Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe
Introduction
This Olive Garden Alfredo recipe brings the creamy, comforting flavors of the classic Italian-American dish right to your kitchen. With a rich garlic butter sauce and tender fettuccine, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients
- 16 ounces fettuccine
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt, whisking together to combine.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk to blend, then slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 5: Add the cooked and drained fettuccine to the skillet. Use tongs to toss the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Step 6: Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce during simmering.
- Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk for a lighter sauce.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or steamed vegetables for a heartier meal.
Storage
Store any leftover Alfredo pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne to suit your preference.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it a few minutes longer before adding the cheese, or add a little more flour when creating the roux in step 3. Be sure to whisk well to avoid lumps.
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Olive Garden Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Olive Garden Alfredo recipe delivers a creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned fettuccine Alfredo made from scratch. Featuring a luxurious blend of butter, garlic, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dish replicates the classic Italian-American favorite with easy-to-follow stovetop instructions. It’s a comforting and delightful meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces fettuccine
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk the mixture together to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the melted butter and garlic mix. Whisk continuously to form a roux, then gradually pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained fettuccine to the skillet. Using tongs, toss the pasta thoroughly in the creamy Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer but avoid boiling aggressively to prevent curdling.
- To lighten the sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and whole milk mixture.
- Garlic powder enhances the flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a less intense garlic taste.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Olive Garden Alfredo, Fettuccine Alfredo, Creamy Alfredo Sauce, Homemade Alfredo, Italian Pasta Recipe

