Creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat – Ready in Just 20 Minutes

Craving that creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden? Learn how to make a rich, velvety fettuccine Alfredo at home with this easy 20-minute copycat recipe using simple pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Copycat Alfredo Sauce

Few things are more comforting than a warm plate of pasta drenched in a luxurious Alfredo sauce. If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about Olive Garden’s Alfredo, you’re not alone! I’ve been there – fork-twirling creamy fettuccine in that unforgettable Parmesan-rich sauce and wishing I could enjoy it without leaving my kitchen.

After experimenting with various combinations, I finally nailed down the perfect restaurant-style Alfredo pasta at home. This version is rich, buttery, garlicky, and coats pasta just like the real thing. Even better? It takes less time to make than waiting for a table!

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Parmesan and Romano

To match that signature Olive Garden flavor, you’ll need:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated Romano cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper (or use black pepper)
• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo Like Olive Garden

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Cook fettuccine to al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain (but don’t rinse) the pasta.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

1. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the cream and milk.
5. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Lower heat and stir in cheeses until smooth and fully melted.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Toss in pasta and stir until evenly coated.
9. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yields: 6 servings

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 610
• Carbs: 49g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 39g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates.

Expert Tips for the Best Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat

Use Fresh Cheese Only

Pre-shredded cheese has anti-clumping additives that stop it from melting well. Always grate your Parmesan and Romano from a block.

Add Cheese Gradually

To prevent a gritty texture, lower the heat and stir in cheese little by little.

Roux = Stability

The flour-butter roux helps the sauce stay creamy without separating, even after cooling or reheating.

Thin Sauce? Don’t Panic

The sauce thickens as it sits. Wait until it’s mixed with pasta before adjusting. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.

How to Make Ahead and Store Alfredo Sauce

Storage:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for 1–2 months (thanks to the roux, it holds up well).

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat slowly with a splash of milk or cream.
• Microwave: Use 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds.
• Double boiler: Ideal for gentle reheating without separation.

Thaw frozen sauce in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Olive Garden Alfredo

This versatile Alfredo goes beyond fettuccine:

Pasta Ideas:

• Penne
• Tortellini
• Linguine

Protein Add-Ins:

• Grilled or blackened chicken
• Sautéed shrimp
• Crispy bacon or pancetta

Vegetables:

• Broccoli
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Roasted red peppers

Full Olive Garden Meal:

• Garlic Breadsticks
• Garden Salad with Italian Dressing
• A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio

FAQ: Your Alfredo Questions Answered

Why is my sauce separating?

Too much heat or adding cheese too quickly can cause curdling. Keep the heat low and add cheese gradually.

Can I skip the flour?

The flour creates a more stable sauce. You can omit it, but the sauce may separate faster and not reheat as well.

What can I use instead of Romano?

Asiago or even a sharp white cheddar can work, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Try cashew cream or coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan version—but it will taste different from traditional Alfredo.

This authentic Olive Garden Alfredo sauce recipe has become a regular in our meal rotation – and every time I serve it, someone always says, “This tastes just like the real thing!” Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a restaurant-style date night at home, this recipe never disappoints.

If you love the rich, creamy flavors of homemade sauces, you’ll definitely want to try my Copycat Big Mac Sauce and Tartar Sauce Recipe. These signature sauces are easy to make and perfect for elevating your homemade burgers, fries, and seafood dishes. Whether you’re looking to recreate a fast food favorite or just want to add some extra flavor to your meals, these sauces are the perfect addition to your kitchen repertoire. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t want to go back to store-bought!

Let me know in the comments if you try it – and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!

Happy cooking.