Easy Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe That Wows

Olive Garden chicken Alfredo weaves magic into every creamy, comforting bite of pasta.

Passionate home cooks know this classic dish brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Homemade sauce requires simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly against ribbons of fettuccine, creating a delightful texture contrast.

Rich parmesan blends seamlessly with heavy cream, producing a velvety coating that clings to each noodle.

Authentic techniques replicate the beloved restaurant experience without complicated steps.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this crowd-pleasing meal comes together.

Hungry for a delicious dinner that impresses everyone at the table?

Let’s make something extraordinary tonight.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with linguine, penne, or any pasta you prefer. Just cook it al dente for the best texture.

• Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less cheese to reduce calories. You can also use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried.

• What if I don't have Romano cheese?

No problem! You can use all Parmesan cheese or a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino. The key is to use high-quality, freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.

• How can I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese gradually and stir constantly. Remove the pan from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.

Reasons To Love Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic meatloaf into a cheesy, gooey sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Family Dinner Champion: Offers a hearty, protein-packed meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its melty mozzarella center and familiar flavors.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customizable with additional seasonings or served alongside various side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

What Goes Into Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish and adds a hearty texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for cooking the chicken and creating a golden exterior.

• Fettuccine: A classic, wide pasta that perfectly catches and holds the creamy Alfredo sauce.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic flavor that is essential to the Alfredo sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, silky texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese: Classic Italian cheeses that give the sauce its signature tangy and nutty flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

How To Make Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Perfectly Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into tender strips.

Step 2: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and saute until aromatic and slightly golden. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Parmesan cheese
• Romano cheese

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Combine And Coat

Add cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce. Gently toss until every pasta strand is luxuriously covered.

Carefully fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Transfer to serving plates and serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Helpful Hints For Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when sautéing.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining, which helps create a silkier sauce if the mixture becomes too thick.
• Grate fresh Parmesan and Romano cheeses for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Warm plates before serving to keep the Alfredo sauce creamy and prevent rapid cooling.

Creative Twists For Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Alfredo: Add diced jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery kick and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Alfredo: Mix in fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to the sauce. Top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Mushroom Spinach Chicken Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach with the garlic before adding cream. Fold in the greens for added nutrition and earthy taste.
• Bacon Carbonara Chicken Alfredo: Crisp up bacon pieces and mix into the sauce. Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits and black pepper for a smoky, rich version.

Best Pairings With Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Create a warm, inviting atmosphere by serving the chicken alfredo with soft garlic breadsticks and a crisp Caesar salad. The creamy pasta becomes the star of a comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Elegant Date Night Presentation: Plate the chicken alfredo on a white round dish, sprinkle extra parmesan cheese, and add a delicate parsley garnish. Pair with a chilled glass of white wine for a romantic restaurant-style experience at home.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch. The flavors will meld overnight, making the alfredo even more rich and satisfying when reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Keeping Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fresh

• Transfer leftover Chicken Alfredo to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Carefully place the chicken and pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the sauce separately, as cream-based sauces can separate.
• Thaw frozen Alfredo in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Olive garden chicken alfredo combines creamy sauce with tender pasta and grilled chicken for a classic Italian-American favorite. Homemade versions deliver restaurant-quality comfort and satisfaction you can enjoy without leaving home.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 pound (lb) fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup Romano cheese (grated)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken breasts with salt and pepper seasoning, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Sear chicken in olive oil over medium heat (375°F) for 5-7 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal doneness.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a resting board, allowing juices to redistribute before slicing into elegant strips.
4. Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly, preserving a hint of pasta water.
5. Utilize the same skillet to create the creamy sauce, melting butter and introducing minced garlic, releasing aromatic essences for 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while maintaining medium heat.
7. Gradually incorporate Parmesan and Romano cheeses, whisking continuously to create a luxuriously smooth sauce without lumps.
8. Season the alfredo sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
9. Introduce sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce, gently folding to ensure complete and even coating.
10. Plate the chicken alfredo, garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant visual and flavor finish, serving immediately while warm.

Notes

• Toast the garlic gently to release its rich, nutty flavor without burning, which can turn the sauce bitter and unpleasant.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses for superior melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and cheese quantities; add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, creating a silky, smooth consistency.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the dish’s creamy essence.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 840 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg