Easy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

A creamy, indulgent pasta dish with tender chicken and rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce — just like the restaurant favorite, but made at home!

📝 Recipe Card

Hook

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo at Home – Fettuccine tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce with juicy pan-seared chicken. A restaurant-quality meal in under 40 minutes!

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Dietary Badges

🍝 Comfort Food | ❌ Contains Dairy | ❌ Contains Gluten

Ingredients

Fettuccine pasta (or penne, linguine)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil (for searing)
Butter
Heavy cream
Garlic (minced)
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Salt & black pepper
Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal). Rest, then slice.
Make Alfredo Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 min). Pour in heavy cream, simmer 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss Pasta: Add pasta to sauce, tossing to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Serve: Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Don’t let cream boil too hard — keep it at a gentle simmer.
Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce texture.

Brief Introduction

Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo is one of the most popular items on the menu — creamy, rich, and absolutely comforting. This homemade version brings the same restaurant flavors to your table, with simple ingredients and a quick stovetop method.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Salt pasta water well (it should taste like the sea). This builds flavor.

Step 2 – Sear the Chicken

A golden sear locks in juices. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it tender.

Step 3 – Make the Alfredo

Butter + cream + Parmesan = the classic Alfredo trifecta.
Stir constantly until smooth and glossy.

Step 4 – Assemble

Toss pasta directly in the sauce for even coating.
Add chicken on top or toss it in with pasta.

Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional, but penne or linguine work. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Chicken: Swap for shrimp or salmon for variation. Rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut.
Cheese: Parmesan is classic; Pecorino Romano adds extra bite.
Cream: Heavy cream gives richness, but half-and-half can lighten it (sauce will be thinner).

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Alfredo: Swap chicken for shrimp, sauté in butter with garlic.
Broccoli Alfredo: Add steamed broccoli or spinach for veggies.
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving Ideas:
- With breadsticks or garlic bread.
- A fresh Caesar salad on the side.
- A crisp white wine pairing (Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay).

Storage & Make-Ahead Info

Refrigeration: Store leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of cream or milk.
Freezing: Not recommended (sauce may separate).
Make-Ahead: Cook pasta and chicken ahead, then make fresh sauce just before serving.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 650–750 kcal
Protein: 40–45 g
Fat: 35–40 g
Carbohydrates: 45–50 g
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

FAQs

Q: Can I make Alfredo sauce without cream?
A: Yes — substitute with whole milk, but add 1 tbsp flour to help thicken.

Q: Why is my Alfredo sauce grainy?
A: Likely from pre-shredded Parmesan (which contains anti-caking agents). Always grate fresh.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely — just warm and slice before adding to pasta.

Personal Note

This recipe reminds me of cozy dinners at Olive Garden, but I love how much fresher and creamier it tastes when made at home. Plus, you can tweak the richness, add veggies, or make it spicy to suit your family’s style.

Call to Action

If you try this Easy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo, leave a ⭐ rating and share your photo! Did you keep it classic, or try shrimp, broccoli, or extra cheese? I’d love to see your delicious variations.

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.