Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Creamy Comfort Joy

Olive Garden chicken alfredo has captured hearts with its creamy, comforting allure.

Passionate home cooks can recreate this restaurant favorite right in their kitchen.

Restaurants guard their secret recipes, but we’ll break down each delicious step.

Kitchens come alive with rich aromas and delectable textures when you start preparing this classic dish.

Parmesan cheese and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of a perfectly executed alfredo sauce.

You can master this iconic recipe and impress everyone at your next dinner gathering.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine is the traditional pasta for Alfredo, as its wide, flat shape perfectly holds the creamy sauce and helps distribute the flavor evenly.

• Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken tenders work great and cook faster. They’re tender and will absorb the sauce beautifully, making the dish just as delicious.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream creates the rich, luxurious texture of authentic Alfredo sauce. While you could substitute with half-and-half, the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy.

• How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Use the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too dense. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

What Makes Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Special

• Customize with Ease: Personalize this chicken alfredo by adding your favorite veggies or swapping proteins for a unique meal every time.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying pasta cravings without complex techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinner time stress-free and delicious.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a recipe that uses minimal cookware, reducing post-meal kitchen chaos and saving precious time.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken that serves as the primary protein for this creamy pasta dish.

• Fettuccine Pasta: Classic Italian pasta that provides a perfect base for the rich Alfredo sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce with rich, cheesy flavor.
• Butter, Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic richness to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and prevents sticking to the skillet.

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

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Boil fettuccine in salted water until perfectly al dente. Save some pasta water before draining.

Set pasta aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Generously sprinkle salt and black pepper over both sides of chicken breasts.

Ensure even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken breasts until golden brown and fully cooked through. The meat should be white inside with a beautiful crispy exterior.

Remove and slice into elegant strips.

Step 4: Create Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it starts to bubble.

Add minced garlic and sauté quickly to release its aromatic essence. The kitchen will fill with a delightful fragrance.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Let it simmer gently, allowing the liquid to thicken and develop rich flavors.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheese

• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Room temperature cheese

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely.

The sauce should become smooth and velvety. Add reserved pasta water if sauce seems too thick.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Toss cooked fettuccine in the luxurious alfredo sauce until every strand is beautifully coated. Layer sliced chicken on top of the pasta.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while hot and incredibly creamy.

Helpful Advice for Chicken Alfredo

• Opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the sauce's rich, authentic flavor and creamy texture.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
• Low and slow is the key when simmering the cream sauce – gentle heat prevents separation and maintains a luxurious consistency.
• Serve immediately after combining pasta and sauce to enjoy the dish at its peak temperature and creaminess.

Creative Takes on Chicken Alfredo Dish

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Replace chicken with pan-seared tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meatless alternative.
• Lighter Cream Option: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calorie and fat content.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, sundried tomatoes, and fresh basil to create a zesty flavor profile with Mediterranean influences.

Ideal Pairings with Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this chicken alfredo in large, deep pasta bowls with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top for a classic restaurant-style presentation.
• Weeknight Meal Upgrade: Pair the dish with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic breadsticks to create a complete, satisfying meal that feels restaurant-quality.
• Party Platter Approach: Arrange the chicken alfredo on a large serving platter with chicken slices beautifully fanned out over the pasta, perfect for casual gatherings or buffet-style entertaining.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch, gently reheating with a splash of reserved pasta water to maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive garden chicken alfredo combines creamy parmesan sauce with tender pasta and grilled chicken. Homemade comfort brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to home kitchens for an easy Italian-inspired dinner you can savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare fettuccine pasta according to package directions, maintaining 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked through. Transfer chicken to cutting board and slice into delicate strips.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic.
5. Pour heavy cream into skillet and allow to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring intermittently.
6. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until completely dissolved and sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. Adjust texture using reserved pasta water if necessary.
7. Thoroughly coat fettuccine with alfredo sauce, ensuring even distribution. Arrange sliced chicken atop pasta.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a final garnish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Keep pasta water handy to adjust sauce thickness and help sauce cling better to noodles.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor and smoother sauce texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Sauté garlic briefly to release aromatic flavors without burning, which can create bitter taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 792 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 53 g
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg