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olive garden alfredo sauce recipe

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 lb fettuccine, cooked, with 1/4 cup pasta water reserved

Method
 

  1. Melt the 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the 2 cloves minced garlic, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Pour in the 2 cups heavy cream, raise the heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until slightly reduced.
  3. Whisk in the 2 tbsp cream cheese until fully dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes, then stir in the 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp white pepper.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and add the 1.5 cups grated Parmesan in 3 batches, stirring after each addition until fully melted, about 2 to 3 minutes total.
  5. Add the cooked 1 lb fettuccine, toss to coat, season with up to 1/4 tsp salt to taste, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed, then twirl into bowls and finish with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan makes a real difference in this recipe, so it's worth the extra few minutes. The sauce thickens as it sits, so toss the pasta and serve it right away. If you're feeding picky eaters, the white pepper can be swapped for black — it won't change the flavor much, just the look.