olive garden pasta recipe
The Best olive garden pasta recipe
The best part? It’s packed with real tomatoes and olive oil, which gives it a bright, tangy depth that’s hard to resist. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients means it’s easy to customize—swap in extra veggies, a sprinkle of cheese, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. And honestly, there’s something so satisfying about a bowl of pasta that’s rich but not heavy, with just enough sauce to tie everything together. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, and my family always seems to enjoy it more than I expect. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh tomatoes or canned sauce without making a big effort.
Homemade Olive Garden-Style Alfredo Pasta
A creamy, rich pasta dish inspired by Olive Garden’s signature Alfredo sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal. This version keeps the classic flavors while allowing customization for dietary preferences.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb fettuccine or linguine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest for 30 minutes. -
2
Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into strips or thin sheets for fettuccine. -
3
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. -
4
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, simmering for 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, and pepper until smooth. -
5
Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky consistency. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen scale
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Pasta cooker or large pot
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Homemade Olive Garden-Style Alfredo Pasta Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden-Style Alfredo Pasta
1. How long does it take to prepare Olive Garden’s classic Alfredo sauce from scratch?
Preparing homemade Alfredo sauce takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on whether you’re using a slow cooker or stovetop. The key is melting the butter and cream slowly to avoid curdling, so start with medium-low heat and stir frequently.
2. Can I substitute heavy cream for half-and-half in the recipe?
Yes, you can use half-and-half—it adds a slightly lighter texture and works well in the sauce. Just reduce the amount slightly since it’s about 20% cream. For example, swap 1 cup half-and-half for ¾ cup heavy cream.
3. What’s the best way to avoid a greasy Alfredo sauce?
To keep the sauce silky and not greasy, whisk in the heavy cream gradually while the butter is just melting. Also, avoid overcooking the pasta—it releases excess water. Stir in the sauce while the pasta drains to absorb excess liquid.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? What if I have a gluten sensitivity?
This recipe is not gluten-free by default since it uses regular pasta and butter. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your butter and cream are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels for cross-contamination warnings.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, the sauce holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently over low heat, stirring constantly, until it’s smooth again. Avoid boiling, as it can break down the cream.
