Easy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe That Tastes Like Heaven

Creamy Olive Garden chicken Alfredo beckons with irresistible comfort on chilly evenings.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of this classic Italian-American dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender chicken strips nestle among ribbons of fettuccine, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Parmesan cheese melts into a silky sauce that hugs each noodle with luxurious warmth.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Subtle garlic undertones and rich cream transform simple components into a memorable meal.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable bite of this restaurant-inspired masterpiece.

What Makes Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Irresistible

• Savor Homemade Comfort: Recreate the beloved Olive Garden classic right in your kitchen, bringing restaurant-quality taste to your dining table without leaving home.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Learn a simple technique that transforms basic ingredients into a creamy, luxurious meal that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Develop a versatile recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, changing protein, or adjusting seasonings to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Essential Ingredients in Chicken Alfredo

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the classic Italian-American pasta dish.

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

• Heavy Cream, Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the classic white sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken and sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevents sticking in the skillet.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

How to Prepare Classic Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook fettuccine in salted water following package directions until al dente. Drain and set pasta aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Season Chicken Masterfully

Sprinkle chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Exterior turns golden brown
• Chicken is completely cooked through

Remove chicken and slice into thin strips.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant and slightly golden

Step 5: Craft Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Pour heavy cream into skillet and stir. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and thickened.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every strand with luxurious Alfredo sauce.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates, top with sliced chicken, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.

Tips to Boost Chicken Alfredo’s Flavor

• Ensure pasta is al dente by testing a minute before package instructions to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a golden-brown crust and lock in delicious flavors.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smoother, richer sauce compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Warm cream and cheese gradually to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy during preparation.
• Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness and redistribute internal moisture before slicing.

Creative Touches for Chicken Alfredo

• Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo: Replace fettuccine with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Alfredo Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Creamy Option: Use spiralized butternut squash noodles instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Best Complements with Chicken Alfredo

• Romantic Date Night Delight: Create an intimate dining experience by candlelight, serving the chicken Alfredo on elegant white plates with soft background music and a glass of crisp white wine.
• Weekend Family Feast: Prepare a family-style presentation in a large serving dish, letting everyone help themselves with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on the side for customizing their plates.
• Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers with chicken and sauce separated to maintain freshness, perfect for easy work or school lunches that stay deliciously creamy.
• Rustic Italian Gathering: Set up a communal dining setup with wooden boards, fresh bread, and additional herbs, encouraging a casual and warm sharing-style meal that feels like a traditional Italian family dinner.

Storing Chicken Alfredo Without Losing Freshness

• Store leftover chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate chicken and pasta to prevent soggy texture and maintain better quality.
• Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other refrigerator odors.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly, absorb seasonings well, and provide a lean protein option for the dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients like Parmesan cheese are also gluten-free.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is it possible to reduce the calories in this Alfredo sauce?

To make it lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter and cheese while maintaining the creamy texture.

Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s legendary chicken alfredo recipe blends creamy parmesan sauce with perfectly grilled chicken over fettuccine noodles. Rich Italian-American comfort delivers restaurant-quality flavor straight from your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta:

• 1 pound (1 lb) fettuccine pasta

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare fettuccine according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both surfaces.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, achieving golden brown exterior.
4. Transfer chicken to cutting board and slice into uniform diagonal strips.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until aromatic, avoiding browning.
6. Slowly pour heavy cream into skillet, stirring continuously. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a smooth base.
7. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking consistently until sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
8. Add cooked fettuccine directly into sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
9. Plate pasta, arranging sliced chicken on top and sprinkling with fresh chopped parsley for vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Toast herbs or add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for extra flavor complexity and a subtle kick.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, understanding the sauce might be slightly less creamy.
• Keep leftover chicken Alfredo in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk to prevent sauce separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Consider using grilled or rotisserie chicken as quick alternative protein options that infuse different flavor profiles into the classic dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 770 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg