Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo – It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory tender chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that makes every bite a joy.
What is Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo?
Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo is a signature dish that combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with fettuccine pasta, coated in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce. The sauce is a decadent mixture of Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter, delivering rich and bold flavors in every bite. While it’s a fan favorite at the restaurant, making it at home is a cost-effective and rewarding alternative.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Alfredo
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream for the best flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Season Generously: Marinate the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper before cooking to infuse it with bold flavors.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Simmer the Alfredo sauce on low heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash of pasta water to the sauce helps achieve the ideal consistency while ensuring the sauce clings perfectly to the fettuccine.
- Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best to serve the dish fresh and hot.
Variations of Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
- Vegetarian Alfredo: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a vegetarian twist.
- Seafood Alfredo: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a luxurious seafood version.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap fettuccine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to make it keto-friendly.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a hint of heat.
- Cheese Explosion: Mix in other cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a deeper flavor profile.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo
- Classic Presentation: Plate the fettuccine topped with slices of chicken breast, garnished with parsley and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Family Style: Serve in a large dish, allowing guests to help themselves.
- With Sides: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad, buttery breadsticks, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Wine Pairing: A light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
How to Store Chicken Alfredo
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and pasta separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Freezing: Alfredo sauce can be frozen for up to a month. However, it’s best to freeze the sauce and cooked chicken separately from the pasta for better texture upon reheating.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade Alfredo sauce delivers a fresher, more authentic flavor that’s worth the extra effort.
2. What’s the best chicken cut for Alfredo?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to choice, but chicken thighs work well if you prefer juicier meat.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients, like Parmesan and seasonings, are gluten-free.
4. Why is my Alfredo sauce grainy?
Graininess occurs when the cheese isn’t melted properly. Ensure you use freshly grated cheese and melt it gradually over low heat.
5. Can I make Alfredo sauce without cream?
Yes! Substitute cream with a mixture of whole milk and a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo - It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory tender chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that makes every bite a joy.
Ingredients
- 16 oz fettuccine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp + ½ cup unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for serving
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ⅛ tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare fettuccine according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip.
- Add 2 tbsp butter and cook another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F).
- Rest chicken for 7-10 minutes, slice, and cover with foil.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a clean skillet, melt ½ cup butter over medium-low heat. Sauté 1 tbsp minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for another minute. Slowly whisk in 2 cups cream and 1 cup milk until smooth.
- Stir in ¾ cup Parmesan cheese and ⅛ tsp white pepper. Simmer until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Assemble the Dish:
- Toss cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce. Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 537Total Fat 41gSaturated Fat 24gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 134mgSodium 298mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 18g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Bringing It All Together
Recreating Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo at home is not just about matching the flavors but also elevating them with personal touches and fresh ingredients. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore variations, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and guests.
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