Description
You can make the rich, creamy, garlic-Parmesan flavor of Olive Garden’s famous Alfredo sauce right in your kitchen. This recipe is quick, easy, and tastes just like the restaurant version.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly until the sauce is smooth and fully incorporated. Continue to cook on low for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if using. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately over hot fettuccine or use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little extra heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
- This sauce is perfect for dipping your favorite homemade breadsticks.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 21
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 110