If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know that their Alfredo sauce is a creamy, dreamy delight that can make any pasta dish sing. Now, imagine being able to recreate that luscious sauce in the comfort of your own kitchen. This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe is not only easy to follow, but it’s also packed with flavor that will have you saying goodbye to takeout. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a rich and velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with fettuccine or any pasta of your choice. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is a keeper because it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home without the hefty price tag. It’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and it allows for customization based on your dietary preferences. Plus, it’s an ideal dish for date nights, family gatherings, or just a cozy dinner at home. The rich, creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a favorite for pasta lovers everywhere.

Ingredients at a Glance

To make this delicious Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

16 ounces fettuccine
6 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Prep & Cook Tools

Before you dive into making your Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce, gather the following tools:

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Medium saucepan (for making the sauce)
Whisk (to combine ingredients smoothly)
Wooden spoon (for stirring)
Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient amounts)
Strainer (for draining the pasta)

The Method for Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get to the fun part: making the sauce!

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the 16 ounces of fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later use!

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons of salted butter. Allow it to melt completely, but be careful not to let it brown.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing well to combine.

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated, and the mixture is slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Milk

Slowly pour in the 1 1/4 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 cups of whole milk while whisking. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 6: Incorporate the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Serve your Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce pasta hot, garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! Here are some easy swaps that can still give you that delicious flavor:

Butter: Use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Heavy whipping cream: Substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
Whole milk: Almond milk or oat milk can be used for a lighter option.
Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can be a great vegan substitute for a cheesy flavor.

Missteps & Fixes

While making your Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:

If your sauce is too thick: Thin it out with a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
If your sauce is too runny: Allow it to simmer a bit longer to thicken up, stirring frequently.
If you have clumps: Make sure to whisk continuously when adding the cream and milk to avoid lumps.
If it’s lacking flavor: Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to enhance the taste.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. Here are some tips:

Make the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.
You can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you’re looking to lighten up your meals or incorporate more nutritious ingredients, check out these healthy-ish favorites:

Serve & Enjoy

Once your Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is ready, it’s time to dig in! Serve it up hot with your favorite pasta, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for good measure. Pair it with a crisp salad and some warm breadsticks to create a cozy, restaurant-style meal right at home. Each creamy bite will transport you straight to Olive Garden, making your dinner feel extra special.

There you have it! This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a homemade meal, this recipe is sure to delight. Bring the taste of Olive Garden to your kitchen and enjoy the creamy goodness that everyone loves!