Dinner

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Name: Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons salted butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream; 1½ cups whole milk; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 16 ounce package fettuccine; Fresh parsley, finely chopped

BySimon Carel January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

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Introduction

This Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce recipe brings a rich and creamy classic Italian flavor right to your kitchen. Perfectly paired with fettuccine, this homemade sauce is simple to make and sure to impress any pasta lover.

A clear glass jar filled with a thick, creamy white sauce is centered on a white marbled surface. The jar shows measurement lines faintly visible through the sauce inside. Next to the jar, a wooden spoon holds some of the same creamy white sauce, with small bits of white grated cheese scattered nearby. On the left side of the jar, fresh green parsley leaves lie on the surface, and in the background, part of a white bowl with pasta and a block of cheese on a wooden grater can be seen slightly out of focus. The scene looks bright and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
16 ounce package fettuccine
Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt, then whisk to combine.
Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk together, then slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously. Allow the sauce to come to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce. Use tongs to toss the pasta until well coated.
Step 6: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the cheese.
Substitute fettuccine with other pasta shapes like linguine or tagliatelle.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle warm flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Alfredo sauce can also be frozen, but texture may change slightly upon thawing.

How to Serve

A close-up of creamy pasta served on a white plate with a thin black rim, showing the sauce covered linguine noodles in a thick, smooth white sauce with small bits of green parsley sprinkled on top. A metal fork lifts a small twist of noodles coated in the sauce, highlighting the glossy texture and softness. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use Parmesan cheese from a wedge instead of pre-shredded?

Absolutely. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up before adding the cheese.