Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce 🍝
A Rich & Creamy Homemade Sauce That Rivals the Restaurant
When you’re craving that iconic creamy, cheesy pasta from Olive Garden but don’t feel like going out, this Copycat Alfredo Sauce recipe brings it all home—literally. With a base of butter, heavy cream, and fresh Parmesan, it’s rich and indulgent without being complicated. Add some garlic, cream cheese for a silky boost, and your favorite pasta, and you’ve got dinner done in about 20 minutes.
This homemade Alfredo sauce clings to every bite of pasta and feels just like your favorite restaurant meal—maybe even better.
Why I Love This Recipe
This sauce has everything you want in Alfredo: rich flavor, luscious texture, and a cheesy finish that melts in your mouth. It’s surprisingly simple, doesn’t require flour or roux, and is ready by the time your pasta is cooked. It’s my go-to when I want to impress without the stress.
Bonus? It’s flexible. You can mix it with chicken, shrimp, broccoli, or even use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or pizza crusts.
Ingredients
- 1 package of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Use real Parmesan – Freshly grated Parm melts best and has that signature sharp flavor.
- Cream cheese – Adds creaminess and stabilizes the sauce so it doesn’t break.
- White pepper – Adds a gentle kick without dark specks. Black pepper works fine if preferred.
- Garlic – Use fresh for flavor, but garlic powder is okay in a pinch.
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil water and cook your favorite pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
🍳 Step 2: Start the Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
🥄 Step 3: Add Cream & Cream Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese, stirring constantly until it’s melted and the mixture starts to bubble. Be careful not to let it boil.
🧀 Step 4: Stir in Parmesan
Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Sprinkle in salt and white pepper to taste.
🍝 Step 5: Combine & Serve
Toss the hot, drained pasta in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if you like.
Tips for Success
- Don’t boil the sauce – keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid separation.
- Use freshly grated cheese – pre-shredded Parmesan may not melt smoothly.
- Serve immediately – Alfredo is best hot and fresh for max creaminess.
- Make it a meal – add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or steamed broccoli.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this Alfredo dish with any of the following for a complete Italian-inspired feast:
- Instant Pot Lasagna – perfect for pasta night
- Chicken Enchiladas – when you’re feeding a hungry group
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – another quick, melty, cheesy option
- Dorito Casserole – for a crunchy-texture contrast
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – perfect as an appetizer or side
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover Alfredo pasta or sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid freezing: Cream sauces don’t freeze well—make fresh for best results.
More Creamy Comfort Recipes You’ll Love
Check out these other ultra-satisfying comfort dishes:
Final Thoughts
If you love creamy, dreamy pasta with bold flavor and simple prep, this Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is about to become a weeknight favorite. It’s rich enough to impress, easy enough to whip up on a whim, and flexible enough to suit whatever protein or pasta you’re in the mood for.
Try it once, and you’ll ditch the jarred stuff forever.
Made it? Share your creations and tag @chefmaniac—we love seeing your saucy pasta pics! 🍝🧄🧀
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