Make the rich, creamy, garlic-Parmesan Alfredo sauce just like Olive Garden at home. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for fettuccine or dipping breadsticks.
Author:ava_sinclair
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:20 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Sauce
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully incorporated. Continue to cook on low for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
Toss immediately with cooked fettuccine or serve warm as a dipping sauce.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor; pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
This sauce pairs well with chicken, shrimp, or steamed broccoli.