Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
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Olive Garden’s Alfredo sauce is a creamy, rich treat you can make at home. This recipe lets you enjoy the restaurant’s famous flavor without leaving your kitchen. You’ll need heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic to whip up this indulgent sauce.

The key to perfect Alfredo is timing. Cook your pasta while you make the sauce, so everything’s ready at once. Melt the butter with garlic, add cream, then stir in cheese until it’s thick and smooth. Pour it over your pasta, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes.
Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make Olive Garden’s famous Alfredo sauce at home:
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces butter
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic puree or garlic powder
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
For best results, use a block of fresh Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts.
You can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste. Some people prefer to use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic puree or powder.
Remember to have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning at the end if needed. While not listed in the main ingredients, these can help enhance the flavors of your sauce.
Instructions
You can make this yummy Olive Garden Alfredo sauce at home. Here’s how:
Cook your pasta first. Follow the directions on the box.
Melt the butter in a pan. Add garlic and cook until it smells good.
Pour in the cream. Let it bubble with the butter.
Add Parmesan cheese. Stir it in well.
Turn up the heat a bit. Keep stirring as the sauce gets thicker.
Put your cooked pasta in a big bowl. Pour the sauce over it.
Mix the pasta and sauce together. Make sure all the pasta is coated.
Taste it. Add salt and pepper if you want.

You can use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Grate it yourself instead of buying pre-grated. This helps it melt better in your sauce.
Try different cheeses to change up the taste. You could use Romano, Mozzarella, or Asiago too.
Serve your pasta right away while it’s hot. You can add some extra cheese on top if you like.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Want to change up this classic Olive Garden Alfredo sauce? Here are some tasty options:
Cheese swaps:
- Asiago
- Romano
- Pecorino
- Gruyere
These cheeses can replace some or all of the Parmesan for new flavors.
Cream alternatives:
- Half-and-half
- Whole milk
- Cashew cream (for dairy-free)
These work if you’re out of heavy cream or want a lighter sauce.
Pasta picks:
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Rigatoni
- Farfalle
Any pasta shape works great with this sauce!
Add-ins for extra flavor:
- Chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Grilled chicken
- Cooked shrimp
Mix these in for a twist on the classic recipe.
Veggie boost:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted red peppers
- Spinach
Toss in some veggies for added nutrition and color.
Try these easy swaps to make the recipe your own. You can adjust the sauce thickness by adding more cream or cheese as needed.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to make the perfect Olive Garden Alfredo sauce? Here are some handy tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning or separating.
- If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
Storing your leftover Alfredo sauce is easy:
- Let the sauce cool completely
- Transfer to an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
When reheating, warm the sauce gently over low heat. Add a little cream or milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Try these tasty variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal
- Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor
- Use half Parmesan and half Romano cheese for a sharper taste
Remember, homemade Alfredo sauce tastes best when eaten fresh. But with proper storage, you can enjoy it for a few days after cooking.