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Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce: Rich and Creamy in 20 Minutes

Close-up of fettuccine pasta coated in rich olive garden alfredo sauce, topped with Parmesan and black pepper.
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Bring the rich, creamy flavor of your favorite restaurant home! This easy Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe comes together in about 20 minutes using simple ingredients like butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It is perfect over fettuccine or for dipping warm breadsticks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, packed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and add the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low.
  3. Allow the cream mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually whisk in the 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately over hot fettuccine or use as a dip for your homemade breadsticks.

Notes

  • For the silkiest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon or two of warm milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe makes a fantastic base for chicken or shrimp Alfredo.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/olive-garden-alfredo-sauce-recipe/