Dinner

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Name: Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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

Byrami Hayes February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Olive Garden-inspired Alfredo sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with garlic and Parmesan flavors. It pairs perfectly with fettuccine for a classic Italian-American favorite that’s easy to make at home.

This image shows creamy spaghetti pasta coated evenly with a thick, smooth, off-white sauce inside a dark, textured cast iron pan. The pasta strands are long and twisted together, with some gathered in a silver metal utensil lifting from the pan, showing the glossy, rich sauce clinging to each strand. In the background, fresh green parsley leaves add a soft contrast against a white marbled texture. 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 shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
16-ounce package fettuccine
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

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 and whisk together. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking continuously. Let the sauce come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Add the cooked and drained fettuccine to the skillet. Use tongs to toss the pasta, ensuring it is fully coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
Be sure to whisk continuously when adding liquids to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Adjust garlic powder and salt to taste, especially if your Parmesan is salty.

Storage

Store any leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.

How to Serve

A creamy off-white sauce with a thick and smooth texture is shown in a small clear glass jar, with some sauce dripping down its side. Above the jar, a wooden spoon covered in the same sauce is held by a woman's hand just out of frame. In the background and around the jar, grated cheese and a large block of pale yellow cheese rest on a metal grater on a white marbled surface. A few green parsley leaves are visible on the left, and a portion of cooked pale yellow fettuccine pasta sits in a white bowl at the bottom left corner. The setting has bright, natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it slowly on the stove before serving, adding a little milk if needed to restore its silky texture.