Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

The Creamiest Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe at Home

Crafting the perfect Olive Garden chicken alfredo recipe demands creativity and a passion for Italian-inspired comfort food.

Culinary adventures often start with simple ingredients and bold flavors.

Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a symphony of taste that transports you straight to a cozy trattoria.

Parmesan cheese melts into a luxurious blanket, coating each pasta strand with rich, velvety goodness.

Home cooks can easily replicate this restaurant favorite with just a few key techniques.

Professional chefs know that balance makes all the difference in this classic dish.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making an irresistible alfredo that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo For Italian Comfort

  • Breeze Through Cooking: Master this restaurant-style dish with easy step-by-step instructions that even beginner cooks can follow confidently.
  • Family Feast Champion: Delivers crowd-pleasing flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
  • Restaurant Quality at Home: Recreate a beloved Olive Garden classic without expensive takeout, saving money while enjoying restaurant-level deliciousness.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable recipe allows simple tweaks like adding vegetables or adjusting seasoning to match personal taste preferences.

Gather Ingredients For Olive Garden Alfredo Dinner

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless meat that serves as the protein base for this classic Italian-American dish.
  • Fettuccine Pasta: Wide, flat noodles that provide the perfect base for creamy Alfredo sauce.
Breading Components:
  • Breadcrumbs, Flour, Eggs: Classic coating mixture that creates a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, All-Purpose Flour, Milk, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy elements that combine to create the rich, smooth Alfredo sauce.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Provide flavor and help with browning the chicken and creating the sauce base.
Seasoning Group:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential flavor enhancers that add depth to the chicken and sauce.

Steps For Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fast

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Mix breadcrumbs with your favorite seasonings like garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

Dip chicken into beaten eggs, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a blend of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through, with no pink remaining in the center.

Step 3: Boil Fettuccine Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add fettuccine and cook until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water, which will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Slice the crispy chicken into elegant strips.

Arrange fettuccine on plates, drizzle with the rich Alfredo sauce, and top with the golden chicken.

Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Tips For Restaurant-Style Chicken Alfredo At Home

  • Double-coat chicken by dipping in seasoned breadcrumbs, egg wash, then breadcrumbs again for extra crispy texture.
  • Use medium-high heat to ensure golden brown exterior without burning breading, maintaining juicy chicken inside.
  • Save some starchy pasta water to help thin and smooth out Alfredo sauce, creating silky consistency.
  • Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese to warm sauce, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and ensure smooth blending.
  • If Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water or warm milk to restore perfect creamy texture.

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Variations To Try

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta made from rice or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture and sauce for a zesty flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute fettuccine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.

Ways To Serve Chicken Alfredo With Garlic Bread

  • Pasta Night Perfection: Pair this creamy chicken alfredo with a crisp garden salad for fresh contrast.
  • Breadstick Buddy: Serve warm garlic breadsticks alongside to soak up extra alfredo sauce and add delightful crunch.
  • Wine Companion: Select a light white wine like pinot grigio to complement the rich, creamy chicken dish and elevate the dining experience.
  • Green Accent: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and herbal freshness that brightens the plate.

Storing Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo For Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Separate chicken and pasta, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers. Stays good for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing sauce to prevent separation.
  • Warm chicken and pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream. Stir gently to prevent drying. Heat on medium-low until thoroughly warmed.
  • Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add a tablespoon of milk to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

  • What type of breadcrumbs work best for this recipe?

Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs are ideal, providing extra flavor and crunch to the chicken coating.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese for the Alfredo sauce?

Parmesan is traditional, but you can substitute with Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for similar rich results.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s safe and juicy.

  • What makes the sauce creamy and smooth?

Creating a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisking in milk and cheese helps prevent lumps and creates a silky texture.

Print
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Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo delivers creamy pasta perfection straight from Italian-American kitchens. Garlic-infused sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles promise a comforting meal that brings restaurant magic right to your dining table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup flour

Breading and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sauce and Pasta Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese for sauce
  • Water (for egg mixture)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a seasoned breadcrumb mixture by combining herbs and spices for coating the chicken.
  2. Dip chicken into beaten egg, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Heat a blend of butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F).
  4. Carefully place breaded chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. While chicken cooks, boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, saving a cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Create the alfredo sauce by melting butter in a separate pan, whisking in flour to form a smooth roux.
  7. Gradually pour in milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps, then fold in parmesan and romano cheeses until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  8. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water, stirring until silky and rich.
  9. Slice cooked chicken into diagonal strips.
  10. Plate the fettuccine, generously ladle alfredo sauce over pasta, and arrange chicken strips on top.
  11. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure even coating by using one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to prevent clumping.
  • Maintain medium-high heat when frying chicken to achieve golden-brown crust without burning.
  • Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce thickness, adding gradually for perfect consistency.
  • Customize recipe by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or whole wheat pasta for dietary variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 783 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 71 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 47 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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