The Most Heavenly Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe at Home

Memories of my favorite Italian restaurant sparked this delectable Olive Garden chicken alfredo recipe adventure.

Creamy sauce dreams began during a college road trip through tuscany.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of perfectly blended ingredients that transport you to a cozy trattoria.

No complicated techniques stand between you and restaurant-quality comfort food.

Homemade versions often taste more authentic and delightful than commercial alternatives.

Quality chicken and fresh parmesan make all the difference in this classic dish.

Let’s uncover the secrets to creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that will impress everyone at your table.

Reheat Chicken Alfredo From Olive Garden Style

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce's creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream-based sauces might slightly change texture after freezing.

Companion Sides for Chicken Alfredo

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the rich, creamy sauce and enhances the chicken's delicate flavor profile perfectly.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Garlic Bread: Crusty, warm bread helps soak up extra Alfredo sauce and provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth pasta dish.
• Match with Bright Arugula Salad: Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette cut through the alfredo's heaviness, creating a balanced and refreshing meal experience.
• Select Sparkling Water with Lemon: Clean, citrusy beverage cleanses the palate between bites and lightens the meal's overall richness.

Olive Garden Alfredo with Chicken Served Differently

• Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo: Replace traditional fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all ingredients like Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap pasta with roasted or steamed cauliflower florets. Use a lighter cream sauce and add extra Parmesan for richness.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted white beans. Season vegetables with similar herbs and spices for depth of flavor.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly, have a mild flavor, and absorb seasonings well.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

Use less cream, substitute part-skim Parmesan, and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir constantly. Use freshly grated cheese at room temperature for smoother results.

• Is it necessary to use nutmeg?

Nutmeg adds depth and warmth to the sauce, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it or dislike the flavor, you can skip it without significantly impacting the overall taste.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Flavor Secrets

• Quick and Easy Meal Mastery: Whip up restaurant-quality Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo at home in under 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Create a creamy, satisfying dinner that pleases everyone from kids to adults with simple ingredients and foolproof cooking steps.
• Restaurant-Style Satisfaction: Recreate the classic Olive Garden experience without leaving your kitchen, saving money and enjoying fresh, homemade flavors.
• Minimal Skill Required: Perfect for beginner cooks with straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.

• Fettuccine: Classic pasta that perfectly holds the creamy Alfredo sauce, traditional choice for this classic Italian-American dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with cooking and sauce development, butter adds creaminess while olive oil prevents sticking.

• Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, smooth texture of Alfredo sauce, full-fat version ensures the most indulgent result.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

• Garlic Cloves: Provides deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce, fresh garlic is more potent than pre-minced.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the dish, freshly ground pepper has more robust flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the richness of the sauce, adjust to personal preference.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that adds subtle warmth and depth to the Alfredo sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish, chopped just before serving.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Boil the fettuccine in salted water until perfectly al dente.

Carefully save some pasta water before draining.

Set the cooked pasta aside, ready for its delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper.

Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

This should take about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Once done, slice the chicken into tender strips.

Step 3: Create Garlic Base

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt butter until it’s bubbling softly.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its amazing aroma, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle with black pepper and a whisper of nutmeg.

Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese

Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.

Watch as the cheese melts into a silky, smooth sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked fettuccine into the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Arrange the saucy pasta on plates, top with the sliced chicken, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while the dish is wonderfully warm and inviting.

Chef-Approved Advice for Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo at Home

• Save the starchy liquid to help sauce cling perfectly to noodles and adjust sauce consistency smoothly.
• Generously salt and pepper chicken before cooking to enhance natural flavors and create a delicious golden crust.
• Add Parmesan gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, smooth sauce texture.
• Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or skip protein entirely for vegetarian-friendly version while maintaining rich Alfredo flavor.
• Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and maintain creamy consistency without burning delicate ingredients.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Olive Garden’s legendary Chicken Alfredo delivers creamy pasta perfection with tender chicken and rich parmesan sauce. Homemade comfort meets restaurant-style indulgence, inviting you to savor each luxurious, cheesy bite right from your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

Spices and Garnish:

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, preparing the fettuccine according to package guidelines. Carefully extract and preserve a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium flame. Season chicken generously with salt and freshly ground pepper, then sear until achieving a rich golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to cutting board and slice into elegant strips.
3. Utilize the identical skillet, reducing heat and introducing butter. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence and become translucent without browning.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, complementing with freshly cracked black pepper and a whisper of nutmeg. Allow mixture to gently simmer, developing depth and consistency for 2-3 minutes.
5. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely dissolved and sauce transforms into a luxuriously smooth texture. Modulate sauce consistency by introducing reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Delicately fold cooked fettuccine into the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. Artfully arrange sliced chicken atop the pasta.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch and serve immediately while temperature remains optimal.

Notes

• Always salt the pasta water generously to enhance the overall flavor of the dish, creating a more delicious base for your Alfredo.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a richer, more authentic taste that melts more smoothly into the sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess while reducing calories.
• Consider adding roasted vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal that feels less indulgent.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 749
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 703 mg
• Fat: 49 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 157 mg