This classic Olive Garden Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce recipe is made up of a creamy, rich sauce that is not only delicious but easy to make, taking only 30 minutes! The creamy chicken alfredo sauce is one of the main reasons I started making copycat recipes! And I’m glad I did!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Why Everyone Loves the Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Going to the Olive Garden was always a treat for my family when I was growing up so I understood why so many people asked me to make a copycat recipe for the Olive Garden Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce. This creamy chicken alfredo sauce is one of my favorite Olive Garden copycat recipes.
I still find it one of my favorite recipes to make. The sauce is so creamy and rich and perfectly matches the grilled chicken and pasta. And did I mention how easy it is to make? From start to finish, it takes only 30 minutes to make. You are going to love the flavor!
What is the difference between Alfredo and Carbonara sauce?
Both sauces are to die for but there is a slight difference between the two. Alfredo is a white sauce made with butter, parsley, heavy cream, and garlic. Carbonara, on the other hand, is made with pecorino romano, eggs, black pepper, and guanciale.
Guanciale is an Italian cured meat from a pig. You can substitute Pancetta for it. Alfredo sauce is usually combined with shrimp or chicken.
Ingredients
Olive Garden Grilled Chicken with Alfredo Sauce is the perfect meal. Pair it with a salad or veggies to make it complete.
Here’s what you need:
- Chicken Breast
- Salt & Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Fettuccine noodles
- Heavy Cream
- Butter
- Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic Powder
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
Here are the steps to prepare this chicken alfredo recipe:
- Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt & pepper. Grill the chicken on each side until cooked through.
- In the meantime, prepare the pasta in a large pot according to the directions. Cook it to al dente and then drain off the pasta water but do not rinse the pasta.
- In a skillet, combine the heavy cream and butter over medium heat. Stir and heat until small bubbles form but do not let it boil.
- Whisk in the parmesan cheese and the garlic powder. The sauce will begin to thicken up.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and add the reserved pasta. Serve with the chicken on top.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Recipe Notes
- I use fettuccine, but you can substitute it with linguini or spaghetti. If you enjoy that pasta, this sauce would also be nice with a penne.
- When cooking the chicken, I like to saute it on the first side for about 5 to 7 minutes. Then flip it for an additional 3-4 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked through before serving.
- If you want to save some of the sauce, remove it from the pan before adding the pasta. Store it in a separate container so you can use it again. Keep it refrigerated.
What can you serve with grilled chicken and alfredo sauce
If you want to do a side dish with the chicken and pasta, I suggest something lighter pairing with this. For example, you may want to start with a fresh, crisp green salad or even some grilled vegetables. My air-fryer asparagus is very easy to prepare.
How to store leftovers
The best way to store chicken alfredo pasta is to place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. To do this, allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Be sure to cover the pasta with the alfredo sauce, as this will help prevent it from drying out.
How to reheat grilled chicken and pasta with alfredo sauce
When you’re ready to reheat the pasta, you can do so in the microwave or on the stove. If using the microwave, cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is heated through. If using the stove, transfer the pasta to a pan and heat over low to medium heat, frequently stirring, until heated through.
Similar Olive Garden Recipes
- Homemade Chicken Carbonara
- Alfredo with Shrimp
- Gorgonzola Steak Alfredo
- Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo
Favorite Italian Recipes
- Cavatini
- Homemade Italian Sausage
- Chicken Scampi Sauce
- Olive Garden Toscana Soup Recipe
- Buca de Peppo Recipe – Lemon Chicken
- Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster
- Instant Pot Sausage and Pasta
- Mussels Luciano
- California Pizza Salad
Be sure to check out more of the best Italian recipes and easy pasta recipes.
What do you like to serve with Alfredo sauce? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to share your creations by TAGGING ME ON INSTAGRAM. Sign up for my newsletter, so you never miss a copycat recipe!
Olive Garden Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 12 ounces chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if desired
- 8 ounces Fettuccine or other pasta prepared according to package directions
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the chicken breasts with oil and season them with salt and pepper. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side. Flip the chicken breasts and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the grill and set aside. Cut the chicken into slices when ready to serve.
- To make the alfredo sauce, warm the cream and butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat until small bubbles begin to form. Do not let the mixture come to a boil. Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk quickly. Add the garlic powder, if desired, and continue to whisk. The sauce will thicken after a minute or two.
- To serve, place half of the prepared pasta on each plate. Then top the pasta with sauce and sliced chicken breast.
Video
Notes
- I use fettuccine but you can substitute with linguini or even spaghetti. This sauce would also be nice with a penne if you enjoy that pasta.
- When cooking the chicken, I like to saute on the first side for about 5-7 minutes. Then flip it for an additional 3-4 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked through before serving.
- If you want to save some of the sauce, take it out of the pan before adding the pasta. Store it in a separate container so you can use it again. Keep it refrigerated.
Linda
I really enjoy your recipes. I have tried many and always look forward to receiving the next email with another great opportunity to impress my family and friends. Thank you Stephanie!! Best regards, Linda
Savannah
Taste the best I absolutely love how fast it took to make this and how delicious it was
Ina
It’s just fantastic, but I did add some grated nutmeg for even better favor in the sauce. I think nutmeg and cardamom are two spices hardly used in the US like in Europe. Ever tried cardamom in a raisin cinnamon loaf? Delicious.
Jen
Thank you this was so good. My picky 7 year old and picky hubby loved it!
Emma Potts
Where’s the original recipe???
Stephanie
I am sorry, I don’t know what you mean by the original recipe.
Luna Regina
I love the simplicity of your version, Stephanie. Thanks for sharing!
Liz RODRIGUEZ
how many servings do I need to make to serve 10 people?
Stephanie
I would double this recipe. You can adjust the recipe by sliding the number of servings in the recipe card.
Mari
What is an alternative to a grill?
Stephanie
You could pan saute the chicken.