If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s signature Alfredo sauce, you’re going to love this Olive Garden Alfredo Mac and Cheese Copycat recipe. Combining the rich, velvety Alfredo sauce with classic macaroni, this dish creates a heavenly creamy mac and cheese that’s perfect for both kids and adults. It’s comfort food at its finest—whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or indulging in a cozy night at home.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering, cheesy delight!
Ingredients:
- 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese (softened)
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni (or any other pasta you prefer) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce Base
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns a light golden color. This helps remove the raw taste of the flour while thickening the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream and Milk
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, but avoid boiling it. As the sauce heats up, it will start to thicken, becoming smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses
Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it completely melts into the sauce. Then, slowly stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
Step 6: Add Seasonings
Season the sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Nutmeg enhances the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce, while salt and pepper bring out all the other flavors. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 7: Combine Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta until it’s thoroughly coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. At this point, you can also adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once your mac and cheese is fully combined and coated, remove it from heat. Transfer the Olive Garden Alfredo Mac and Cheese to serving bowls or a large platter. For extra garnish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
Cooking Notes:
- Pasta Choices: While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese, you can easily substitute with penne, cavatappi, shells, or any other short pasta. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up to the rich sauce.
- Cream Cheese Alternative: If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with mascarpone for an even creamier texture. The cream cheese helps create the rich, silky consistency that mimics Olive Garden’s famous Alfredo sauce.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter version of this recipe, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and light cream. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick, but it will still taste delicious.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the Alfredo sauce. This adds a subtle heat to balance out the creaminess.
Serving Suggestions:
The Olive Garden Alfredo Mac and Cheese is hearty enough to be served on its own as a main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with side dishes for a complete meal. Serve it with:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, turning it into a full entrée.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add texture and nutrients.
Tips:
- Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. The Alfredo mac and cheese reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop—just add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
- Baked Option: For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a casserole dish, top it with additional shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Leftover Magic: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the creamy texture. You can also turn leftovers into a cheesy pasta bake by adding breadcrumbs on top and baking until crispy.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 35g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion:
This Olive Garden Alfredo Mac and Cheese (Copycat) recipe brings the comforting, indulgent flavors of Olive Garden’s Alfredo sauce right to your home. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with tender pasta to create a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for kids, as a weeknight dinner, or to impress guests, this mac and cheese is sure to become a go-to recipe. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your tastes. Enjoy a taste of Olive Garden from the comfort of your kitchen!
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Olive Garden Alfredo Mac and Cheese (Copycat) Recipe: A Creamy Indulgence
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese (softened)
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni (or any other pasta you prefer) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce Base
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns a light golden color. This helps remove the raw taste of the flour while thickening the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream and Milk
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, but avoid boiling it. As the sauce heats up, it will start to thicken, becoming smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses
Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it completely melts into the sauce. Then, slowly stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
Step 6: Add Seasonings
Season the sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Nutmeg enhances the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce, while salt and pepper bring out all the other flavors. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 7: Combine Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta until it’s thoroughly coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. At this point, you can also adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once your mac and cheese is fully combined and coated, remove it from heat. Transfer the Olive Garden Alfredo Mac and Cheese to serving bowls or a large platter. For extra garnish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 600
- Sodium: 980mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g