Description
Bring the rich, creamy flavor of Olive Garden’s famous Alfredo sauce to your own kitchen! This copycat recipe delivers a velvety, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for fettuccine, chicken, or dipping breadsticks. Made with simple ingredients like butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan, it comes together in just 20 minutes—faster than ordering takeout. Whether you’re recreating your favorite pasta night or elevating a weeknight dinner, this homemade Alfredo sauce is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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2 cups heavy cream
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth)
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Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (do not brown).
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
Continue cooking on low heat for another 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened slightly.
Serve immediately over pasta, chicken, or as a dip. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor—pre-shredded cheese may cause clumping.
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Sauce will thicken as it cools. To thin, stir in a bit of warm pasta water or milk.
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Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: olive garden alfredo, fettuccine alfredo, creamy pasta sauce, copycat alfredo sauce, easy alfredo recipe