so, place the sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container and place it in the freezer. Let it thaw before reheating for a super easy dinner! Enjoy!
Pat says
Absolutely love this! Good with shrimp or chicken. Have added mushrooms and broccoli. Such a treat!!
Carol says
This is a winner. I always love to add shrimp. So so good!
Allison Sammarco says
I actually love to add peas to my Alfredo!
Lori Pennington says
I use egg noodles when I make alfredo sauce and noodles and I add chicken to it my son’s girlfriend makes alfredo sauce all the time from scratch…..
Meredith says
So delicious! I added mushrooms and served it with baked chicken breasts.
Nan Waites says
Awesome sauce! I would add some good ol’ Lowcountry shrimp. Yum Yum!!!
Sue says
Our grandson made this dish and it was served at a restaurant he worked at. It was a hit.
judith g odwyer says
i use fettuccine noodles and either put shrimp or chicken in my alfredo sauce and mushrooms
BobbiJo says
Any kind of pasta is great to use
Christina Miller says
I love Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. I would add chicken or shrimp and broccoli.
Sandy Richardson says
I like to use angel hair pasta with Alfredo sauce!
Jackie says
I loved this it was even better than the Olive Garden!!!
elizabeth says
This recipe is so simple and the sauce is perfection *chefs kiss* I usually add chicken and broccoli to my alfredo!
Sherrie says
I haven’t tried this yet, but I would use bowtie pasta!
Alex S says
love alfredo. mostly like it with spaghetti noodles or penne, but sometimes i add bowties. theyre just too cute.
Ethelann says
This recipe is simple to copy. I’m going to try tweaking it just a bit & see how it tastes. I’ll substitute the regular salt with onion salt & maybe try this sauce with regular spaghetti noodles. Add some carrots,broccoli, & cauliflower. Hope it tastes just as great. I will of course use chicken for my meat preference.
Ethelann Hall says
A very easy recipe. Will experiment a bit I think. I’m going to try using onion salt in place of regular & add carrots,broccoli,& cauliflower. Of course, I’ll stick with chicken as my meat. Thanks for sharing.
Sheila Jo Shreve says
I like to add a little chicken as protein and broccoli. It just kicks the recipe up a notch.
Family loves it!!
Eileen says
The recipe is very simple. I use fettuccine noodles with mushroom, red peppers and broccoli with baked chicken. For the cheese I use parmesan and brick cheese. Goes nicely with a caesar salad. Thank you for sharing.
Karen says
I would use pasta shells so they would hold more of the sauce.
Kevin says
Sorry. Spell check. I am cool but meant Cook. Also salt and pepper. The auto correct here is aggressive. Lol
Yolanda says
I made this and it was delish!! Thank you for sharing!
Valerie Ridnouer says
Excellent! My grandson absolutely loves it when I make this Chicken Alfredo! Turns out every time!
Kassidy says
Will a package of generic brand shredded Parmesan be okay instead of the expensive small container?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Kassidy – yes, you could. Enjoy!
Florence says
Just made this for the first time and I honestly think I liked it better than OG’s!!! I sprinkled on some Morton Nature’s Seasons in addition to the parsley and I couldn’t get over how good it tasted!!! This is now my go to Alfredo sauce recipe. Until now, I just couldn’t find one that I actually liked. Definitely recommend!
Kristi @ Mulch and Paint says
Looks delicious! This is my daughter’s go-to entree at Olive Garden…so I am excited to try this recipe for her. PINNED!!!
Mercy T says
Yum! Easy. I added spinach and mushroom to it, absolutely tasty!
Jane says
Just the best! So great to have ready in freezer for those hectic workdays! Gracias!
Diane says
This was delicious, super easy to make and a keeper for sure. I used freshly grated Parmesan cheese as well as garlic as there is no substitution when it comes to Alfredo sauce for me.
Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe with us.
Terri says
Excellent Alfredo sauce and so easy! Thank you!
Kim says
This is a terrific base! I sautéed Italian sausage, mushrooms, shopped spinach and roasted red peppers and added with pappardelle pasta and it was amazing.
Martha says
Made this for my family for lunch…kids AND adults loved it! Very much like the Olive Garden recipe I feel…I added a smidge of freshly grated nutmeg to the sauce-Yum! definitely told do do it again!…Might try it with some sausage next time instead of chicken?
Sue says
I love this recipe! It’s so easy to make and comes out perfectly. Thank you for the recipe!
Elaine says
Easy & very tasty!
Dana Carlson says
Followed this recipe exactly and the sauce was perfect. Tasted just like Olive Garden! The only thing I changed was adding 12oz of pasta rather than 16oz at the end so it was more saucy. Definitely a keeper.
Abby says
I absolutely loved this! I’ve made this twice already this month. My second go around, my milk was expired by 5 days but luckily it didn’t smell bad and my husband swears it tasted better this time than last time.
Janet Lusk says
This is soooo good! My family loves it! I grill some chicken to add to it and it’s a favorite. For reheating, I add a little cream and it makes for fantastic leftovers too.
Anne says
Do you use pre shredded cheese or need to shred your own?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Anne – we shredded ours! Enjoy!
Stephanie says
Omg its amazing and so easy!!! My kids love it my coworkers even buy thr stuff and ask me to make it for them!
-vee says
I never comment. Ever. This recipe is so excellent when followed closely. Make it the first time, then make it “yours.” You will be pleased!
Audrey says
This was super easy to make and was absolutely delicious! I used Pappardelle because I didn’t have any fettuccine on hand and it was perfect.
Hope says
Honestly the closest alfredo recipe to olive gardens that I’ve ever tasted!! Definitely my new go to!!
Deanna Dellosa says
This is the only recipe I use and my picky kids love it. I also asked at the Olive Garden and they said yes it’s the right ingredients.
Thank you
Damaris says
I only have unsalted butter can I still use that?
Layne Kangas says
Yes, that would be fine. You might want to add a dash of salt to taste then. Enjoy!
Joslyn Sanders says
I absolutely loved this recipe. It turned out great and tasted just like Olive Garden, maybe even better!
Jaci says
Better than Olive Garden…
Pam says
Absolutely delicious!!!
Natalie says
Hi! I’ve recently have been told I need to go gluten free, and this recipe is a staple in our house. Is there anything I can substitute for the flour to thicken?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Natalie – you could use a gluten-free flour in it, enjoy!
Darrell says
Incredibly delicious!!!!
Sasha says
Very easy and fast to make. Super tasty.