Description
If you’re craving that unmistakable Olive Garden Alfredo—velvety, garlicky, and packed with Parmesan flavor—this homemade version is the answer. It’s made with simple ingredients in under 20 minutes and tastes like pure comfort in a bowl. Serve it over pasta, pour it on grilled chicken, or keep it classic with just breadsticks and a salad. One taste and you’ll never reach for a jar again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30–60 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
- Simmer 2–3 more minutes until thickened.
- Serve immediately with pasta or protein of choice.
Notes
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture.
For a thinner sauce, add pasta water. For thicker, let it simmer longer.
Avoid high heat to prevent separation.
Try with fettuccine, linguine, or drizzle over roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 420