Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
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If you love the Alfredo sauce at The Olive Garden then you'll really enjoy making this copy cat recipe at home. It uses all the traditional ingredients with optional cream cheese added for an extra creamy texture. Serve it with your favorite pasta, bread sticks and a salad for a complete meal.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
68 reviews
9 comments
ingredients
1 pint heavy cream
1/2 cup butter, cut in bits
2 tablespoons cream cheese, cut in bits (optional)
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
directions
Combine the heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the cream cheese and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add the Parmesan and garlic powder. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
cook's notes
The Olive Garden doesn't add cream cheese to their sauce but it helps mimic the creaminess when making it at home.
recipe tips
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, especially the Parmesan cheese.
Stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking and burning.
Grate the Parmesan cheese finely for easier melting.
Simmer the sauce on low heat to prevent separation and to achieve the right consistency.
Serve the Alfredo sauce with fettuccine for a classic Fettuccine Alfredo dish.
Pair with garlic bread and a salad for a complete Olive Garden-inspired meal.
Experiment with the amount of garlic to suit your taste.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While freshly grated Parmesan is traditional for Alfredo sauce, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
Is the cream cheese necessary?
The cream cheese is optional. It adds extra creaminess, but you can omit it for a more traditional Alfredo sauce.
Can I make this sauce lighter?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, but this will affect the creaminess.
How do I know when the sauce is done?
The sauce is done when it has thickened to the desired consistency and the cheese is fully melted.
Can I add other seasonings?
Feel free to add seasonings like nutmeg, black pepper, or fresh herbs.
How should I store leftover Alfredo sauce?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat the Alfredo sauce?
Gently reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a bit of milk if it's too thick.
Can I add protein or vegetables to this sauce?
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a complete meal.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Making it vegan requires several substitutions, like plant-based cream, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, use 3 or more cloves of fresh garlic in place of the garlic powder. Add it in the first step (along with the cream and butter) so it won't taste as raw. You can also use roasted garlic.
tools needed
Saucepan: To combine the heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese over medium heat to create the base of the Alfredo sauce.
Grater: For finely grating the Parmesan cheese to add to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
Stirring Spoon or Whisk: For stirring the ingredients together in the saucepan and making sure everything is well combined.
Optional: Small Bowl or Ramekin for holding the pre-cut butter and cream cheese before adding them to the saucepan.
what goes with it?
Classic Fettuccine Alfredo: A staple in Italian cuisine, this dish features fettuccine pasta coated in the rich and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Alfredo Pizza: A delicious twist on traditional pizza, use Alfredo sauce as the base sauce instead of tomato sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese, grilled chicken, and spinach before baking.
Alfredo Mashed Potatoes: Stir Alfredo sauce into your mashed potatoes instead of using traditional butter and cream for an extra rich and creamy side dish. The Alfredo sauce will add a new level of indulgence.
Savory Alfredo Waffles: Incorporate the Alfredo sauce into your waffle batter for savory waffles. Serve these waffles topped with more Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon or a fried egg for a savory breakfast or brunch option that defies the ordinary.
Alfredo Lasagna: An interesting variation to the classic lasagna, using Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce. Layers of lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, cooked chicken or turkey, spinach, and Alfredo sauce are built up before baking.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: Ah, the classic Chardonnay. Its buttery notes and oak undertones will cozy up to the creamy Alfredo sauce like a warm blanket on a chilly night. Look for one with a touch of acidity to keep things lively.
Sauvignon Blanc: If you're more of a fan of crisp whites, a Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty citrus flavors could be the perfect match here. The acidity will cut through the richness of the sauce, leaving your taste buds refreshed and happy.
Merlot: For those red wine lovers, a Merlot with its soft tannins and plummy flavors can definitely hold its own against this decadent sauce.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Grappa: Feeling fancy? Try a glass of Grappa. The intense grape flavors and high alcohol content will cleanse your palate after each bite, making each spoonful of Alfredo sauce taste as good as the first.
Amaretto Sour: Let's get nutty! The nutty almond flavor of an Amaretto Sour can enhance the creamy Parmesan in the sauce, creating a delightful contrast. Plus, the sourness cuts through the richness, making each sip and bite a balanced experience.
Moscow Mule: Keep it simple but effective with a Moscow Mule. The spicy ginger beer will refresh your taste buds between bites of the rich Alfredo sauce.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Coconut Water: Stay refreshed and hydrated with a tropical twist by sipping on some coconut water. The light, slightly sweet flavor will complement the creamy Alfredo sauce without overwhelming it.
Iced Chai Latte: Spice things up with an iced chai latte. The warm spices in the chai will dance with the garlic and Parmesan in the sauce, while the creamy milk base adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
Arnold Palmer: Keep it classic and quench your thirst with an Arnold Palmer. The mix of sweet lemonade and brisk iced tea will add a refreshing touch to your Alfredo sauce-based meal.
nutrition data
710 calories, 74 grams fat, 5 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
see more o - copy cat restaurant recipes
reviews & comments
July 11, 2020
Iâm a teen, made this for my family and they loved it! Super easy and very tasty😋
May 13, 2018
Delicious!!!
January 1, 2017
Rich!! I think maybe I would use the half and half mentioned instead of cream just to reduce the richness a bit. I know alfr sauce is rich but it was just a bit too much for me.
July 8, 2016
I really liked that this recipe didn't use flour or cornstarch to thicken it. Had good flavor and is super easy to make. It does make a lot though. I'd say it's at least 6 servings and maybe even 8 - not 4
June 26, 2014
This tasty Italian classic from the Olive Garden is great over a variety of pastas. Use it on pizza instead of tomato sauce to have some variety on pizza night. Anyone on a low carb diet who misses pasta can use this sauce on many different vegetables as an alternative.
January 30, 2014
I am allergic to tomatoes and found this. I rarely use sauce from a jar now.
Every alfredo sauce I've made prior to using the recipe from Olive Garden, have always separated after refrigerated. Olive Garden uses 6 egg yolks in their recipe. I believe that is what makes the difference and keeps the sauce from separating. Every time I've made it with the egg yolks, I've never had a problem with left-overs separating.
January 7, 2014
My sauce never combined in the first place. It was broken from the start. I used fat free half and half instead of heavy cream and real butter (which, as I type this I realize fat free and butter sounds funny), so I am not sure why it separated. Any ideas? The flavor was great, but totally separated.
It's a common problem when using fat free dairy. You can use fat free half and half in this recipe, you just need to stir it in at the very end and only gently heat it through. It will break down too much if you add it as directed for regular heavy cream.
To the Guest Foodie, the sauce "breaks" (seperates) because of the butter, it can be saved, but you have to basically whip it back together with a whisk while reheating it on the stovetop. It will break everytime you try to reheat it, but just whip it back into submission.
November 13, 2013
I used heavy whipping cream, couldn't find heavy cream, and i'm not cook and don't know if it's the same or not. It was really good, I bought a pint but took out about half cup, and used half a butter stick, but kept everything else the same, and it was perfect. So simple to make, even for me (my husband usually does the cooking). I felt that a whole pint would have been to much for 2 people, and I'm glad I cut some of it out, because I had plenty of leftover sauce so I froze the rest. I would definitely recommend this recipe to other people.
November 11, 2013
This is by far my favorite alfredo sauce. Its so creamy and actually has flavor not just like a white sauce.
October 8, 2013
Outstanding and super simple!
July 27, 2013
I love this alfredo sauce. I always add the cream cheese because it adds extra creaminess to the sauce without affecting the flavor. I often add some cooked shrimp and bacon to this and serve it with whatever pasta I have (usually fetttucini if I have it but I've also used everything from rotini to orzo!). It's a pretty foolproof recipe and can be made very quickly so it's good for those nights when you don't have dinner planned and the family is getting hungry!
June 5, 2013
This tastes as good or even better than Olive Garden.
November 13, 2012
Great recipe. Instead of garlic powder though, I add the same amount of garlic salt which takes care of both the garlic and the salt the recipe recommends adding. I also forgot to get cream cheese one time and added plain yogurt and it still came out awesome.
November 6, 2012
This is my go-to alfredo recipe now! I think its even better than Olive Garden. Even my fiance who hates alfredo sauce, went back for seconds. It's rich, creamy and delicious!
I was wondering what went wrong with the batch i made. it tasted great the first night, but after refrigerating it seperates. that sucks because i would make a huge batch and freeze it but dont know how to keep it from seperating. any help with this??? thanks
I'm pretty sure Olive garden uses egg yolks too for flavor. About six for that size.
January 27, 2012
Delicious recipe! Have been making this for years! Always turns out!!! I usually chop up some imitation crab or add some little salad shrimps to it! Extra Yummmm-o!
October 23, 2011
I tried this recipe for the first time last night and its came out fantastic. The olive garden recipe on there web site is long and difficult but this is easy and fast.I never made alfredo sause before but I will be make it for my kids now.Thanks .
TO POSTER "GUEST NJM" Your recipe is a completely different recipe! lol Anything that far off from the original recipe is a new/different recipe.
I am not clear on the cheese amount. My 3/4C of cheese weight only 1/4oz which was hardly any cheese. I ended up putting in 100g of finely grated cheese which was about 4 cups. So by weight, how much cheese is the recipe calling for?
April 22, 2011
I LOVE THIS RECIPE!!! I use it all the time... I put some xtra cheese sometimes but either way its fantastic!!! BIG THUMBS UP!!!!
March 9, 2011
This recipe turned out fantastic. First I have never made alfredo sauce from scratch so I wasn't sure how things would turn out. Thanks to those who advised not to use Kraft Parmesan Cheese in the green jar! I had to make a quick grocery store run to get fresh grated Parmesan. Anyway, I made a couple of alterations: 1. I doubled the recipe and used 1 cup parmesan and 1/2 cup romano. 2. I added a little lemon juice as recommended in another recipe for smoothness. 3. I did not use the cream cheese, but instead used about 1 1/2 teaspoons of flour for thickness. 4. I used 1 pint of heavy whipping cream and 1 pint of half and half. 5. Finally I added a couple dashes of pepper. This recipe was wonderful! My family loved it! I will never use alfredo sauce out of the jar again!
As an olive garden employee for over seven years I can tell you that one of the missing ingredients is white american cheese
January 3, 2011
I've made this alfredo for as many as a 100 people. I can always count on it. The option to change the servings is a great way to change a recipe without messing up. Tonight I'll be serving dinner for 20,
December 30, 2010
I just made this recipe for the first time tonight. I've made many different recipes for alfredo and I liked this one a lot. I doubled the recipe (which ended up making a ton of sauce). I used 1/2 pint of light cream mixed with 1 1/2 pints of skim milk and used margarine instead of butter. I used a little cornstarch for thickening and it came out delicious.
July 19, 2010
This recipe nails the Olive Garden alfredo sauce!! The only thing I did differently was add 1/3 cup Romano cheese instead of the cream cheese and increased the Parmesan cheese to a little over 1 cup. DELICIOUS!!!!! The sauce thickened as it simmered and was just the right thickness after about 25 minutes. Beware though, the sauce reduces if it's simmers too long.
May 19, 2010
I LOVED this sauce. However, I had two issues with the recipe which maybe someone can help me with. Since this was my first time with this recipe I followed it exactly to the letter (without the cream cheese). 1st - the sauce was gritty. I could not get the cheese to melt completely. I used the real grated cheese not the stuff in the green container and let it simmer for about 45 minutes - but it still would not melt completely. 2nd - when I re-heated the sauce the next night it separated into solid and butter. Any suggestions? Over all the taste was awesome and I really enjoyed this recipe. I'm thinking it might just be practice makes perfect but would appreciate any feedback - Thanks.
May 6, 2010
My husband told me before he knew about this recipe that the Alfredo Sauce tasted like the Olive Garden's and then when my 4 yr old tasted it, he said that he likes the Olive Garden sauce and wondered when I brought it home! This recipe is right on! It's AMAZING
March 25, 2010
MM...There's the Olive Garden memory! Thank you. We added chicken and it was still great!
March 25, 2010
AMAZING!!! This was so incredible & EASY to make!!!! I used EVERYTHING this recipe calls for & was SO IMPRESSED!!! It is VERY COMPERABLE to Olive Garden, but not BETTER. I HATE all the store bought versions of alfredo sauce, but THIS is TOTALLY WORTH making from scratch. I doubled the recipe & it made a LOT. Be ready to serve once sauce is finished otherwise it starts to separate once it is cold. You CANNOT go WRONG with this recipe!!!!! YUMMY!!!
March 9, 2010
This was great! I halved the recipe and left out the cream cheese, and it was suitably thickened in about ten minutes. This recipe was much simpler than my older one (which was from Olive Garden's website, mind you), and tasted just as good. Thanks for sharing!
February 15, 2010
This was the easiest and best alfredo sauce I have ever made. Not exactly the Olive Garden's, but close enough!!!
January 19, 2010
this is the easiest recipe in the world!!! it is excellent and is better than olive garden
December 20, 2009
My family LOVES this recipe! I do leave out the cream cheese and let the slow simmer do its magic. What doesn't get devoured I store in a container and put in the fridge - it's even BETTER a day or two later!
December 14, 2009
This was wonderful and soooo easy to make. Tastes identical to Olive Gardens. I omitted the cream cheese and it thickened upon standing. I even saved the rest and reheated the next day and it tasted just as good!
September 27, 2009
wow this was crazy tasty but had a problem with thickening so i made the recipe w/o the cream cheese and just added a can of cream of mushroom soup and a cup of sliced fresh mushrooms... perfect! Make sure you let it simmer the 20 mins or it will be gritttyyyy!
August 29, 2009
I have been using this recipe for 2 years now and each time it gets better. Now, I start by sauteing onion in some butter, salt and pepper with a little mince garlic, then I add mushrooms and let them cook down for about 5 minutes. At this time, I add about 3/4 cup of chicken broth to add some flavor. After letting this all cook together for another 10-15 minutes, I add the heavy cream and butter from the recipe. Again, let it cook a bit. Add the cheeses and let it simmer for about 25 minutes. season with more salt, pepper and garlic if you wish. Because of the broth, I have to thicken it with a bit of corn starch, but the flavor is amazing. I serve with sliced grilled chicken over Penne pasta. This is such a hit that my daughter's boyfriend and her best friend come over every time I make it.
May 28, 2009
Big hit with our family. I used bow tie pasta and add some cooked chicken and crumbled bacon. I have added a bit of corn starch to make it a little thicker.
May 21, 2009
Okay... WOW!!! I thought for sure that NOTHING could come close to OG Alfredo sauce! My tastebuds stand corrected!!! I was pleasantly shocked and it's very true... all in the simmering on lower heat. Take the time, it's WELL worth it! Oh and use the cream cheese too! Mangia!
January 11, 2009
My family loves this recipe and its so easy. I serve it with bow ties pasta fresh tomatoes, grilled chicken and green onions. I have tripled the recipe and kept it in a crock pot on low for potluck big success!!!!!
December 11, 2008
EASY!! I added a whole block of cream cheese and a dash of nutmeg, and served with Crab Legs. My wife loved it!
Would a crockpot be good to use? Set it on low after all mixed so it won't burn?
: I'd be worried about it curdling (if you have a reliable crockpot that doesn't overcook things). And this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes so it seems like a crock pot might be overkill for such a simple recipe. If you try it though, please report back so we know how it turned out!
March 4, 2008
Amazing. Just like Olive Garden
November 1, 2007
Awesome... we all loved it!
September 16, 2007
WOW!!!!!!!!!!! This is Awesome!!!! I made this today for my boyfriend - added some chicken with the fettucine and I was just amazed!! Excellent recipe. Will never make another alfredo sauce after this!! This one is for keeps in the recipe book!!!!
June 21, 2007
The sauce is delicious! If you like, you can put small diced tomato and chopped mushroom and it's even better:) Great recipe!
May 2, 2007
This was the best alfredo sauce I have had a in a very long time. I am not even a huge fan of creamy parmeasean but, this was absolutely delicious :)
April 28, 2007
Making this for the prom kids to eat, was excited it was so good and easy to make!! Wonderful :)
I'm looking forward to trying this recipe tonight. I'm making gluten-free chicken alfredo pizza for my boyfriend who has celiac sprue. Most canned alfredo sauces contain some form of gluten as either a preservative or thickening agent. I'm learning alot about cooking from scratch... lol.
March 16, 2007
This is so exciting! I have looked for many years for a recipe close to Olive Garden's Alfredo Sauce. My husband couldn't believe how close it was. I followed the recipe as is except for the amount of half and half. A little less did the trick. Just remember, let it sit for quite a while before eating.It does take some time for the cheese to melt down to sauce consistency.
March 10, 2007
Wow...this sauce is amazing! I adjusted the recipe for ten servings (2.5 batches of the regular recipe) to serve at a potluck. Love that feature on the site. I used 4 parts cream and 1 part skim milk instead of straight cream (I didn't want to buy more than a quart), reduced the butter by 1/4 cup (just cause that was easier than using partial sticks of butter), and cut the garlic in half (the full amount would've been too much, in my opinion). It was the best alfredo I've ever made! Definitely a keeper.
March 8, 2007
Tasted yummy and rich !
February 15, 2007
Very good, I will add more garlic next time. I added romano cheese to the sauce and poured it over shrimp and broccoli.
February 14, 2007
Using a double boiler helps not to burn the sauce. Bring the butter/cream to a slight boil and then add the parmesan, stirring frequently so it doesn't burn and turning the heat down. Also you can add white sauce (powder) to thicken it up. This is about the same as the Red Robin recipe when they served alfredo. Great stuff.
January 26, 2007
This sauce is awesome! I have a question though. I tried it using the Kraft grated parmesan in the jar from the refrigerated cheese section. The cheese refuses to melt, even after whipping with an electric whisk. What kind of cheese do you use?? I would love it even more if it was smooth. Thanks.....
Don't use the stuff in the jar, use the shredded or grated parmesan you can find with the other shredded cheeses at the grocery store. Once you use it, you'll never buy the stuff in the green jar again!
January 17, 2007
I made this exactly as posted, adding only the noodles and grilled chicken and it was WONDERFUL! My family loved it. I will make this easy dish often! Thanks so much for sharing.
November 29, 2006
I made this for my parents and siblings last night, it was so delish i loved it. I can't beleive how much it tasted exactly like the olive garden which i LOVE! Thank you so so so much!
November 13, 2006
Absolutely AMAZING! I cook for competitions and this is absolutely suburb! I actually added chicken, and it sill tasted amazing!
November 1, 2006
So I just made this tonight for my girlfriend. All I can say is WOW! The sauce was delicous and I complimented the dish with some grilled chicken. I suggest using a few shakes from your italian seasoning jar and one or two shakes of crushed red pepper to add to the flavor. If you are a novice in the kitchen COOK THE SAUCE AT A VERY LOW TEMPERATURE. Milk based dishes burn very easily and once it burns, everything is ruined. any way all in all this sauce was superb although while I was making it, I feel horrible reading the fat content of the dish. So be sure to not make this all the time or you will get fat.
October 30, 2006
Extremely easy to make, and delicious!! I also thought mine was a little thin. I mixed my cornstarch and water, dumped it in, and to my surprise....THE BUTTER SEPARATED OUT!! Frustrated after 45 minutes of stirring, I used a wire wisk to get it as best I could, then scooped it onto the noodles. Still tasted great. If anyone knows why this happened, I would love to hear it.
October 27, 2006
I could not believe how easy this recipe was and it really taste just like Olive Garden...I couldn't believe it. It is better then that stuff comes from the bottle. All I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU and THANK YOU
October 18, 2006
this is a good recipe that is very close to the real deal.if you want the le cordon bleu version -omit the cream cheese and reduce the cream with a 1/2 a small onion with a bayleaf stuck in a slit.when it starts to thicken slightly temper in a egg yolk to thicken the rest of the way(be sure to temper it in -if you just add it directly in will become clotty)
October 10, 2006
this sauce was very good and easy to make. I did use the cream cheese, and I also substituted chopped garlic for the powder. I would suggest if possible that you let it cook longer if possible to thicken. I added some cooked, chopped bacon and some cooked fresh mushrooms at the very end. SOO GOOD!
September 25, 2006
Simple and delicious. You can't mess this one up. We even liked it better than Martha Stewart's Alfredo Recipe!
August 27, 2006
This is the only alfredo recipe I've tried that seems to come out great time and time again. It's so simple even I can't foul it up. For those who've had trouble getting the sauce to thicken, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a small amount of cold water at the end. Heat until thickened. MMMM!
August 16, 2006
Make this just the way the recipe states. Perfection. If only I could bathe and live in this concoction. Truly sinful, no way this can be good for anyone, but man, we all gotta go sometime, just buy or make some breadsticks and indulge!!!!
August 9, 2006
This receipt was great!! I love the Olive Garden and would only go there for thier Alfredo Suace!I made this suace with pasta and shrimp for my husband and we both loved it! It was great, we had it for ,lunch and dinner. Yummy!
July 31, 2006
I have had the taste for olive garden alfredo sauce for the longest. I kept trying to fix up the jared alfred sauce, It just didn't taste right,,Until I tried this recipe it is excellent.
May 28, 2006
It was easy to make and it tasted great also! However, mine seemed a heck of a lot thinner than I expected. I'm a novice in the kitchen and I'm not sure what went wrong. I let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, then 30, then 40...it never got thicker...still tasty though!
April 10, 2006
Excellent recipe. They hit it right on the head: the trick is making sure you let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes.
April 5, 2006
wow - excellent recipe. didnt add cream cheese though.
March 5, 2006
loved the recipe. We added a bit more garlic powder. But overall this was EXCELLENT!!!!!
January 25, 2006
Simple and superb!
January 7, 2006
This is delicious! I used minced garlic in place of the powder, and added a little more parmesan because we love cheese! I also didn't use the cream cheese, so it took a little longer than 30 minutes, but it was outstanding.
December 30, 2005
Before finding this website I had tried many different pre-packaged alfredo sauces and even some recipes, this one hit the nail right on the head. It was DELICIOUS!!!