The Best Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta Recipe You Can Make at Home

Creamy, indulgent Olive Garden alfredo pasta recipe brings the magic of Italian dining straight to your kitchen.

Restaurants often guard their secret sauce, but we’ve cracked the code for this velvety delight.

Rich parmesan and smooth cream combine to create a luxurious coating that hugs every strand of pasta.

Each bite promises restaurant-quality flavor without stepping outside your door.

The recipe captures that nostalgic comfort food essence that makes everyone smile.

Chefs and home cooks alike will adore this simple yet spectacular dish.

Prepare to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Tips for Lush, Restaurant-Style Alfredo Sauce

• Cook fettuccine al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
• Whisk constantly while adding cream to avoid lumps and create a silky-smooth texture.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and smoother sauce integration.
• Simmer sauce on low heat to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency.
• Warm plates before serving to keep pasta hot and sauce from cooling quickly.

Flavorful Alfredo Pasta Variations to Explore

• Vegan Creamy Pasta: Replace heavy cream with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and swap butter for plant-based margarine. Swap fettuccine with gluten-free pasta for added dietary flexibility.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alfredo: Substitute fettuccine with spiralized cauliflower noodles or zucchini strands. Use cream cheese to enhance sauce thickness and maintain rich texture.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp directly into the sauce. Incorporate extra Parmesan for increased protein content and deeper flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Blend roasted red peppers into the sauce, sprinkle red pepper flakes, and top with fresh basil leaves. Include sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.

Presenting Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta Beautifully

• Elegant Italian Dinner Night: Create a romantic table setting with soft candles, crisp white linens, and a small vase of fresh herbs to complement the creamy pasta.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the alfredo with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to transform this dish into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or wilted spinach for added nutrition and a beautiful pop of color against the creamy white sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or a buttery Chardonnay to enhance the rich, velvety flavors of the alfredo sauce.

Saving Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta Meals

• Store leftover Alfredo pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Separate sauce and pasta before freezing to maintain better texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What makes this Alfredo sauce different from other recipes?

This Alfredo sauce uses a combination of butter, flour, heavy cream, and milk to create a rich, smooth base before adding Parmesan cheese, ensuring a creamy and perfectly thickened sauce.

• Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Fresh-grated Parmesan cheese is recommended as it melts more smoothly and provides better flavor compared to pre-packaged, pre-grated cheese which often contains anti-caking agents.

• Is this recipe similar to Olive Garden's authentic Alfredo sauce?

This recipe closely mimics the restaurant’s classic Alfredo sauce, using key ingredients like heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese to recreate the signature creamy texture and rich flavor.

Reasons to Try Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta at Home

• Recreate the beloved Olive Garden Alfredo pasta right in your own kitchen, delivering authentic restaurant flavors without leaving home.
• Enjoy a luxurious, rich sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand, creating a decadent dish that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Prepare a gourmet-style meal in minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can confidently execute.
• Delight family and guests with a classic Italian-inspired pasta that appeals to all ages and suits multiple dining occasions.

Ingredients for Creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta

• Fettuccine Pasta: A long, flat Italian pasta perfect for capturing the creamy Alfredo sauce.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for the classic Alfredo sauce.
• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt: Helps to balance and elevate the flavors of the sauce.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth and creamy sauce texture.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Contribute to the luxurious and velvety consistency of the Alfredo sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle herbal note to the dish.

Equipment to Master Olive Garden Alfredo at Home

• Large Skillet: Essential for creating the creamy Alfredo sauce and mixing pasta.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending butter, garlic, flour, and cheese smoothly without lumps.
• Tongs: Great for gently tossing pasta through the rich sauce, ensuring even coating.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping fresh parsley for garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Used to mince garlic and chop parsley with precision.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring cream, milk, and other ingredients.
• Colander: Required for draining cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.

Cooking Steps for Olive Garden Alfredo Perfection

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Drop fettuccine into a large pot of salted boiling water.

Cook until tender and al dente.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, letting it rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Build The Sauce Foundation

Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they create a fragrant and harmonious blend.

Step 3: Create A Silky Base

Sprinkle flour over the butter mixture.

Gently whisk to combine.

Slowly stream in heavy cream and whole milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps.

Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken, then reduce heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Melt The Cheese

Introduce shredded Parmesan cheese into the sauce.

Stir vigorously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Marry Pasta And Sauce

Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet.

Use tongs to gently toss and coat every strand of fettuccine with the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta.

Serve hot and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish straight from your kitchen.

Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive garden alfredo pasta brings creamy Italian comfort to home kitchens with its rich, luxurious sauce. Parmesan cheese and heavy cream combine perfectly for a classic restaurant-style pasta experience you can savor without leaving home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) fettuccine
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) salted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

Thickening Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Melt butter completely, then introduce minced garlic, allowing it to become fragrant without browning.
3. Sprinkle flour over the butter-garlic mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. This prevents lumpy sauce formation.
4. Gradually stream heavy cream and milk into the skillet, maintaining constant whisking. Allow mixture to gently bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency without any cheese clumps.
6. Transfer cooked fettuccine directly into the creamy sauce. Utilize tongs to meticulously coat each pasta strand, ensuring even distribution of the rich alfredo sauce.
7. Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luxurious.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection Choose high-quality fettuccine for authentic restaurant-style texture and flavor.
• Cheese Selection Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese for superior melting and richer taste.
• Sauce Consistency Whisk continuously while adding cream to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, silky sauce.
• Dietary Adaptation Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version; use gluten-free flour and pasta for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg