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Velvety Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Velvety Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Rich, creamy copycat Olive Garden alfredo sauce brings restaurant-quality pasta to home kitchens with simple ingredients and easy preparation. Garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese combine seamlessly for you to enjoy a classic Italian-American favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Romano cheese
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (1 stick/113 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps cream cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp white pepper

Instructions

  1. Melting Butter Base: Gently melt unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for the luxurious sauce.
  2. Creamy Integration: Whisk cream cheese into the melted butter, eliminating lumps and forming a smooth, uniform mixture that serves as the sauce’s creamy backbone.
  3. Dairy Emulsion: Gradually pour heavy cream while stirring, ensuring a seamless incorporation of dairy components without causing separation or curdling.
  4. Cheese Transformation: Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely dissolved, developing a rich, glossy emulsion that defines the sauce’s character.
  5. Flavor Refinement: Introduce minced garlic, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and a subtle hint of nutmeg, carefully balancing seasonings to elevate the sauce’s complex flavor profile.
  6. Simmering Perfection: Allow the sauce to simmer delicately, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and promote harmonious flavor melding, adjusting consistency by extending cooking time or adding cream as needed.
  7. Final Presentation: Cascade the velvety Alfredo sauce over prepared pasta, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley to create a restaurant-quality culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds.

Notes

  • Maintain Butter Temperature: Start with medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a golden base without scorching the butter.
  • Prevent Cheese Clumping: Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually while stirring constantly to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce integration.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Watch simmering carefully, stirring frequently to avoid sticking and adjust thickness by adding cream or extending cooking time if needed.
  • Enhance Dietary Adaptations: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternatives for lighter versions, and use gluten-free Parmesan for celiac-friendly option.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 62 g
  • Saturated Fat: 37 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg