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Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

  • Author: Ava Garrison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy, rich, and irresistibly smooth, this Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce tastes just like the restaurant favorite while being easy to make at home. The velvety parmesan cream sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly, creating a comforting Italian-inspired meal that works for a quick dinner, family gathering, or cozy weekend meal. Made with butter, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and garlic, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients.

 

Perfect for dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, comfort food cravings, and homemade Italian food lovers, this creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine, grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Whether you need a quick dinner, easy family meal, or satisfying pasta night recipe, this homemade Alfredo sauce is guaranteed to impress.


Ingredients

1 pound fettuccine pasta

1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 cups heavy cream

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

4 ounces cream cheese softened

2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed


Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the salt and cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat melt the butter slowly without browning it.

3. Add the minced garlic garlic powder and onion powder. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to create a smooth base.

5. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until completely melted and incorporated.

6. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese while whisking constantly.

7. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth creamy and thick. Add salt black pepper and nutmeg.

8. Transfer the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce and toss until evenly coated.

9. Add small amounts of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

10. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the creamy flavor.

11. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving hot.


Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheese for the smoothest and creamiest Alfredo sauce texture.

Cook the sauce over medium-low heat to prevent the dairy from separating or becoming grainy.

Reserve pasta water before draining because the starch helps create a silky restaurant-style sauce consistency.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 50g
  • Saturated Fat: 30g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: copycat olive garden alfredo sauce, homemade alfredo sauce, creamy pasta recipe, easy dinner recipe, italian pasta recipe, fettuccine alfredo, comfort food, easy pasta dinner