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Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce over fettuccine pasta

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Rich, velvety copycat Olive Garden Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, garlic, and real Parmesan. Ready in 20 minutes and luxurious over any pasta - just like the restaurant.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 440
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Romano cheese grated, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg optional

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring. Let it cook 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  3. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan and Romano a handful at a time until melted and smooth.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Toss immediately with hot fettuccine, adding pasta water to loosen if needed.

Notes

Grate the cheese fresh and add it off a hard boil to keep the sauce silky. Alfredo thickens as it sits - loosen with a splash of warm cream or pasta water when reheating.