Go Back

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

A quick and indulgent copycat recipe of Olive Garden's signature creamy Chicken Alfredo, ready in just 30 minutes with tender chicken, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of nutmeg
For Assembly
  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or saute pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Colander
  • Meat thermometer (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear without moving for 6 to 7 minutes to form a golden crust.
  4. Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add 1 pound fettuccine and cook according to package directions (8 to 10 minutes) until al dente.
  6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup whole milk, stirring constantly and heating until small bubbles appear around the edges without boiling.
  8. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, mixing until each addition melts completely.
  9. Season the sauce with 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of nutmeg, adjusting to taste.
  10. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, then toss the pasta in a large mixing bowl with the sauce, adding pasta water by the tablespoon if needed to reach desired consistency.
  11. Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips, divide the sauced pasta among serving plates, top with sliced chicken, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed, adding it by the tablespoon to the pasta and sauce.