Olive Garden Pasta Recipe: Copycat Creamy Alfredo & Italian Pasta at Home

Olive Garden pasta recipes are iconic for their creamy textures, rich flavors, and restaurant-quality appeal. From Alfredo to classic Italian pasta dishes, these recipes have captured hearts worldwide and are commonly searched on Pinterest as “Olive Garden pasta recipe,” “copycat Olive Garden pasta,” “easy creamy pasta recipe,” “restaurant-style pasta at home,” and “Italian pasta dinner.” Making Olive Garden-style pasta at home allows you to control ingredients, adjust flavors, and serve a fresh, wholesome meal for your family or guests.

This recipe guide is comprehensive, designed to teach you every step in making a creamy, indulgent pasta reminiscent of Olive Garden, including nutritional benefits, precise ingredient quantities for 4–6 servings, step-by-step preparation, healthy modifications, and creative variations. You will learn to assemble a dish that looks beautiful, tastes rich, and delivers comfort while still feeling achievable for home cooks.

Also try: 15 Alfredo Pasta Recipes

What Is Olive Garden Pasta?

Olive Garden pasta refers to dishes served at the Olive Garden restaurant chain that are inspired by classic Italian cuisine but adapted for American palates. Dishes often feature pasta noodles such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne, combined with creamy sauces, Parmesan cheese, vegetables, chicken, or seafood. Alfredo and Tuscan-inspired sauces are common, with garlic, butter, and heavy cream providing richness, while seasonings like nutmeg, parsley, and Italian herbs enhance flavor.

Nutritionally, these pastas are rich in carbohydrates, fats, and protein, with essential vitamins and minerals derived from milk, cheese, vegetables, and lean proteins. While indulgent, they provide energy, calcium, vitamin A, and, depending on added vegetables, fiber. The key to balancing nutrition is portion control, ingredient selection, and incorporating fresh herbs or vegetables to boost micronutrients.

Also try: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Nutritional Overview

A standard Olive Garden pasta serving contains:

• Carbohydrates from pasta (energy-providing)
• Protein from cheese, cream, or added chicken
• Fat, mainly from butter, cream, and cheese
• Calcium and vitamin D from dairy products
• Vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from added vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or tomatoes

For a lighter, healthier version, you can substitute whole-grain pasta, reduce heavy cream, or incorporate low-fat milk or Greek yogurt into the sauce. Fresh herbs, garlic, and vegetables add flavor and nutrients without significantly increasing calories.

Main Ingredients and Quantities (Serves 4–6)

• Fettuccine pasta: 12 ounces (340 g)
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (56 g)
• Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced
• Heavy cream: 2 cups (480 ml)
• Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150 g)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (optional, for sautéing chicken or vegetables)
• Optional protein: chicken breast 2 medium (about 1 pound/450 g)
• Optional vegetables: spinach 2 cups, broccoli florets 1 cup, mushrooms 1 cup

These measurements are tailored for creamy, rich pasta with a balance of flavor, texture, and portion sizes for 4–6 servings.

Ingredient Explanations

Fettuccine Pasta

Fettuccine is ideal for creamy sauces because its flat, wide shape holds the sauce better than thinner noodles. Cooked al dente, it provides a firm bite and perfect texture for home-style Olive Garden pasta.

Butter and Garlic

Butter adds richness and creaminess, while garlic provides aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor. Minced garlic ensures even distribution without large bites.

Heavy Cream and Milk

The combination of heavy cream and milk creates a creamy base without becoming overly dense. Heavy cream ensures smoothness, while milk lightens the sauce slightly. Adjust ratios for creamier or lighter preferences.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan provides both flavor and texture. Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce. Pre-grated cheeses may include anti-caking agents that affect sauce consistency.

Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg

Salt enhances overall flavor; black pepper adds subtle heat, and nutmeg brings warmth to the creamy sauce. Nutmeg is optional but traditional in Italian Alfredo-type sauces.

Fresh Herbs

Parsley adds freshness, color, and aroma, creating a vibrant final presentation. Other herbs, such as basil or thyme, can also enhance flavor.

Optional Proteins and Vegetables

Chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and mushrooms increase protein and fiber, making the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced. Sauté proteins or steam vegetables before adding to the pasta to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Prepare Olive Garden-Style Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture when combined with sauce.

Step 2: Prepare Optional Protein

If using chicken, season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken 6–8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet, let rest, then slice thinly. Sauté vegetables lightly for 3–4 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly crisp.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Lower heat, pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring gently. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water. The sauce should be creamy, smooth, and cling to the pasta.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand evenly. Incorporate cooked chicken or vegetables at this stage. Ensure pasta is fully coated, and sauce has the desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate pasta on individual dishes or a serving platter. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture. Lemon zest can be added for a slight freshness if desired.

Healthy Habits

While Olive Garden-style pasta is indulgent, there are ways to make it healthier:

• Use whole-grain pasta for extra fiber.
• Substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
• Incorporate vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
• Limit added salt, using herbs and garlic for flavor.
• Serve moderate portion sizes to balance calorie intake.

Variations of Olive Garden Pasta

1. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Sauté chicken and add to creamy Alfredo sauce for a classic dish. The protein complements the rich, cheesy sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley for color.

For added flavor, season chicken with Italian herbs and garlic before cooking. Incorporate lightly steamed broccoli for texture. This version mirrors Olive Garden’s signature entrée.

2. Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

Sauté shrimp with garlic and olive oil before adding to pasta. Toss with spinach in the creamy sauce for color and nutrients.

This variation is lighter, providing lean protein and added vitamins. Serve immediately for best flavor, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.

3. Mushroom and Garlic Alfredo

Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden, then add to sauce. The umami flavor of mushrooms enhances creamy pasta richness.

For extra depth, add a splash of white wine before adding cream. Garnish with thyme or parsley for presentation.

4. Vegetarian Spinach and Tomato Pasta

Incorporate fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Toss with creamy sauce for a colorful, nutritious option.

Add roasted garlic or red pepper flakes for flavor complexity. This version balances indulgence and vegetable nutrients, perfect for lighter meals.

Tips for Success

• Cook pasta al dente for best texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce.
• Do not overheat cream to prevent curdling.
• Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water.
• Serve immediately for best taste.