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Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Easy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

This olive garden alfredo sauce recipe will transform your kitchen into your favorite Italian restaurant in just 20 minutes. Creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned with Parmesan and Romano cheeses for that authentic restaurant taste at home.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 624

Ingredients
  

Alfredo Sauce
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter high quality
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • cups heavy cream
  • cups whole milk 1% or 2% can be used if needed
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated and at room temperature
  • ½ cup Romano cheese grated and at room temperature
  • salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Start the pasta - Boil fettuccine according to package directions. While water heats, begin your sauce.
  2. Melt butter - Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  3. Add flour - Whisk in flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that thickens your sauce and prevents separation.
  4. Pour in cream - Add heavy cream in splashes, stirring continuously. Follow with milk using the same method to prevent lumps.
  5. Bring to simmer - Heat mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce to simmer. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
  6. Stir in cheese - Lower heat and slowly add both cheeses, stirring until melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Combine with pasta - Drain pasta and mix with sauce until well coated. The pasta absorbs the sauce and continues thickening.
  8. Serve immediately - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve right away for best results.

Notes

Pro Tips:
• Use fresh cheese shredded from blocks instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting
• Keep sauce warm but not hot when adding cheese to prevent separation
• Don't add extra cheese to thicken - the sauce continues thickening as it stands
• For saucier pasta, use 3/4 lb pasta instead of a full pound
Storage & Reheating:
• Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat using double boiler method for best results
• Add milk or chicken broth if sauce becomes too thick when reheating