Easy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Restaurant Magic at Home

Creamy, indulgent olive garden chicken alfredo whispers comfort with every bite, drawing you into a world of rich, velvety pasta.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among ribbons of fettuccine, creating a symphony of flavors.

The classic Italian-American dish promises restaurant-quality magic right in your own kitchen.

Parmesan cheese and heavy cream meld together, coating each strand of pasta with luxurious goodness.

Garlic and herbs dance through the sauce, adding depth and warmth to this beloved classic.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions alike welcome this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

You’ll savor every forkful of this irresistible pasta that brings the essence of olive garden directly to your dining table.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut into the thickest part to ensure no pink remains and juices run clear.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or any pasta you prefer. Just cook according to package instructions.

• What if my sauce is too thick or thin?

To thicken, simmer longer or add more Parmesan. If too thick, whisk in a little milk or pasta water to reach desired consistency.

• Is it possible to make this dish healthier?

Yes, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce cheese quantity, and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutrition.

Olive Garden Alfredo – Reasons You’ll Love It

• Whip Up Restaurant-Quality Meal: Recreate Olive Garden's famous chicken alfredo right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Master Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with a classic Italian-American dish that everyone loves.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust ingredients like adding extra garlic, using different pasta shapes, or including vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a delicious, creamy meal in less than 30 minutes with minimal cooking techniques and straightforward steps.

Olive Garden Alfredo Ingredient Lineup

• Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the primary component of this classic Italian-American dish.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Provide a luxurious and silky texture to the sauce, creating a classic Alfredo consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty flavor that is essential to the traditional Alfredo sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and provide basic seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that is fundamental to the Alfredo sauce.
• Parsley (Optional): Offers a fresh, bright garnish to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
• Fettuccine Pasta: Serves as the classic pasta base for this creamy chicken Alfredo recipe.

Simple Steps to Alfredo Success

Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken

Generously sprinkle salt and black pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring an even coating that will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Sizzling the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side.

The chicken should develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and be completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest.

Step 3: Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté the garlic until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and begins to release its rich, savory aroma.

Step 4: Creating the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring gently.

Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the liquids blend and start to thicken.

Step 5: Incorporating Parmesan

Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream mixture.

Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth, glossy, and completely integrated.

Step 6: Preparing the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to the package instructions.

Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly.

Step 7: Slicing and Combining Chicken

Slice the rested chicken breasts into tender strips.

Gently add the chicken strips to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to ensure each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 8: Final Assembly and Serving

Combine the cooked fettuccine with the chicken and sauce, mixing carefully to distribute the creamy goodness evenly.

Plate the pasta and optionally sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-style Chicken Alfredo!

Alfredo Pasta Tips Worth Knowing

• Cut chicken breasts against the grain into even, thin strips for tender, easy-to-eat pieces that absorb sauce beautifully.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly minced garlic to elevate the sauce's authentic Italian flavor and richness.
• Simmer sauce gently and whisk Parmesan slowly to prevent separation, creating a smooth, creamy texture that coats pasta evenly.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or sautéed tofu for a delightful protein variation that suits different dietary preferences.
• Add a pinch of white pepper or nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce for subtle depth and complexity without overwhelming the delicate cream base.

Alfredo Pasta Twists & Upgrades

• Vegetarian Alfredo: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, grilled zucchini, or crispy tofu strips for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Edition: Use gluten-free fettuccine and ensure Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy sauce flavor.
• Spicy Southwestern Version: Add red pepper flakes, diced green chiles, and sprinkle smoked paprika into the Alfredo sauce for a zesty, bold flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Olive Garden Alfredo

• Family Feast Night: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this creamy chicken alfredo as a comforting weekend dinner that brings everyone together.
• Elegant Date Dinner: Plate the alfredo on white dishes with a candlelit setting, creating a romantic restaurant-style experience right at home.
• Quick Lunch Remix: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious midday meal at work or school, ensuring the pasta stays creamy and flavorful.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil on top for a bright, aromatic touch that adds color and a fresh garden flavor to the rich dish.

Saving Alfredo for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep chicken and pasta separate to maintain texture.
• Place chicken alfredo in freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing pasta directly with sauce to prevent soggy texture.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk or cream over the pasta before reheating to restore moisture. Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain smooth texture.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo delivers creamy pasta perfection straight from Italian-American kitchens. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning and Fat:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Liberally coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
2. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet at medium temperature (around 350°F), carefully searing chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board, allowing residual heat to stabilize.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and melt butter, introducing minced garlic to release aromatic compounds.
5. Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, creating a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop rich consistency.
6. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to ensure smooth, velvety texture without lumps.
7. Simultaneously prepare fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package guidelines, cooking until al dente.
8. Drain pasta thoroughly, reserving minimal moisture to help sauce adhere.
9. Slice chicken into uniform diagonal strips, maintaining tenderness and presentation.
10. Gently fold chicken into the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring complete coating.
11. Combine pasta with sauce, tossing delicately to distribute ingredients evenly.
12. Plate immediately while warm, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for vibrant color and subtle herbaceous note.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with better browning and crispy texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more authentic, richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick, creating a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to the noodles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg