Welcome to your kitchen, where the magic of Italy’s most beloved flavors comes alive! This detailed guide will show you how to effortlessly create a Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo, a dish so rich, creamy, and satisfying, it rivals the restaurant original. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a classic comfort meal that’s surprisingly easy to master at home.
Recreate the Magic: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe
For those who adore the creamy, garlic-infused goodness of Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo, but prefer the comfort and savings of cooking at home, this recipe is a dream come true. We’ve meticulously crafted this copycat version to deliver all the beloved flavors and textures of the restaurant favorite, right in your own kitchen. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also offers the flexibility to customize ingredients and portion sizes to perfectly suit your family’s needs or a larger dinner gathering. Say goodbye to long waits and expensive bills, and hello to a homemade pasta dish that might just be even better than the original!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
There are countless reasons why this homemade Chicken Alfredo will become a staple in your recipe collection. First and foremost, the incredible taste: a velvety smooth, intensely flavorful Alfredo sauce generously coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, complemented by tender, seasoned chicken. But beyond the deliciousness, this recipe offers practical advantages:
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a luxurious restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag. Making Alfredo from scratch at home is significantly more economical.
- Time-Saving: From prep to plate, this dish comes together surprisingly quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special.
- Customizable: Have dietary preferences or picky eaters? You’re in control! Adjust seasonings, add extra vegetables, or swap proteins to create a dish that’s perfect for everyone at your table.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes a generous serving that’s perfect for a family dinner, and it can be easily doubled or even tripled to accommodate larger gatherings or dinner parties.
- Freshness You Can Taste: Using fresh ingredients ensures a vibrant flavor profile that often surpasses pre-made sauces or even some restaurant versions.
Embrace the joy of cooking and bring the authentic taste of Olive Garden’s most iconic pasta dish right into your home!
Essential Ingredients for Your Alfredo Masterpiece
Crafting the perfect Chicken Alfredo starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the signature creamy texture and robust flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with tips for best results:
What You’ll Need:
- Fettuccine: The classic, broad, flat pasta noodle is traditional for Alfredo because its surface area holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to use other pasta shapes like linguine or penne if preferred.
- Chicken Tenderloins: These cook quickly and remain incredibly tender. Alternatively, thinly sliced chicken breasts or even boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used.
- Butter (Salted): Essential for both cooking the chicken and forming the rich base of the Alfredo sauce. Salted butter adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Garlic (Freshly Minced): Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for an authentic and aromatic Alfredo. Avoid garlic powder if possible for superior taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the “secret ingredient” that creates a stable, perfectly thickened, and smooth sauce, preventing it from separating.
- Heavy Cream: The cornerstone of a truly luxurious Alfredo sauce, providing unparalleled richness and body. Do not substitute with half-and-half or milk if you want that decadent creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Opt for high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Romano Cheese (Freshly Grated): Adds a sharper, saltier, and more piquant kick that beautifully complements the milder Parmesan, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Crucial for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce to perfection. Always taste and adjust as you go.
- Freshly Chopped Parsley (Optional): A vibrant garnish that adds a touch of freshness and color, making the dish visually appealing.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Creating this restaurant-quality Chicken Alfredo at home is a straightforward process when broken down into manageable steps. Follow this detailed guide to ensure a perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and a luscious, velvety sauce every time. Patience and fresh ingredients are your best allies in this culinary adventure.
Preparing the Pasta and Chicken:
Cook the Fettuccine: Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt at this stage seasons the pasta from within. Once boiling, add your 16-ounce box of fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions. Aim for an “al dente” texture, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it (typically around 10-12 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. (Pro Tip: Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold can be used later to thin out your Alfredo sauce if it becomes too thick, adding flavor and helping the sauce cling to the noodles.)
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat. While the butter is melting, season your 1 to 1 ½ pounds of chicken tenderloins generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Once the skillet is hot and the butter is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and thoroughly cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and set aside to rest. (Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it remains moist and tender when sliced.)
Crafting the Luxurious Alfredo Sauce:
Create the Roux: Using the same large skillet where you cooked the chicken (don’t clean it, those browned bits, known as fond, add incredible flavor to the sauce!), melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until they become fragrant. Be vigilant not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Immediately whisk in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste, also known as a roux. Continue to whisk and cook the roux for about 1 minute. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Add the Cream: With the heat still at medium-high, slowly pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream while continuously whisking. This gradual addition and constant stirring are key to preventing lumps and achieving a velvety, homogeneous sauce. Continue whisking as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. You will notice it begin to thicken slightly as it heats up.
Incorporate the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to medium-low. This is important to prevent the cheese from clumping or separating. Gradually stir in the ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of freshly grated Romano cheese until they are fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. (Note: Parmesan and Romano cheeses are naturally quite salty, so taste the sauce before adding too much additional salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!) The sauce should be rich, creamy, and wonderfully aromatic.
Assembling and Serving Your Dish:
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Place the drained fettuccine noodles back into the large pot you used for cooking them (or transfer them to a spacious serving bowl). Pour the luscious Alfredo sauce generously over the pasta. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently stir and toss the fettuccine until every single strand is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
Add Chicken and Garnish: Slice the rested chicken tenderloins into bite-sized strips. Divide the coated fettuccine among individual serving plates. Top each portion generously with the succulent sliced chicken. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an additional dusting of shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while warm and savor every mouthful of your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Alfredo
If your sauce appears too thick for your liking, don’t fret! You can easily adjust its consistency by gradually whisking in a splash of warm heavy cream, milk, or even some of the reserved pasta water (if you saved it). Add it a tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired creaminess. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings (salt and pepper) if you add more liquid to ensure the flavor remains robust.
Absolutely, chicken breasts are a perfectly acceptable substitute for tenderloins in this recipe. To ensure they cook evenly and remain tender, make sure to cut them into thin, uniform pieces—about ½ inch thick—before cooking. Use the same total weight of chicken as specified in the recipe to maintain the optimal chicken-to-pasta ratio.
Yes, adding broccoli is a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables and enhance the nutritional value of your Alfredo! We recommend steaming or blanching the chopped broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. You can then gently fold them into the Alfredo sauce with the pasta just before serving, or arrange them on top of each serving for a vibrant presentation.
This Alfredo sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins. Succulent shrimp, thinly sliced cooked steak, or even browned Italian sausage are all excellent alternatives to chicken. For an even quicker meal, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded and gently warmed into the sauce at the very end.
To truly complete the Olive Garden experience at home, serve your Chicken Alfredo with a crisp, fresh garden salad (perhaps with a zesty Italian vinaigrette) and warm, buttery garlic breadsticks. The lightness of the salad and the savory crunch of the breadsticks perfectly complement the rich, creamy pasta, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
There is essentially no difference; the terms “Chicken Alfredo” and “Chicken Fettuccine” are often used interchangeably, with the latter usually being a shortened version of “Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.” While traditional Italian Alfredo sauce typically consists only of butter and Parmesan cheese, the creamy, heavy-cream-based version we know and love is a beloved Italian-American invention.
Alfredo sauce is always best when freshly made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When reheating, do so gently in a pan over medium-low heat. To restore its creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream or milk and stir frequently until warmed through. This helps prevent the sauce from separating or becoming oily.
Absolutely! Making this Chicken Alfredo gluten-free is quite simple. Replace regular fettuccine with your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta. For the roux, ensure you use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
For the silkiest, most authentic Alfredo sauce, freshly grating your Parmesan and Romano cheeses is paramount. Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater for optimal results. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting and result in a grainy sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and contributes significantly to the luxurious texture.
Tips for Achieving the Ultimate Creamy Chicken Alfredo
While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your homemade Chicken Alfredo from good to truly extraordinary:
- Embrace Fresh Ingredients: The foundation of any great Italian-American dish lies in its fresh components. Always use fresh garlic and, most importantly, freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses. The difference in flavor and melt consistency compared to pre-shredded varieties is immense.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your fettuccine to a firm al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Control the Heat for the Sauce: When incorporating the cheese into your sauce, keep the heat at a gentle medium-low. High heat can shock the cheese, causing it to separate and your sauce to become oily or grainy.
- Consistent Whisking: Continuous and vigorous whisking is your best friend when making the roux and adding the cream. This ensures a lump-free, impeccably smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce as you go. Parmesan and Romano cheeses bring a lot of inherent saltiness, so add additional salt and freshly ground black pepper incrementally until the flavor perfectly suits your palate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you have a single layer in the skillet. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of searing, preventing the development of a delicious golden-brown crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
- A Pinch of Nutmeg: For an authentic Italian touch, add a tiny pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) of freshly grated nutmeg to your Alfredo sauce along with the cheeses. It subtly enhances the creamy flavors without being overpowering.
Delicious Variations and Customizations
This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo is a fantastic base for creativity. Here are some ideas to customize and enhance your dish:
- Vegetable Boost: Beyond the suggested broccoli, consider stirring in sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach (it will wilt beautifully into the hot sauce), sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers for added flavor, color, and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the minced garlic. This will infuse a delightful subtle warmth throughout the sauce.
- Herbaceous Notes: Experiment with other fresh herbs. A small amount of chopped fresh basil or thyme added at the end, alongside the parsley, can introduce new aromatic dimensions.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While fettuccine is classic, feel free to use your favorite pasta. Linguine, penne, rigatoni, or even a shorter pasta like rotini can work wonderfully.
- Seafood Alfredo: For a decadent twist, swap the chicken for perfectly cooked shrimp or scallops. Cook the seafood separately until just opaque, then fold it into the finished Alfredo and pasta.
- Smoked Flavor: Incorporate a subtle smoky undertone by using smoked paprika in the sauce or grilling your chicken for a char-kissed flavor.
- Cream Cheese Boost: For an even richer and slightly tangy sauce, melt in 2-3 ounces of cream cheese (full-fat) along with the heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
To truly recreate the full Olive Garden dining experience at home, pair your glorious Chicken Alfredo with these classic accompaniments:
- Classic Garden Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light, tangy Italian vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Alfredo. It helps balance the meal and adds essential freshness.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce. Whether homemade garlic bread or store-bought breadsticks, they are a must-have.
- Light Soup Starter: A clear, vegetable-based broth soup, like a minestrone or a simple chicken noodle, can be a lovely way to start the meal without being too heavy.
- Wine Pairing: Complement the richness of the Alfredo with a crisp, dry white wine. An unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light Italian sparkling wine can cut through the creaminess beautifully.
- Dessert: For a sweet ending, consider something light and refreshing, such as a fruit sorbet or a classic Italian tiramisu for a truly authentic touch.
Craving More Restaurant-Quality Recipes?
If you thoroughly enjoyed bringing this Olive Garden classic to life in your kitchen, you’re in for a treat! We love recreating beloved restaurant dishes at home. Explore these other fantastic recipes to continue your culinary journey and bring more of your favorite dining-out flavors right to your table:
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo (Perfect for Two)
- Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana (A Must-Try Copycat)
- Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Comfort in a Bowl)
- Chicken Alfredo Tortellini (A Delightful Twist)
- Bacon Chicken Alfredo (Irresistibly Savory)
- Homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing (Better Than the Bottle)
- Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli (Effortless Goodness)
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine Alfredo (A Garlic Lover’s Dream)
- Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Quick & Easy)
- Creamy Ham Fettuccine Casserole (Perfect for Leftovers)
- Chicken Alfredo Casserole (Baked to Perfection)
- Creamy Italian Chicken Noodle Casserole (Hearty & Wholesome)
- Meatball Alfredo (A Hearty Italian Classic)
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo (A Classic Combination)
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli (Set It and Forget It)
Recipe Card: Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
Print
Pin
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 16 ounce box fettuccine
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter (for chicken)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Freshly chopped parsley and freshly shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese, optional
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and 16 ounce box fettuccine. Cook according to package directions (about 12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Season 1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, to taste, on both sides.
- In a large skillet, add 2 Tablespoons salted butter. Melt over medium high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping until cooked thoroughly (chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when done.) Remove from the skillet, set aside and cover.
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt 6 Tablespoons salted butter over medium high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and continue to cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour. Cook and whisk continuously for about a minute to form a roux.
- Then, slowly pour in 2 cups heavy cream while whisking. Mixture should begin to thicken.
- Reduce heat to medium and slowly stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup freshly grated Romano cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Note: Adjust salt carefully as Parmesan and Romano add significant salinity.)
- Place drained fettuccine noodles in a large pot or bowl and pour alfredo sauce over.
- Stir to coat the fettuccine. Place coated fettuccine noodles onto serving plates.
- Cut chicken tenderloins into bite sized strips. Top fettuccine noodles with chicken.
- Add freshly chopped parsley and freshly shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video Tutorial
Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips
- This recipe is easily scalable: double the ingredients to cater to a larger dinner party or bigger family gathering.
- Feel free to experiment with other proteins like succulent shrimp or tender steak strips for a delightful variation.
- While fettuccine is traditional, any of your favorite pasta shapes can be used interchangeably in this dish.
- For an alternative cooking method, the chicken can be grilled or baked instead of pan-fried, offering a different flavor profile.
- If using chicken breasts instead of tenderloins, slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
- Consider adding a touch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce for a classic Italian depth of flavor.
Main Course
American
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
Carbohydrates: 59g |
Protein: 34g |
Fat: 52g |
Sodium: 429mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 4g
Important Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that “The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist. All nutritional information provided, including calorie counts and other values, are estimates only. We highly recommend using your preferred online nutritional calculator to verify these values based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use, as they can vary considerably.
Did you make this recipe?Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!
Conclusion: Your Favorite Italian-American Comfort Food, Reimagined
There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from recreating a beloved restaurant dish in the comfort of your own home, especially when it turns out even better than you remembered. This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo recipe promises just that – a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful pasta experience that is both easy to make and incredibly rewarding. From the perfectly seasoned chicken to the velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce clinging to every strand of fettuccine, each bite is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, hosting a special gathering, or simply craving a taste of Italy, this recipe is designed to deliver. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight your senses with a dish that embodies comfort and culinary excellence. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!