Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

Name: Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 12 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: February 9, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, making Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo at home is quick and straightforward. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.

Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. When paired with tender chicken, this dish offers an indulgent flavor experience reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant.

Customizable Ingredients: One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition or substitute shrimp for a seafood twist. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish fits every situation. It’s comforting enough for family dinners yet elegant enough to impress guests.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many servings you need; they should be fresh and free from excess fat.
Fettuccine Pasta: Opt for fresh or dried fettuccine; it holds the sauce well and gives that authentic Italian feel.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds richness to the sauce; don’t substitute it with milk if you want that creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor; pre-packaged cheese often lacks quality.
Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic cloves for maximum flavor; fresh garlic has a more robust taste than powdered varieties.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of your sauce while providing depth.

For the Sauce:

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside while reserving some pasta water.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and allow resting before slicing.

Create the Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute. Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine with any drippings left behind.

Add Cheese and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; season with salt and pepper according to taste. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked fettuccine to your prepared sauce along with sliced chicken. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly in that luxurious sauce.

Serve Your Dish!: Transfer onto plates or into bowls; garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired! Drizzle some olive oil on top for extra flavor.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Always cook pasta al dente according to package directions since it will continue cooking when tossed with hot sauce.

Add Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top can elevate your dish’s presentation while enhancing its flavors.

Slicing Technique Matters: Allowing chicken breasts to rest before slicing ensures they remain juicy rather than dry—slice against grain for tender pieces.

Make Extra Sauce if Needed: If you enjoy saucier pasta dishes, consider doubling your sauce ingredients so there’s plenty to go around without compromising flavor balance.

Keep Leftovers Fresh: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; gently reheat on low heat when ready to serve again.

Enjoy these tips as you prepare your own version of Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo!

Serving Suggestions

This Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic Bread

Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside your Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo. The crispy texture and rich flavor complement the creamy sauce perfectly. This classic pairing not only adds a delightful crunch but also helps soak up the luscious Alfredo sauce. You can easily make homemade garlic bread by toasting slices of Italian or French bread with garlic butter.

Steamed Broccoli

Add a pop of color and nutrients to your meal with steamed broccoli. Its slight bitterness balances the richness of the Chicken Alfredo beautifully. Simply steam fresh broccoli florets until tender yet crisp, then season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of lemon juice for added brightness. This healthy side enhances both flavor and presentation.

Caesar Salad

For a refreshing contrast, serve a classic Caesar salad alongside your Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo. The crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing create a delightful textural balance with the pasta dish. Toss in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor that ties the meal together seamlessly.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots make a fantastic side dish. Their natural sweetness caramelizes in the oven, providing a delicious complement to the savory Chicken Alfredo. Simply toss your chosen vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting them until golden brown for an easy yet flavorful addition to your dinner table.

FAQs

What ingredients are needed for Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo?

To prepare Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo, you will need chicken breasts, fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Using high-quality ingredients ensures that this dish tastes just like it does at the restaurant.

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove while cooking fresh pasta for best results.

Is Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo is perfect for meal prep. Divide it into individual portions after cooking and store them in meal prep containers. This way, you can enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week without spending extra time cooking each day.

Can I substitute any ingredients in Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo?

Yes! You can customize Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo by substituting proteins or adding vegetables. For instance, shrimp or grilled vegetables can replace chicken for different flavors. Additionally, using whole wheat pasta can provide a healthier option while still maintaining great taste.

Conclusion

In summary, Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo is a creamy and indulgent dish that offers numerous serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience. From garlic bread and steamed broccoli to Caesar salad and roasted vegetables, these sides elevate both flavor and nutrition levels.

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📖 Recipe Card