Description
This copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce is rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect over pasta, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Cooked pasta of choice (fettuccine recommended)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, without browning.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Let the sauce simmer on low for another 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and pour over hot cooked pasta. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta for added protein.
Substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Mix in Romano or Asiago cheese for a stronger cheese flavor.
Add Italian seasoning or fresh basil for extra depth.
Include red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Do not freeze the sauce; it may separate when thawed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
