Authentic Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe: Creamy, Rich, and Delicious
Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is a fan-favorite creamy, rich sauce that’s loved for its velvety texture and buttery flavor. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Olive Garden, you know just how irresistible their Alfredo Sauce is, especially when paired with pasta, chicken, or shrimp.
The good news is, you can recreate this classic restaurant-quality Alfredo Sauce right in your own kitchen with this simple recipe. This creamy sauce is made with just a few ingredients—heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese—and it comes together quickly for a delicious dish that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight meal, a dinner party, or whenever you’re craving a creamy pasta dish, Olive Garden-style Alfredo Sauce is sure to impress.
Recipe Preparation Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce:
- A medium saucepan
- A whisk or spoon for stirring
- A measuring cup for liquids
- A fine grater or microplane for the Parmesan cheese
- A spoon or spatula for stirring
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a subtle flavor depth)
How to Make Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce?
Step 1: Melt the butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Add the garlic
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic (and garlic powder if you’re using it). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.
Step 3: Add the heavy cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly as you do. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan cheese
Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Season and simmer
Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of nutmeg to give the sauce a bit of depth. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
Once the Alfredo sauce is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat and serve it immediately over pasta, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a finishing touch.
Variations
- Add chicken or shrimp: For a heartier dish, serve your Alfredo sauce with grilled or sautéed chicken or shrimp on top.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free butter and coconut milk or a vegan heavy cream substitute. You can also use plant-based Parmesan cheese to make a vegan version of this Alfredo sauce.
- Add herbs: For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to the sauce.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
Cooking Note
This Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is best when served immediately. However, if you need to store it, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. You can reheat it on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is perfect for serving with:
- Fettuccine or any type of pasta, like penne or spaghetti
- Grilled or pan-seared chicken breast or shrimp
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach
- A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, so be sure to grate your cheese fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little extra cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Don’t overheat the sauce: When making Alfredo sauce, it’s important not to overheat the mixture after adding the cheese, as this can cause it to separate or curdle. Keep the heat on low once the cheese is incorporated.
Tips for the Best Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- For a truly indulgent sauce, use full-fat heavy cream instead of lighter options like half-and-half or milk.
- Make sure to simmer the sauce on low heat to prevent it from breaking or curdling. Stir frequently to ensure it stays smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like it extra garlicky, feel free to add more garlic or garlic powder.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
1. Can I make Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce ahead of time?
This sauce is best when served immediately, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on low heat and add a bit of cream or milk if needed.
2. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
While it’s better to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor, pre-grated cheese can work in a pinch.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
For a different flavor, you can try adding a small amount of Romano cheese, Gruyère, or Asiago to the sauce along with the Parmesan.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe is the perfect homemade version of a classic favorite. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with delicious cheese flavor. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, chicken, or veggies, this Alfredo sauce will elevate any meal. Quick to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect addition to your cooking repertoire. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the restaurant-quality Alfredo sauce in the comfort of your own home!
