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Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 11 reviews

This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe delivers a creamy, rich, and authentic taste reminiscent of the beloved restaurant's signature sauce. Made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, heavy cream, milk, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this sauce perfectly coats fettuccine pasta for a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy yet indulgent dish ideal for dinner or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (from a wedge)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Pasta

  • 1 box (16 oz) fettuccine pasta

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan or large skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until fully liquefied and starting to foam.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced or pressed garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid browning. This step infuses the butter with garlic flavor.
  3. Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour and create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
  4. Pour Cream and Milk: Slowly add the heavy whipping cream and whole milk while whisking constantly to blend everything smoothly and prevent lumps.
  5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—small bubbles forming around the edges—and cook for 5 minutes, whisking frequently. The sauce will reduce slightly and thicken to a creamy consistency. If needed, continue cooking until desired thickness is reached.
  6. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and the cheese melts completely.
  7. Adjust and Serve: Taste the sauce, adjust seasoning if needed (usually more salt), then immediately toss it with freshly cooked fettuccine pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture.
  • Do not let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
  • Whisking constantly when adding flour and dairy helps avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • The sauce thickens more as it cools; serve immediately for best consistency.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for the cream and milk for a lighter sauce but it will be less rich.
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/copycat-olive-garden-alfredo-sauce-recipe/