There is one meal that all of my kids love and eat, every. single .time. It’s an easy copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce that’s not only pretty much the creamiest deliciousness you’ve ever tasted, but it comes together in about 10 minutes! It’s one of my most favorite go-to quick meals for busy nights!
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
We love Olive Garden’s alfredo sauce, and this recipe tastes so much like it!
This sauce is made with all the best stuff…butter, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and milk. Yep, definitely not low fat, but simple, and AMAZING. The end result is a rich and creamy sauce with a nutty flavor that pretty much makes you want to eat the entire pan…with a spoon. If you want to take some of the calories out, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese.
You can serve this sauce over the traditional fettuccine noodles, but I usually use penne or farfalle, because they’re easier for my kids to eat. Bread is also very good dipped in it. (And pretty much anything else.)
Do you like your alfredo sauce on the thinner or thicker side? With this recipe, it’s easy to add more or less milk to make it just how you like it! My family tends to like it better on the thicker side, so I don’t use as much milk. I would start with the smallest amount of milk listed, then add a little more, a tablespoon at a time, until you get it to where you like it.
Quick & Easy Meal for Busy Nights
I’m always on the lookout for easy and fast recipes, especially during the school year. Between sports, music, and other activities and practices, our afternoons and evenings are booked most of the week. I’m so happy when I can throw together a scrumptious meal in a short period of time that I know my whole family will love. That’s pretty much perfection.
Gluten-Free Dinner Idea
I have a daughter that needs to eat gluten-free, and this is a very favorite of hers. On top of gluten-free pasta, this is one of the yummiest and easiest dinners. It also makes great leftovers!
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. butter
- 8 oz. softened cream cheese
- 3/4-1 c. milk
- 1 c. parmesan cheese
- Chopped garlic optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. If you like garlic, you can add about 1 T. minced garlic (more or less to your taste) in with the butter. Once the butter is melted and the garlic is a little toasted, add the cream cheese, and stir until melted. Use a whisk and add the milk until it reaches the desires consistency. (Start with 3/4 c. and add more if you like it thinner.) Stir in the parmesan cheese, and bring to a low boil, stirring often so it doesn't burn. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over pasta, and sprinkle with a little more parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Connie says
I make this same Alfredo sauce but I omit the butter… It’s so good… I also put some cheddar in it for homemade Mac and cheese.
Simply Kierste says
Homemade Mac & Cheese….YUM!!!! That’s a great idea, I’m going to have to try it! How much cheese do you add?
Michele T says
Thanks for sharing this recipe… It can be easily memorized too!!
Simply Kierste says
I don’t use the recipe, anymore. :) It’s definitely easy to memorize!
Trisha @ Making It Home says
Pinned this! This looks tasty and easy – something I definitely need with a toddler around. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Simply Kierste says
Yes–definitely a toddler favorite at our house!! You’ll have to let me know that your toddler (and the mama, of course) thinks!! xoxo
Amy Mahar says
I made this tonight and my family loved it. I used light cream cheese and 2% milk and it was still very thick!
Simply Kierste says
Yay! SO glad you loved it too! It’s nice to be able to make a lighter version that’s just as yummy! xo
Jessica says
Thanks for another great recipe. Had this saved since you posted it & finally made it tonight. All I can say is wow so simple & delicious. The only thing I added was a minced clove of garlic. We’re kinda garlic-aholics ;o). The whole fam loved it!!!
Simply Kierste says
I love that you said that, because we totally add garlic too! It’s not part of the recipe, so I didn’t mention it, but maybe I should have. :) We are total garlic lovers, even my littles. SO happy your family enjoyed it too! xoxo