This Is the Best Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

It only takes 20 minutes.

By
Amanda Holstein
Amanda Holstein
Amanda Holstein

Amanda Holstein is a Test Kitchen Assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. Currently, her work can be found on Allrecipes, Southern Living, and Simply Recipes.

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Published November 07, 2023
Amanda Holstein
Copycat Olive Garden alfredo in a large skillet with a pasta fork, and in the surroundings, a beige kitchen towel, a small plate with minced herbs, and a block of parmesan on a wooden board

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

The person who recipe-tested this copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo said, "Holy smokes this is good! It's LEGIT Alfredo sauce."

That's exactly what we aimed for when we set out to develop one of Olive Garden's most beloved dishes. The sauce is creamy, cheesy, and garlicky, and clings to the pasta effortlessly thanks to the easy béchamel sauce. This pasta comes together in 20 minutes, which is likely faster than it takes most of us to drive to the closest Olive Garden.

If you don't have Parmesan cheese, use your favorite grated cheese instead (though it will taste less like the restaurant version). Also, note that Alfredo doesn’t reheat that gracefully but is great cold. Serve the pasta with chicken or shrimp.

Copycat Olive Garden alfredo in a bowl with a fork, and in the surroundings, a white table napkin, a block of parmesan on a wooden board, and a glass with a drink

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

More Quick & Easy Pasta Recipes

Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry fettuccine pasta

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon grated garlic (from about 2 cloves)

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 1/2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (5 ounces)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Method

  1. Cook the pasta:

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander placed in the sink and set it aside.

    Cooked fettucine pasta in a colander for copycat Olive Garden Alfredo recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood
  2. Meanwhile, make the Alfredo sauce:

    While pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant and the butter is bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until slightly thickened and the mixture smells nutty, 2 to 3 minutes.

    Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, about 3/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly until smooth after each addition. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer, then remove from heat.

    Off the heat, gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

    Melted butter and flour mixture bubbling in a skillet for copycat Olive Garden Alfredo recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood
    Heavy cream whisked into the roux mixture in the skillet for copycat Olive Garden Alfredo recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood
    Parmesan and seasoning added to the sauce in the skillet for copycat Olive Garden Alfredo recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood
  3. Combine and serve:

    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with parsley if you'd like and serve warm.

    Love the recipe? Leave us a review and stars below!

    Skillet of copycat Olive Garden Alfredo topped with minced parsley

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood
    Copycat Olive Garden alfredo in a bowl with a fork, and in the surroundings, a white table napkin, a small plate with minced herbs, a block of parmesan on a wooden board, and a glass with a drink

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
681 Calories
57g Fat
29g Carbs
15g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 681
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 57g 73%
Saturated Fat 36g 180%
Cholesterol 167mg 56%
Sodium 759mg 33%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 15g
Vitamin C 1mg 4%
Calcium 331mg 25%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 194mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.