chicken alfredo olive garden recipe

chicken alfredo olive garden recipe

The Best chicken alfredo olive garden recipe

I am so excited to share with you my favorite chicken alfredo Olive Garden recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. I remember the first time I made it, I was amazed at how easy it was to prepare and how delicious it turned out.

The combination of tender chicken, rich fettuccine, and creamy sauce is absolute perfection. My family loves it when I serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. The key home cooking technique is to cook the pasta al dente, which means it still has some bite to it. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.

The other important thing is to not overcook the chicken – it should be cooked through but still juicy and tender. With these simple techniques, you’ll be able to create a dish that tastes like it came from an Italian restaurant. I’ve also found that this recipe is great for meal prep – you can make the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for later use.

It’s also very adaptable – you can add different vegetables, herbs, or spices to make it your own. One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is that it’s actually quite healthy. While traditional alfredo sauces are made with heavy cream and butter, this version uses Greek yogurt and olive oil instead.

This makes it much lighter and lower in calories than you might expect. Plus, the addition of spinach adds extra nutrients and fiber to the dish.

Chicken Alfredo Olive Garden Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Olive Garden Recipe

4.8 from 1811 votes

This homemade chicken alfredo recipe replicates the creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken from Olive Garden. It combines fettuccine pasta with a smooth parmesan cream sauce and seasoned grilled chicken breast for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp nutmeg (optional)

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
4While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts.
6Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.
7Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
8In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
9Add the minced garlic and saute for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
10Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally, then reduce heat to low.
11Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
12Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
13If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a creamy consistency.
14Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the alfredo sauce and toss gently with tongs until every strand is coated.
15Divide the pasta among plates, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
16Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Whisk
Meat thermometer
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 42g💛Saturated Fat: 24g❤️Cholesterol: 175mg🧂Sodium: 890mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as pre-shredded varieties may not melt smoothly. To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce butter to 1/4 cup.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Alfredo Olive Garden Recipe Works

Storing leftovers is simple. Place the chicken alfredo in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken when cold but that is normal.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently until the sauce is smooth and the pasta is heated through. You can also microwave it in 30 second intervals but the stovetop method gives better results.

For serving ideas, I like to pair this dish with a simple green salad and garlic bread. It also works well as a side for grilled chicken or fish. If you are hosting a family gathering, make the sauce ahead and cook the pasta fresh just before serving.

This recipe holds up well for potlucks and holiday dinners. It is always a crowd pleaser and I have never had leftovers go to waste.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Alfredo Olive Garden

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use fettuccine pasta, which is long, flat noodles made from wheat flour and water. You can find fettuccine in most grocery stores or online.

Q: Can I make this recipe with gluten-free pasta?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe with gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep in mind that gluten-free pasta can have a slightly different texture than regular pasta.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter version of this recipe.

Q: How do I store leftover sauce?

A: If you have leftover sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for later use.

Q: Can I add other vegetables besides spinach?

A: Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to make this recipe your own.

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