Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe
I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍
Are you craving Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Alfredo but don’t want to leave home? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe lets you make the creamy, delicious pasta dish right in your own kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that tastes just like the original.
The recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Fettuccine pasta, chicken breast, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese come together to create a rich, satisfying sauce. With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying this comfort food classic in no time.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Olive Garden copycat chicken alfredo:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
You’ll love how simple these ingredients are! Most are probably already in your kitchen.
For the chicken, you can use thinly sliced breasts if you prefer. They’ll cook faster.
Don’t forget to grab extra Parmesan for topping – it makes the dish even yummier!
The parsley adds a nice pop of color, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan of herbs.
Remember, high-quality ingredients will give you the best flavor. Fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese make a big difference in this recipe.
Instructions
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add butter and chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden, then flip.
Cover the pan and reduce heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Remove and let it rest.
Now for the sauce! Melt butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Lower the heat and season with salt and pepper.
Stir in flour to make a paste. Slowly pour in cream, stirring constantly. Cook until it thickens a bit.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Take the pan off the heat and cover.
Slice the chicken into strips. Put pasta in bowls, top with chicken and sauce.
Sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Your homemade Olive Garden-style meal is ready to enjoy!
Possible Substitutes List
You can make some easy swaps in this Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo recipe. Try these ideas:
Pasta:
- Spaghetti
- Penne
- Bow-tie pasta
Protein:
- Shrimp
- Grilled tofu
- Salmon
Cream:
- Half-and-half
- Whole milk (for a lighter version)
Cheese:
- Romano
- Asiago
- Pecorino
Herbs:
- Basil
- Chives
- Thyme
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for cornstarch. If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Want to add veggies? Try:
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
These swaps let you make the dish your own. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your kitchen or what you like best.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
You can tweak this Olive Garden copycat recipe to be more diabetes-friendly. Start by swapping regular pasta for whole wheat or zucchini noodles. These options have a lower glycemic index and more fiber.
For the sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This cuts down on fat and calories. You can also reduce the amount of butter by half and use olive oil instead.
Try these protein swaps:
- Use skinless chicken breast
- Add more veggies like broccoli or spinach
- Include some grilled shrimp for variety
To lower the salt, use herbs and spices for flavor. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper are great choices. Skip the extra salt when boiling the pasta.
Watch your portion sizes too. Stick to about 1 cup of pasta and 3-4 ounces of chicken per serving. Fill the rest of your plate with a side salad or steamed veggies.
These changes make the dish more balanced. You’ll still get to enjoy the creamy Alfredo taste, but with better blood sugar control.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
To make your Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo even better, try these tips:
- Use fresh pasta for a more authentic taste.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
For extra creamy sauce:
- Warm the cream before adding it to the pan.
- Stir the sauce constantly while it thickens.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little milk to the sauce to bring back its creamy texture.
For meal prep, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.
To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. They’ll last up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
