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Creamy Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe – Restaurant-Style Comfort Food

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Introduction

Chicken Alfredo is a beloved classic, known for its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Made with a homemade Alfredo sauce featuring butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is irresistibly delicious and perfect for any occasion.

Creamy Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Rich and Creamy – The silky Alfredo sauce is perfectly balanced with Parmesan cheese and cream.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a go-to recipe.
  • Restaurant-Style at Home – Save money and enjoy Olive Garden flavors without leaving the house.

The Origin of Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is inspired by Fettuccine Alfredo, a dish that originated in Rome, Italy. Alfredo di Lelio, an Italian restaurateur, created the original recipe in the early 1900s. His simple yet flavorful combination of butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta gained worldwide fame. Over time, the addition of cream and chicken transformed it into the creamy Americanized version loved today.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 4 cups water (for boiling)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  4. Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Bring water to a boil and add salt.
  2. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add heavy cream and stir continuously.
  3. Mix in garlic powder and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until fully coated.
  2. Slice the cooked chicken and place it over the pasta.
  3. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Tips:

  • Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese – Pre-grated cheese may not melt properly.
  • Simmer the Sauce – Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
  • Rest the Chicken – Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy.

Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overcooking the Pasta – Always cook pasta al dente for the best texture.
  • Using Low-Fat Cream – Heavy cream creates the rich consistency needed for authentic Alfredo sauce.
  • Adding Cheese Too Fast – Gradually stir in Parmesan for a smooth sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  • Garlic Bread – Complements the creamy Alfredo perfectly.
  • Caesar Salad – Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the dish.
  • A Glass of White Wine – Pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

  • Chicken – High in protein, promoting muscle growth and repair.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Provides calcium for strong bones.
  • Garlic – Contains antioxidants and boosts immune health.

Summary Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season and cook chicken until golden brown.
  2. Boil pasta until al dente and drain.
  3. Melt butter, add cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan to make Alfredo sauce.
  4. Toss pasta in sauce, top with sliced chicken, and serve.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Alfredo

  • The original Fettuccine Alfredo contained only butter and Parmesan cheese.
  • Alfredo sauce became famous in the U.S. after Hollywood actors dined at Alfredo di Lelio’s restaurant in Rome.
  • The dish is a staple in Italian-American cuisine but is rarely found in Italy today.

Enjoy your Creamy Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo – a comforting, restaurant-quality dish made right in your kitchen!

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