Olive Garden Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce
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Craving a taste of Olive Garden at home? You can make their famous Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce right in your kitchen. This dish combines juicy grilled chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce over pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
The recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken breast, heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. You’ll grill the chicken while making the sauce, then serve it all over your favorite pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Olive Garden’s Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 8 ounces Fettuccine pasta
This recipe serves 2 people. You can easily double the amounts if you’re cooking for more.
For the chicken, you’ll use olive oil to help the seasoning stick and keep it moist while grilling. Salt and pepper bring out the flavors.
The creamy Alfredo sauce combines heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Add garlic powder if you like extra flavor.
Don’t forget to grab some Fettuccine pasta to serve with your chicken and sauce. You can swap it for another pasta shape if you prefer.
Instructions
Get your grill ready! Heat it to medium-high.
Grab those chicken breasts and give them some love. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle on salt and pepper.
Time to grill! Put the chicken on for 5-7 minutes. Flip it over and cook another 3-4 minutes. You want it cooked through and juicy.
While the chicken’s grilling, let’s make that creamy Alfredo sauce. In a saucepan, warm up the cream and butter. Watch for tiny bubbles, but don’t let it boil.
Now for the magic – add Parmesan cheese and whisk quickly. Toss in some garlic powder if you like. Keep whisking until it thickens up.
Cook your pasta according to the package. Once it’s done, divide it between two plates.
Slice up your grilled chicken. Pour that yummy Alfredo sauce over your pasta and top with the chicken slices.
There you have it! Your very own Olive Garden-style meal at home. Enjoy!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this Olive Garden-inspired dish to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
Protein options:
- Shrimp
- Tofu
- Italian sausage
Pasta alternatives:
- Penne
- Rigatoni
- Zucchini noodles (for a low-carb option)
Want to add some veggies? Try mixing in:
- Broccoli florets
- Sliced mushrooms
- Spinach leaves
To make the sauce lighter, you can swap half the heavy cream for milk. For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
No grill? No problem! You can pan-fry the chicken instead. Just cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the dish your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Get the best results with these handy tips:
Cook your pasta al dente. It will continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce, so you don’t want it too soft.
Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting. Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Don’t let your sauce boil or it may separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer for a smooth, creamy result.
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Warm it gently on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often.
For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be tasty.
Experiment with different pasta shapes! Fettuccine is classic, but penne or rotini can be fun too.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.