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The Ultimate 20-Minute Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Close-up of creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a white bowl, generously topped with cracked black pepper.
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Make the rich, creamy, garlic Parmesan flavor of Olive Garden’s signature Alfredo sauce right in your kitchen. This easy recipe is ready in 20 minutes and tastes just like the restaurant version.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  4. Let the cream simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir often to prevent scorching the bottom.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully incorporated.
  6. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if using. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve immediately over hot fettuccine or use as a dip for breadsticks.

Notes

  • Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • This sauce is perfect for dipping your favorite breadsticks or as a base for chicken or shrimp Alfredo.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/olive-garden-alfredo-sauce-recipe/