Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is a creamy and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. This homemade version is just like the one you love at Olive Garden, made with fresh Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and a hint of garlic. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
INGREDIENTS
- Pasta: 1 package (penne recommended). This pasta holds the creamy sauce well, making each bite delicious.
- Butter: 1 stick. Adds richness to the sauce and helps blend the ingredients together.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Provides a subtle garlic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 pint. Creates a luxurious and rich base for the Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated. Adds a savory, umami flavor that’s essential for a classic Alfredo sauce.
- Cream Cheese: 2 tablespoons. Helps to thicken the sauce and add extra creaminess.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the sauce.
- White Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a mild peppery flavor without changing the color of the sauce.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions to your liking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick of butter. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and cook for two minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add Cream and Cream Cheese
- Pour 1 pint of heavy cream and add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the saucepan. Heat the mixture until it starts to bubble, but do not let it boil. Stir continuously to combine the ingredients.
- Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese
- Gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 5: Season the Sauce
- Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more if needed.
- Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Mix the hot Alfredo sauce with the cooked pasta until well combined. Ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Step 7: Serve
- Serve the pasta immediately while hot. Enjoy your homemade Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce with pasta, just like at Olive Garden.
Serving and Storage Tips
Here are some tips on how to serve and store your Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce:
- Serve the Alfredo pasta immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair the Alfredo pasta with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Helpful Notes
Here are some helpful notes to enhance your cooking experience:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese can contain additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Be sure to stir the sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Feel free to customize the dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
Tips from well-known chefs
Here are some tips from famous chefs around the globe:
- Chef Ina Garten: "Using high-quality ingredients like fresh Parmesan and real butter makes all the difference in a simple dish like Alfredo sauce."
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Be careful not to boil the cream. Heating it gently will create a smoother, more luxurious sauce."
- Chef Jamie Oliver: "Adding a touch of cream cheese helps to stabilize the sauce and keep it creamy."