Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Famous for its luxurious texture and comforting flavor, this sauce is perfect for tossing with fettuccine or drizzling over chicken and seafood. Recreate the restaurant experience at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife (for mincing garlic)

Ingredients Overview

• Butter: Creates a rich base and adds flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory notes.
• Heavy cream: Contributes the luxurious, velvety consistency.
• Parmesan cheese: Delivers that signature salty, nutty taste.
• Milk: Helps adjust thickness while maintaining creaminess.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs enhance flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk (plus more if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional pinch of Italian seasoning or nutmeg

Directions

1. Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Add cream and milk: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil.
4. Stir in the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until it melts and the sauce thickens.
5. Season: Add the salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like Italian herbs or a tiny pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Adjust consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk until desired consistency is reached.
7. Serve: Pour over cooked fettuccine or your favorite pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~8g
• Fat: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~4g
• Sugar: ~2g
• Sodium: ~400mg

Expert Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture and taste.
• Don’t overheat: Boiling the cream can cause it to separate or scorch, so keep the heat at a gentle simmer.
• Thin it out later: Reserve some pasta water or extra milk to adjust consistency just before serving.
• Add variety: Stir in cooked shrimp, chicken, or sautéed veggies to transform the sauce into a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. You can also reduce it a bit longer to achieve a thicker consistency.

What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can use 2% milk or even more heavy cream in place of the milk, though the sauce will be thicker and richer with more cream.

How can I make this sauce lighter?
Try using half the butter, low-fat milk in place of the cream, and reduce the cheese, though the texture and flavor will be less indulgent.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Cool the sauce completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent separation.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese blend: Mix in Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Garlic lovers: Increase garlic to 3 or 4 cloves or add roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper taste.
• Herb twist: Stir in chopped fresh basil, parsley, or oregano just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Cutting board and knife (for mincing garlic)

Ingredients

  

• - 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
• - 2 cloves garlic minced
• - 2 cups heavy cream
• - 1 cup whole milk plus more if needed
• - 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• - Optional pinch of Italian seasoning or nutmeg

Instructions

 

• **Melt the butter**: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• **Sauté the garlic**: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
• **Add cream and milk**: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil.
• **Stir in the cheese**: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until it melts and the sauce thickens.
• **Season**: Add the salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like Italian herbs or a tiny pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• **Adjust consistency**: If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk until desired consistency is reached.
• **Serve**: Pour over cooked fettuccine or your favorite pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.