Easy Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is rich, creamy, cheesy, and tastes just like the restaurant favorite — maybe even better! Made with simple ingredients like butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this easy homemade Alfredo sauce comes together in only 25 minutes. Serve it over fettuccine, chicken, shrimp, or breadsticks for the ultimate comfort food dinner.

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If you’ve ever wished you could recreate the creamy, rich Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden in the comfort of your own kitchen, this recipe is here to make that dream come true! With just a handful of simple ingredients like butter, cream, whole milk, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, you can whip up a sauce that’s every bit as indulgent and flavorful as the restaurant favorite.

A dish this indulgent calls for a simple Fresh Salad with homemade vinaigrette!

This sauce is perfect for drizzling over pasta, dipping breadsticks, or elevating your favorite dishes like Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells, this copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce is a must-have recipe for any food lover.

Be warned: you’ll never want to buy jarred alfredo sauce again!

I always thought homemade alfredo was so complicated and it was daunting, but I assure you, it’s super easy (and quick!) to make at home.

Need a homemade marinara sauce recipe? Try this one! It’s ready in 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

• It’s made with just 7 simple ingredients you probably have on hand right now
• It’s ready in about 20 minutes for a quick weeknight meal
• Use this sauce for a variety of other recipes like Alfredo Stuffed Shells, One Dish Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, or Creamy Lemon Pasta
• It’s a fool-proof, easy sauce anyone can make!

Ingredients for Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

• Large pot or skillet to cook the sauce
• 1 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 1/2 cup whole milk– this is a decadent sauce, which is why it tastes so good! You can substitute the whole milk for 2% milk. I have not tried this with plant based cream or milk.
• 1 1/4 cups parmesan cheese, shredded
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced plus 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour – to thicken the sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste- I add it at the end

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Fettucine Alfredo

Melt the Butter:

• In a large pan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

Cook the Garlic:

• Add the minced garlic and garlic powder to the pan. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add the Flour:

• Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook through.

Add Cream and Milk:

• Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth.

Bring to a Boil:

• Continue whisking constantly as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Thicken the Sauce:

• Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the Pasta:

• Add 1 pound of cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

You know what’s incredible with homemade alfredo sauce? Homemade fettucine! Heaven!

This recipe by Damn Delicious is easy and beginner friendly!

Tips for Perfect Sauce

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients– Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and prevents a grainy texture.
2. Use heavy cream for the richest, creamiest consistency. Avoid substitutes like half-and-half, which may result in a thinner sauce.
3. Low and Slow is Key-Cook the sauce over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from scorching or curdling. Patience is crucial for a silky finish.
4. Don’t Overheat the Cheese-Add the Parmesan cheese on low heat or take it off the heat. High temperatures can cause the cheese to clump or become stringy.
5. Season Gradually-Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so taste the sauce before adding additional salt. I don’t typically add any salt, but I love fresh cracked pepper.
6. Whisk Continuously-Keep the sauce smooth by whisking constantly as you add the cheese and other ingredients. This helps the ingredients emulsify into a velvety sauce.
7. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
8. Serve Immediately-Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so serve it right away. If reheating, add a little cream or milk to restore its creamy texture.

How To Store and Reheat Alfredo Sauce

Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Warm slowly over low heat
• Add a splash of milk or cream while stirring
• Avoid microwaving too quickly or the sauce may separate

Unfortunately, Alfredo sauce does not freeze very well because of the dairy content.

What To Serve With Alfredo Sauce

This creamy homemade Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with:

• Fettuccine pasta
• Grilled chicken- I make super easy Air fryer Chicken Breasts to serve over top- so juicy!
• Garlic breadsticks
• Steamed broccoli
• Shrimp
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables

You can even use this sauce for pizza, baked pasta dishes, or dipping breadsticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Alfredo sauce without heavy cream?

Yes, but heavy cream creates the richest and creamiest texture. Half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner.

Why is my Alfredo sauce grainy?

Grainy Alfredo sauce usually happens when the cheese is overheated. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and melt it over low heat.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese and gives the best texture.

What pasta goes best with Alfredo sauce?

Fettuccine is the classic choice, but Alfredo sauce is also delicious with penne, linguine, or ravioli.

How do I thicken homemade Alfredo sauce?

Let the sauce simmer gently for a few extra minutes or add a little more Parmesan cheese.

More Pasta Favorites

• Old Fashioned Goulash
• Classic Lasagna
• Sheet Pan Lasagna
• Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
• Cheesesteak Pasta
• Cheesy Skillet Ravioli
• Spaghetti-o’s
• Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
• Baked Ziti
• Chicken Broccoli Lasagna Skillet

Video How To Make Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce