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Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

4.6 from 51 reviews

This Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe is a creamy, rich, and flavorful sauce perfect for coating fettuccine pasta. Made with butter, garlic, cream, milk, and parmesan cheese, it’s an indulgent classic that brings a restaurant-quality experience to your home kitchen. The sauce is thickened with a simple roux, ensuring a velvety texture that clings beautifully to pasta, topped with fresh parsley to add a hint of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 oz grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fettuccine pasta (quantity to serve, typically 8 oz dry for 4 servings)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic to preserve its flavor.
  2. Make the Roux: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste and to create a thickening base for the sauce.
  3. Add Cream and Milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk into the roux. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, stirring regularly until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 4 ounces of grated parmesan cheese into the thickened sauce. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Cook Fettuccine: Meanwhile, cook fettuccine pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta well.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine directly to the cheese sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and a fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately for best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture; pre-grated cheese can sometimes lead to a grainy sauce.
  • Be careful not to overheat the sauce once the cheese is added to prevent it from breaking or becoming oily.
  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream or milk if needed.
  • For a richer taste, you can substitute whole milk with additional heavy cream.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Keywords: Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce, Alfredo sauce recipe, creamy pasta sauce, fettuccine Alfredo, homemade Alfredo, Italian Alfredo, parmesan cheese sauce