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Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce: Rich and Creamy at Home

A fork lifting fettuccine noodles generously coated in creamy olive garden alfredo sauce from a white plate.
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Recreate the iconic, rich, and creamy Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden in your own kitchen. This easy recipe uses a simple method to achieve a velvety texture that clings perfectly to pasta.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (optional, for extra thickness)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Cook your fettuccine or desired pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large sauté pan or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
  3. Whisk in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. If using, add the cubed cream cheese to the simmering cream mixture. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This step helps achieve the restaurant-style thickness.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the cheese, or it may separate.
  6. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly whisk in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta immediately with the warm Alfredo sauce until every strand is coated. Serve right away.

Notes

  • For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If you are making Chicken Alfredo, toss cooked, sliced chicken breast into the sauce along with the pasta.
  • This sauce is excellent for dipping your favorite breadsticks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/olive-garden-alfredo-sauce-recipe/