Olive Garden’s Fettuccine Alfredo is one of the most beloved dishes at the restaurant, famous for its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli recipe adds a veggie-packed twist to the classic dish by incorporating tender steamed broccoli. The balance of creamy Alfredo sauce with the slight crunch of broccoli makes this a comforting, satisfying meal that you can easily recreate at home.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe delivers the creamy indulgence you crave, with the added bonus of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
For the Fettuccine Alfredo:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- Salt, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli. You can use a steamer basket over boiling water, or microwave the broccoli with a few tablespoons of water for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside. Season lightly with salt.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese (if using), stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Broccoli, and Alfredo Sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Next, fold in the steamed broccoli, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 5: Serve the Fettuccine Alfredo
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Cheese Choice: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for this recipe to achieve the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Cream Consistency: If you want a thicker Alfredo sauce, let the cream simmer for a few extra minutes. Conversely, if the sauce is too thick, adding a splash of reserved pasta water will thin it out while maintaining its creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option: This dish is naturally vegetarian, but to enhance the flavor, you could also add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for an extra veggie boost.
Serving Suggestions:
This Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli is a rich and filling main dish that pairs beautifully with a light side salad or warm garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if desired.
Tips:
- Reheating: Alfredo sauce can thicken as it cools. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Making It Ahead: While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce in advance. Simply reheat it gently over low heat before adding the cooked pasta and broccoli.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or even thinly sliced steak.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 580mg
Conclusion:
This Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli is the perfect way to bring the classic flavors of a beloved restaurant dish right into your kitchen. With its creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and tender broccoli, this recipe is not only indulgent but also adds a nutritious veggie boost. It’s a fantastic option for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you want a comforting, homemade meal that feels like a treat.
Print
Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Olive Garden’s Fettuccine Alfredo is one of the most beloved dishes at the restaurant, famous for its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli recipe adds a veggie-packed twist to the classic dish by incorporating tender steamed broccoli. The balance of creamy Alfredo sauce with the slight crunch of broccoli makes this a comforting, satisfying meal that you can easily recreate at home.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Fettuccine Alfredo:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli. You can use a steamer basket over boiling water, or microwave the broccoli with a few tablespoons of water for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside. Season lightly with salt.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese (if using), stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Broccoli, and Alfredo Sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Next, fold in the steamed broccoli, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 5: Serve the Fettuccine Alfredo
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Cheese Choice: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for this recipe to achieve the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Cream Consistency: If you want a thicker Alfredo sauce, let the cream simmer for a few extra minutes. Conversely, if the sauce is too thick, adding a splash of reserved pasta water will thin it out while maintaining its creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option: This dish is naturally vegetarian, but to enhance the flavor, you could also add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for an extra veggie boost.
Serving Suggestions:
This Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli is a rich and filling main dish that pairs beautifully with a light side salad or warm garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if desired.
Tips:
- Reheating: Alfredo sauce can thicken as it cools. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Making It Ahead: While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce in advance. Simply reheat it gently over low heat before adding the cooked pasta and broccoli.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or even thinly sliced steak.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 610
- Sodium: 580mg
- Protein: 18g