If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden and fallen in love with their creamy Alfredo sauce, you’re in for a treat. Now, you can recreate that luscious, restaurant-quality experience right at home with our Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this creamy pasta dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Kitchen Tips
- Cheese Variations: While this recipe calls for fresh Parmesan cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for different flavors.
- Creamy Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more heavy cream. For a thicker sauce, reduce the cream slightly or add extra Parmesan cheese.
- Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of minced garlic to suit your taste. You can use more or less depending on how much garlic flavor you desire.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese instead of fresh Parmesan?
A: While fresh Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor and creaminess, you can use pre-grated Parmesan in a pinch. However, fresh Parmesan is highly recommended for the best results.
Q: What can I serve with this Alfredo pasta?
A: You can serve your Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce pasta with garlic bread, a side salad, or even some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Q: How should I store any leftover Alfredo sauce pasta?
A: Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Ingredients
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 package of pasta (penne works well)
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 clove of minced garlic
- 1 pint of heavy cream
- 1 cup of fresh Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to your preference. You can use penne or any other pasta you like. Make sure to cook it to your desired level of doneness. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Create the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the stick of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about two minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Pour in the pint of heavy cream and add the cream cheese to the saucepan. Heat the mixture until it’s hot and bubbling, but be cautious not to let it come to a boil. Stir continuously to ensure everything combines smoothly.
Next, add the fresh Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in the salt and white pepper to taste. Be mindful not to over-salt, as Parmesan cheese already provides some saltiness. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Pasta
Now, it’s time to marry the sauce with the cooked pasta. Pour the hot Alfredo sauce over the noodles and toss them together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy goodness.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Your Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce is ready to serve. Dish it up and enjoy the creamy pasta perfection you’ve just created.