How to Make the Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
Italian-American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
This copycat version of Olive Garden chicken Alfredo delivers the same creamy, indulgent pasta experience you know and love from the restaurant. Rich Parmesan cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine and tender grilled chicken for a satisfying homemade dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 820 calories with 45g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and saute garlic for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss the drained fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Top with sliced chicken and extra Parmesan before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → half and half for a lighter sauce
- fettuccine → linguine or pappardelle pasta
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding Parmesan to sauce that is too hot causing it to clump and become grainy
- Skipping the pasta water which is essential for achieving the perfect silky sauce consistency
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 820 calories, 45g protein, 68g carbs, 42g fat, 3g fiber.
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