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Creamy Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe Better Than Restaurant

creamy copycat olive garden alfredo sauce - featured image

A rich, silky, and indulgent Alfredo sauce recipe that recreates the beloved Olive Garden flavor at home with simple pantry ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced finely
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, a pinch or two
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Fresh Italian parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mince the garlic finely and grate the Parmesan cheese freshly. Chop a tablespoon of fresh Italian parsley for garnish.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter. Watch closely to foam but not brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Slowly add 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a light simmer with bubbles at the edges, not a rolling boil, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and gradually add 1 cup (100g) of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and sauce thickens.
  6. Season with about 1/4 teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Remove from heat once sauce coats the back of a spoon. Toss immediately with cooked pasta, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.

Notes

Do not let the cream boil; keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid splitting. Add Parmesan cheese slowly over low heat while stirring continuously to prevent graininess. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water to loosen. Freshly grated Parmesan is key for smooth texture and authentic flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Alfredo sauce, Olive Garden copycat, creamy sauce, homemade Alfredo, Parmesan sauce, easy Alfredo recipe