This creamy, dreamy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is pure comfort in a bowl! Itโ€™s rich, velvety, and coats fettuccine perfectly for that signature restaurant-quality experience. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. No need for takeout!

Try our Easy Shrimp Alfredo or Blackened Chicken Alfredo next for more delicious pasta nights.

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Why Youโ€™ll Love It

A little secret: sometimes, all we crave is the creamiest pasta without a ton of effort. Thatโ€™s exactly what this homemade Alfredo sauce delivers!

  • Better than Olive Garden! This sauce is ultra-rich, silky, and coats every strand of pasta like a dream.
  • Simple pantry ingredients. No fancy ingredientsโ€”just classic staples for an authentic Alfredo.
  • Versatile & family-friendly. Add chicken, shrimp, or broccoli for a complete meal!

What Youโ€™ll Need

  • Fettuccine โ€“ classic for Alfredo! Any high-quality pasta works.
  • Unsalted butter โ€“ the rich, buttery base of the sauce.
  • Garlic โ€“ fresh minced garlic enhances the depth of flavor.
  • All-purpose flour โ€“ helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture and thicken the sauce.
  • Whole milk & heavy cream โ€“ the perfect combination for a rich, silky sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese โ€“ freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
  • Nutmeg โ€“ enhances the creaminess with a subtle warmth.
  • Fresh parsley โ€“ for a pop of freshness.

๐Ÿ”ชHow to Make Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Cook the Pasta โ€“ Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Sautรฉ the Garlic โ€“ Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, and cook until fragrant.

Make the Roux โ€“ Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden and bubbly.

Add Cream & Milk โ€“ Pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

Melt the Cheese & Season โ€“ Stir in Parmesan until melted, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Coat the Pasta โ€“ Toss fettuccine in the sauce until well coated and creamy.

Garnish & Serve โ€“ Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy while hot!

Recipe Tips

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese wonโ€™t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
  • Cook the sauce low and slow. Gentle heat ensures a silky, lump-free Alfredo.
  • Al dente pasta works best. The fettuccine will continue to absorb the sauce, so donโ€™t overcook it.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Add protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon take this dish to the next level.
  • Extra garlic? Yes, please! Roasted garlic adds even more depth of flavor.
  • Try a different pasta. Linguine, penne, or pappardelle all work beautifully.
  • Love extra cheese? Stir in a handful of mozzarella for extra creaminess.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธWhat to Serve with Alfredo Pasta

Pair this creamy pasta with:

๐Ÿ—„๏ธLeftovers & Storage

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • We donโ€™t recommend freezing as dairy-based sauces tend to separate.

Now thereโ€™s no need for takeoutโ€”this Olive Garden-style Alfredo is just as good (if not better)!

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5 from 9 votes

OLIVE GARDEN ALFREDO SAUCE

By: chefjar
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in just 20 minutes! Buttery, garlicky, and loaded with Parmesan, it coats fettuccine perfectly for the ultimate comfort meal. Serve it fresh and enjoy every bite!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • 1 pound Fettuccine pasta, uncooked
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente or to your preferred texture. While the pasta cooks, start making the sauce.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sautรฉ 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  • Make the Roux: Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The butter and flour will bubble together, forming a smooth base for the sauce.
  • Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth mixture. Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. It will start to thicken as it simmers.
  • Add the Cheese & Seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until it melts completely into the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
  • Combine with Pasta: Drain the fettuccine and immediately add it to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of sauceโ€”the pasta will absorb it, and the sauce will thicken as it sits.
  • Finish & Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy!ย 

Video

Notes

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
  • Freezing not recommended as the sauce may separate.

Nutrition

Calories: 621kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 33g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 399mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
Chefjar

Hello there!

Iโ€™m Tatianaโ€”your go-to gal for easy, tasty meals that wonโ€™t leave you crying over a sink full of dishes.
Letโ€™s cook, laugh, and keep it real in the kitchenโ€”aprons optional!

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17 Comments

  1. Eden Cayamanda says:

    5 stars
    This Olive Garden Alfredo sauce is comforting and supremely creamy.We have made this pasta several times because its perfect for any occasion and my whole family loves it!This recipe is so simple but absolutely delicious!I made sure I devoured every last drop of the sauce. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!

  2. Pauline says:

    5 stars
    I love this super easy recipe! It came out perfect!

    1. chefjar says:

      Thank you for sharing your experience! I am glad you like this copycat Alfredo sauce recipe like we do.

  3. Emelie says:

    5 stars
    Excellent flavor, easy to make and definitely one to make again. My family loved it!

    1. chefjar says:

      I am happy to hear that Emelie! We love it too!!Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it! Tatiana ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Britnee Kent says:

    5 stars
    Very delicious! My family loves it! Definitely a delicious and easy recipe!

    1. chefjar says:

      Hey Britnee! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it! Tatiana ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Aubrie Crivaro says:

    5 stars
    I’ve made this recipe dozens of times; it’s always a winner. All love it!!

    1. chefjar says:

      Thank you, Aubrie!

  6. Sandali says:

    5 stars
    Itโ€™s quick and easy to make along with a fantastic flavor. My entire family loved this sauce.

    1. chefjar says:

      That’s great to hear Sandali! Thanks for sharing your experience!

  7. Joyce says:

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner last night, and it was a huge hit!

    1. chefjar says:

      That’s great to hear! I’m glad the recipe was a hit with your family. It’s always satisfying to know that a meal you made was enjoyed by others. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!

  8. Bree Marie says:

    5 stars
    I made this over the weekend and everyone loved it! Such a wonderful recipe full of fresh flavors!

    1. chefjar says:

      Wow, that’s great to hear! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed the recipe. Fresh flavors are always a crowd-pleaser. Thanks for sharing your experience with this recipe, it’s always wonderful to receive positive feedback.

  9. Christina says:

    5 stars
    Very tasty and so easy for a quick dinner, I personally added chicken fillet that I grilled with a touch of curry and ginger , it was superb ๐Ÿ˜‹…Thank you ๐Ÿ™ for sharing your recipe.

    1. chefjar says:

      Thank you for your comment, Christina! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe and found it easy to make. Adding grilled chicken fillet with a touch of curry and ginger sounds like a delicious addition. I’m so happy to hear that it turned out superb! Thank you for trying out the recipe and taking the time to share your feedback.