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Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce: Velvety and Rich Homemade Recipe

A fork lifting a generous portion of pasta coated in rich, creamy olive garden alfredo sauce from a white bowl.
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Recreate the famous restaurant-style Alfredo sauce at home. This recipe delivers a creamy, velvety texture that clings perfectly to pasta, using simple ingredients for a quick, comforting meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional, for extra gloss)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Cook your fettuccine or preferred pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a wide sauté pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  5. If using, whisk in the cream cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Gradually add the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, whisking constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste.
  8. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly whisk in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach a silky, clinging consistency.
  9. Toss the drained pasta directly into the pan with the sauce, coating every strand evenly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • The reserved pasta water is key; its starch helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling to the pasta better and preventing separation.
  • This sauce is excellent paired with grilled chicken or shrimp for a full Chicken Alfredo meal.

Nutrition

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