Introduction:
Craving the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden? Now you can recreate the magic right at home with this easy Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe! This sauce is perfectly creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. Paired with your favorite pasta, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or treating yourself to an indulgent dinner, this Alfredo sauce is the perfect choice.
Ingredients:
- 1 package pasta (I like penne)
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 pint of heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta of your choice according to the package instructions. Once it reaches your desired texture, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic
In a large saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can create a bitter taste. You want the garlic to soften and release its flavor into the butter.
Step 3: Add Cream and Cream Cheese
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and bubbling, but be sure not to let it boil. The cream and cream cheese will create a rich base for the Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce has thickened, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Parmesan cheese is the star of this sauce, adding a delicious, savory flavor.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Season the Alfredo sauce with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. The white pepper adds a subtle heat without overpowering the delicate flavors of the cream and cheese.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the Alfredo sauce. Make sure the sauce clings to every noodle for the best flavor experience.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Alfredo pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. For an extra special touch, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Cooking Note:
- For extra flavor, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to the Alfredo pasta.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Alfredo pasta with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete Olive Garden-style meal.
- Serve alongside a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy richness of the sauce.
Tips:
- For a smoother sauce, make sure to whisk the Parmesan cheese in gradually to avoid clumping.
- Leftover Alfredo sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 500 per serving (without pasta)
- Protein: 10 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is everything you love about the classic dish: rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness. The combination of butter, cream, Parmesan, and garlic creates a sauce that’s perfect for tossing with pasta, vegetables, or even as a base for a pizza! Whether you’re treating yourself to a comforting bowl of pasta or cooking for a family dinner, this Alfredo recipe is sure to impress.
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Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Craving the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden? Now you can recreate the magic right at home with this easy Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe! This sauce is perfectly creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. Paired with your favorite pasta, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or treating yourself to an indulgent dinner, this Alfredo sauce is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
- 1 package pasta (I like penne)
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 pint of heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta of your choice according to the package instructions. Once it reaches your desired texture, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic
In a large saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can create a bitter taste. You want the garlic to soften and release its flavor into the butter.
Step 3: Add Cream and Cream Cheese
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and bubbling, but be sure not to let it boil. The cream and cream cheese will create a rich base for the Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce has thickened, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Parmesan cheese is the star of this sauce, adding a delicious, savory flavor.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Season the Alfredo sauce with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. The white pepper adds a subtle heat without overpowering the delicate flavors of the cream and cheese.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the Alfredo sauce. Make sure the sauce clings to every noodle for the best flavor experience.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Alfredo pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. For an extra special touch, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- For extra flavor, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to the Alfredo pasta.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Alfredo pasta with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete Olive Garden-style meal.
- Serve alongside a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy richness of the sauce.
Tips:
- For a smoother sauce, make sure to whisk the Parmesan cheese in gradually to avoid clumping.
- Leftover Alfredo sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500 per serving
- Sodium: 800 mg per serving
- Protein: 10 grams per serving