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The Ultimate 20-Minute Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Close-up of fettuccine pasta coated in rich, creamy olive garden alfredo sauce on a white plate.
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Make the rich, creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce you love from Olive Garden right in your kitchen. This easy homemade Alfredo sauce is ready in 20 minutes and tastes just like the restaurant classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  4. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly. You are looking for a noticeable coating on the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and completely melted.
  6. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and the optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve immediately over hot fettuccine or use as a dip for breadsticks.

Notes

  • For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • This sauce is excellent when tossed with cooked chicken breast or shrimp for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorvista.com/olive-garden-alfredo-sauce/