Go Back
–+ servings
Best Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe Ever Made

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
This Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe gives you that silky, restaurant-quality creaminess without the fuss. Made with real butter, cream, and cheese, it clings to pasta like it’s got rent due — rich, smooth, and easy enough for any night of the week.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 680 kcal

Equipment

  • Wide sauté pan
  • Whisk
  • Large Pot
  • Tongs

Ingredients
 

Base Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk optional, for lighter texture
  • 2-3 cloves garlic finely minced or 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated (Parmigiano Reggiano preferred)
  • 1/2 cup Romano cheese freshly grated
  • 2 oz cream cheese optional, for extra body and smoothness
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • pinch ground nutmeg optional but recommended

To Serve

  • 12-16 oz fettuccine pasta or preferred pasta shape
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
  • parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain (do not rinse).
  • Melt butter in a wide sauté pan over medium heat until foamy but not browned.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  • Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  • Whisk in cream cheese until melted and smooth, if using.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Reduce heat to low.
  • Add Parmesan and Romano cheeses gradually, whisking constantly until fully melted and creamy.
  • Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water until smooth and glossy.
  • Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss for 1–2 minutes over low heat until evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley, extra cheese, and black pepper.

Notes

Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or water. Avoid microwaving to prevent separation. Add-ins like chicken, shrimp, or broccoli turn this into a full meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 19gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 380mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword Alfredo, Olive Garden Copycat, Pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!