Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Instructions:

1. Prep Work:
   • Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
   • Grate the Parmesan and Romano cheeses.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Start with the Butter:
   • In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
   • Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, but be careful not to brown the garlic.
3. Create the Base:
   • Whisk in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
   • Lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer without boiling.
   • Add the cream cheese and continue to whisk until it is fully incorporated.
4. Introduce the Cheeses:
   • Gradually add the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
   • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and all-purpose flour until the flour is completely dissolved.
   • Slowly pour the milk-flour mixture into the sauce while continuing to whisk, allowing the sauce to thicken.
6. Simmer to Perfection:
   • Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the desired thickness.
7. Check and Adjust:
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
   • You can add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
8. Serve Warm:
   • Once the Alfredo sauce has reached the desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat.
   • Serve the sauce immediately over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine.
9. Optional Garnish:
   • For an extra touch, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more whole milk.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes and accompaniments to suit your taste.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-inspired Alfredo sauce that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor! This recipe serves as a delightful homage to the classic dish from the popular Italian-American restaurant.