Looking for a better than Olive Garden Alfredo sauce? This creamy, rich sauce will elevate your pasta dishes, whether you’re making chicken parmesan with Alfredo sauce or rigatoni. It’s easy to make, and the flavor will wow your taste buds. Perfect for any pasta lover!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy – A velvety, smooth sauce that coats your pasta perfectly.
- Perfectly balanced flavors – The garlic and Parmesan come together for a deliciously savory taste.
- Quick and easy – You can whip up this sauce in just 15 minutes!
- Versatile – Ideal for a variety of dishes, like chicken parmesan with alfredo sauce or rigatoni with alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat, and pour the sauce over your cooked pasta or use it in your favorite pasta dish, like chicken parmesan with alfredo sauce or rigatoni with alfredo sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Alfredo: Add extra shredded mozzarella for a cheesier sauce.
- Herb-infused: Stir in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fragrant twist.
- Gluten-free option: Pair with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Use extra garlic to make the flavor more intense.
Storage/Reheating
To store your homemade Alfredo sauce, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if necessary to restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add a little cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
2. Can I freeze the Alfredo sauce?
While it’s best to enjoy it fresh, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
3. What pasta works best with Alfredo sauce?
Fettuccine is the classic choice, but this sauce pairs well with any pasta, including rigatoni and penne.
4. Can I use Parmesan from a can?
Freshly grated Parmesan works best, as it melts smoothly into the sauce, but pre-grated Parmesan will also work in a pinch.
5. Is this Alfredo sauce spicy?
No, it’s a mild sauce. If you prefer some heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. It will still taste great!
7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream.
8. How do I thicken Alfredo sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
9. Is this Alfredo sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta, the sauce is naturally gluten-free.
10. Can I use this Alfredo sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely! It works wonderfully for baked pasta dishes, as a pizza topping, or as a dipping sauce.
Conclusion
This homemade Alfredo sauce is simple to make and tastes even better than Olive Garden’s! Whether you’re using it for chicken parmesan with alfredo sauce or rigatoni, you’ll enjoy its creamy texture and rich flavor. Make it today for a perfect pasta night at home!
Better Than Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a better than Olive Garden Alfredo sauce? This creamy, rich sauce will elevate your pasta dishes, whether you’re making chicken parmesan with Alfredo sauce or rigatoni. It’s easy to make, and the flavor will wow your taste buds. Perfect for any pasta lover!
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat, and pour the sauce over your cooked pasta or use it in your favorite pasta dish.
Notes
Storage/Reheating: To store your homemade Alfredo sauce, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if necessary to restore its creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kca
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg