Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta Recipe

The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Pasta is a luxurious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any pasta lover. This recipe replicates the creamy, rich sauce you know and love from Olive Garden, but with the added benefit of being made fresh in your own kitchen. The combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s both rich and flavorful, coating each strand of fettuccine perfectly. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or simply craving something indulgent, this Alfredo pasta is a go-to recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness, and serve it with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Olive Garden's Alfredo pasta right at home with this simple and delicious recipe. Made with classic ingredients like butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this Alfredo sauce is rich and flavorful, perfectly coating every strand of fettuccine. Whether you’re preparing a comforting family dinner or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal, this dish is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Alfredo pasta so irresistible.

INGREDIENTS

• Salted Butter: 6 tablespoons. The base of the Alfredo sauce, adding richness and depth of flavor.
• Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon. Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy cheese.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons. Helps to thicken the sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 ¼ cups. Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce.
• Whole Milk: 1 ½ cups. Balances the creaminess with a lighter texture, ensuring the sauce isn’t too heavy.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. The key ingredient in Alfredo sauce, providing a sharp, salty flavor that makes the sauce truly decadent.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the garlic flavor, making the sauce even more aromatic and flavorful.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon. Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Fettuccine: 16 oz package. A classic pasta choice for Alfredo sauce, with wide, flat noodles that hold onto the sauce perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped, for garnish. Adds a fresh, herbal note and brightens the dish visually.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Fettuccine

Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Cook it until it reaches an al dente texture, which means it should be tender yet firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm until the sauce is ready.

Step 2: Create the Alfredo Sauce Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. As the butter begins to sizzle, add the minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and the garlic becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk continuously to ensure the flour is fully incorporated, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, continuing to whisk as the sauce thickens. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese

Add the shredded Parmesan cheese to the sauce, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Parmesan cheese will add a rich, salty flavor, making the sauce incredibly indulgent.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked and drained fettuccine to the skillet. Use tongs to toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the creamy Alfredo. This step allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making each bite truly delicious.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For the finishing touch, garnish your Alfredo pasta with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the sauce. Serve the Alfredo pasta immediately, while it’s hot and the sauce is at its creamiest.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Olive Garden Alfredo pasta is best served fresh and hot, straight from the skillet, to fully enjoy the creamy, rich texture of the sauce. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy consistency.
• This Alfredo sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
• For an extra indulgent version, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms to the pasta. These additions make the dish heartier and more flavorful.

Helpful Notes

• For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter version of Alfredo sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. This will result in a sauce that’s still creamy but with fewer calories.
• To prevent the sauce from separating, be sure to keep the heat low when simmering the cream and adding the cheese. High heat can cause the sauce to break and lose its smooth texture.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Mario Batali suggests adding a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce to enhance the creaminess and add a subtle depth of flavor.
• Chef Giada De Laurentiis recommends using a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses for a more robust flavor profile.
• Chef Wolfgang Puck advises undercooking the pasta slightly before tossing it in the sauce, allowing the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce and absorb more flavor.