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The Best, Quickest Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce (Ultra Creamy & No Clumps)

A fork lifts fettuccine noodles coated in creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce, showing a dramatic cheese pull.
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Make restaurant-style Alfredo sauce at home that tastes just like Olive Garden’s. This recipe delivers a velvety, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta without pooling or hardening.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional, for extra gloss and stability)

Instructions

  1. In a wide sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  4. If using, whisk in the cream cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Gradually add the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, a handful at a time, whisking constantly until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating.
  6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  7. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. If it is too thin, simmer gently for a few more minutes, stirring often.
  8. Toss immediately with cooked fettuccine or serve alongside chicken or shrimp.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
  • Always add cheese off the direct high heat. Low heat keeps the sauce emulsified and prevents it from becoming clumpy or separating.
  • Reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining your noodles; this water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/olive-garden-alfredo-sauce/