Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Creamy Comfort

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

Pasta enthusiasts know this classic dish melts hearts faster than butter.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly al dente noodles.

Homemade versions bring restaurant magic right into your kitchen.

Professional chefs might guard their secrets, but anyone can craft this delightful meal.

Layers of parmesan, garlic, and smooth cream create a symphony of flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this decadent Italian-inspired masterpiece.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Overview

• Whip Up Restaurant-Quality Meal: Recreate Olive Garden's famous chicken Alfredo right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences.
• Master Classic Italian-American Technique: Learn how to create a creamy, rich Alfredo sauce that rivals professional restaurant standards with basic cooking skills.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in less than half an hour that will impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Fettuccine Pasta: A classic Italian long, flat noodle perfect for holding creamy sauces.
• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard Italian cheese that provides a rich, salty depth to the Alfredo sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the classic white sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and sauce.
• Nutmeg: A warm spice that adds subtle complexity to the Alfredo sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light flavor when cooking chicken.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for the sauce and helps with flavor development.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that adds a fresh visual and flavor accent to the dish.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook fettuccine in generously salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.

Carefully drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to rest while you prepare the remaining components of the dish.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.

Slice the chicken into tender strips and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes wonderfully fragrant, releasing its delightful aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Alfredo Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and gently stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 5 minutes.

Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese and a whisper of nutmeg, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Tenderly toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the rich, velvety mixture.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Arrange the sauced pasta on serving plates, artfully top with the sliced chicken, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Chicken Alfredo Pasta Success

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic for maximum flavor depth and authentic Italian taste.
• Simmer sauce slowly and stir continuously to prevent burning and achieve smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Cook fettuccine exactly al dente to maintain perfect texture and help sauce adhere better to noodles.
• Season chicken and pasta water carefully to enhance overall dish taste without making it too salty.
• Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or sliced turkey for variety and different protein preferences.

Flavor Options for Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted tofu for a hearty, plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving the rich Alfredo flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for those craving a zesty version of the classic recipe.
• Seafood Transformation: Substitute chicken with sautéed shrimp or scallops for an elegant maritime spin on the traditional Olive Garden classic.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning family-style presentation by spreading the Chicken Alfredo on a large serving platter, arranging sliced chicken artfully on top, and sprinkling fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Sides Symphony: Complement the creamy pasta with garlic breadsticks, roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus, and a crisp Caesar salad to balance the rich Alfredo sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the dining experience with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, whose light, buttery notes will beautifully harmonize with the creamy chicken Alfredo.

Storage Tips for Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and pasta separately to maintain best texture.
• Place pasta and chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.
• Freeze Alfredo sauce and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly, stay tender, and absorb seasonings well.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free fettuccine pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta to create a gluten-free version.

• How can I prevent my Alfredo sauce from becoming grainy?

Gradually add Parmesan cheese and stir constantly at a low-medium heat to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without separation.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy compared to the original recipe.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo recipe brings creamy pasta perfection to home kitchens with classic Italian-American comfort. Homemade sauce and tender chicken create a delightful meal you can easily prepare and savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) fettuccine pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook fettuccine until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and slice into thin, elegant strips for later serving.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter, releasing its rich, nutty aroma. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Gently pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring consistently to create a smooth, velvety base. Allow sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes, developing depth of flavor.
6. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese and a delicate whisper of nutmeg, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.
7. Fold the perfectly cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the decadent cream sauce.
8. Artfully arrange pasta on serving plates, crown with the golden-seared chicken strips, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly al dente pasta by tasting a strand 1-2 minutes before package recommended cooking time.
• Prevent bland chicken by generously seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs for extra flavor boost.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for richer, more authentic sauce texture and taste.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version, adjusting cooking time to maintain sauce thickness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 697 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 365 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg