Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

BySoha

Few sauces define comfort and indulgence like Olive Garden,style Alfredo. Known for its velvety texture and perfectly balanced richness, this sauce coats pasta with a smooth, luxurious finish that feels both familiar and refined. This recipe is crafted with a chef’s precision to replicate the restaurant-quality flavor while respecting proper technique and ingredient harmony.

Ingredients List

  • Unsalted butter
  • Heavy cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Fresh garlic, finely minced
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fine sea salt
  • White pepper or black pepper
  • Italian seasoning (optional, very light)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Melt the Butter Gently

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Avoid browning, as Alfredo sauce relies on clean dairy sweetness.

Build the Cream Base

Add heavy cream and cream cheese to the melted butter. Whisk continuously over low heat until the cream cheese fully dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.

Infuse with Garlic

Add minced garlic and cook gently for about one minute, just until aromatic. Do not allow garlic to brown, as it can overpower the sauce.

Enrich with Parmesan

Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep heat low and stir continuously to ensure a silky emulsion without graininess.

Season and Balance

Season with salt and a light touch of white pepper. Taste and adjust carefully—this sauce should be rich but never salty.

Finish to Consistency

Simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat immediately to preserve texture.

Cook Time

Total: 20 minutes
Prep: 5 minutes
Bake: 15 minutes

Servings

Makes approximately 4 servings

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 410
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring continuously, and add a splash of cream if needed to restore smoothness.

Suggestions

Serve with fettuccine for a classic presentation, or pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. For added depth, finish with freshly cracked black pepper or a light dusting of Parmesan at serving.

Seasonal Relevance

Alfredo sauce is ideal year-round, offering warmth and richness in cooler months while remaining elegant enough for summer dinners when paired with lighter proteins.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden–inspired Alfredo sauce is a masterclass in simplicity and technique. When handled with care, basic ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy sauce that delivers comfort, indulgence, and timeless appeal in every bite.

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe
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Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

410

kcal
Total time

20

minutes

A rich and creamy Olive Garden–style Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, cream cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan. Smooth, indulgent, and perfectly balanced, this sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor ideal for pasta, chicken, or seafood dishes.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter

  • 1½ cups heavy cream

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)

  • ¼ teaspoon white or black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat without browning.
  • Add heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
  • Stir in garlic and cook gently until fragrant.
  • Gradually add Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously over low heat.
  • Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
  • Simmer gently until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore consistency.
  • Avoid high heat to prevent separation or graininess.

FAQs

Why is my Alfredo sauce grainy?
Graininess usually occurs when cheese is added over high heat. Always keep the temperature low and add Parmesan gradually.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk lacks the fat needed for proper emulsification. Using it will result in a thinner, less stable sauce.

Does Alfredo sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, the sauce naturally thickens off heat. Always finish it slightly looser than your final desired consistency.

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