There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy taste of Olive Garden's Chicken Alfredo. This iconic dish features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety Alfredo sauce that's a true comfort food classic.
I remember my first attempt at recreating this recipe at home; it was a total game-changer. Now, this restaurant-quality meal is a staple in our dinner rotation, loved by everyone in the family. Ready to bring a taste of Olive Garden to your own kitchen? Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Get ready to experience a little piece of restaurant magic in the comfort of your home. This recipe captures the authentic flavor of Olive Garden's famous dish while being incredibly easy to make.
First, the flavor is spot-on. The creamy Alfredo sauce is rich, garlicky, and just the right balance of cheesy and buttery. You’ll feel like you’ve ordered it straight off the menu.
It’s a time-saver too. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dinner even on a busy weeknight. No need to wait for takeout – it’s faster to make it yourself!
This recipe is also a budget-friendly alternative to dining out. Using pantry staples like pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese, you can serve a family of four without breaking the bank.
Lastly, it’s customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you want to swap in grilled shrimp, add some veggies, or lighten it up, this dish is endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one is essential to achieving that authentic flavor and texture.
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the protein. When seasoned and seared to golden perfection, they provide the perfect balance of flavor and texture to complement the creamy sauce. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer taste.
Fettuccine pasta is the classic choice for Alfredo. Its flat, wide shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
The sauce begins with a base of unsalted butter and heavy cream. These ingredients create a rich, velvety foundation that’s the hallmark of any good Alfredo sauce. While you could substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture.
For the cheese, use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, so it’s worth grating your own.
Finally, don’t forget garlic for that signature aromatic flavor. Mince it finely for even distribution throughout the sauce.
For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan, a pot for cooking the pasta, and a whisk to ensure the sauce stays smooth.
How To Make This Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

Creating this Olive Garden-inspired dish is simpler than you might expect. Follow these easy steps to recreate the magic at home.
Start by cooking your fettuccine pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Aim for al dente, as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce later. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining it, as it can help adjust the sauce consistency.
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set it aside to rest before slicing it into strips.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth base. Allow it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat every strand in the luscious sauce. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Finally, plate the pasta and top it with the sliced chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Transfer the cooled Chicken Alfredo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For freezing, it’s best to store the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken to preserve the texture. Use freezer-safe containers, and consume within 2 months for the best quality.
When reheating, gently warm the Alfredo in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture. Reheat the chicken separately to avoid overcooking.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly versatile, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs.
Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a seafood or vegetarian twist.
Want to add some veggies? Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and flavor.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly. You can also opt for whole wheat pasta for a fiber boost.
Looking to elevate the dish? Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick.
No matter how you make it, this Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Experiment, enjoy, and savor every bite!
PrintOlive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Recreate the iconic Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo recipe at home! This creamy and flavorful dish features tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine pasta. A restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated.
- Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and consistency.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add steamed broccoli or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 830
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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