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The Ultimate 20-Minute Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Close-up of fettuccine pasta coated heavily in creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce, lifted by a fork.
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Make the rich, creamy, garlic-Parmesan flavor of Olive Garden’s signature Alfredo sauce right in your kitchen. This recipe is easy, quick, and tastes just like the restaurant favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the heavy whipping cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  4. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt smoothly before adding more. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
  5. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and the optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Toss immediately with hot, cooked fettuccine or serve alongside warm breadsticks for dipping.

Notes

  • Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor in this restaurant style Alfredo sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
  • 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 creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is excellent as a base for chicken or shrimp Alfredo.

Nutrition

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