Who doesn’t love the creamy, cheesy excellence of Olive Garden Alfredo sauce? But what if you could recreate that extravagant experience in the comfort of your kitchen? Dive into this Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo recipe, and you’ll be serving up dishes of pasta perfection in no time.

After the great success of our garlic parmesan creamy white sauce, I felt an irresistible desire to venture further into the realm of creamy pasta sauces. The two sauces share a kinship, but there’s something undeniably special about Olive Garden’s Fettuccine Alfredo.

Its rich, silky texture and the excellent balance of cheese and cream have made it a favorite for many, including me. I mean, who doesn’t have a soft spot for Olive Garden? With memories of countless meals at this beloved Italian chain, I embarked on a culinary exploration to recreate this iconic dish at home.

And guess what? This Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo recipe catches the core of the restaurant’s version and promises a plate of pasta perfection in under 30 minutes!

Why is This Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce a Must-Try

Authentic Taste: This recipe grabs the essence of Olive Garden’s iconic Alfredo sauce, making it a lovely treat for your taste buds.

Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatile Toppings: The magnificence of this Alfredo sauce lies in its adaptability. Feel free to garnish with shrimp, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli.

Budget-Friendly: Enjoy restaurant-quality Alfredo without the restaurant cost. More flavor, less worry for your wallet!

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with your friends, this dish is bound to earn you great reviews.

Comfort in a Bowl: Something is soul-soothing about a bowl of creamy pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Elevate Your Alfredo Experience:

Pair your creamy pasta with a glass of white wine, some garlic bread, and perhaps a fresh salad on the side. And keep in mind, while this recipe brings Olive Garden to your table, the real magic lies in the love you give to your cooking.

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• Butter: 1/2 cup (salted or unsalted)
• All-purpose flour: 2 Tbsp
• Minced garlic: 1 Tbsp
• Heavy cream: 1 1/2 cups (or heavy whipping cream)
• Milk: 1 1/2 cup (whole milk)
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cups (freshly grated)
• Pecorino Romano cheese: 1/2 cup (freshly grated)
• Fettuccine noodles: 16 oz
• Salt and pepper to your liking
• Fresh parsley: Optional for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp of salt. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, as per package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Drain pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté until it’s lightly golden (be careful not to burn it).
   • Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. This helps thicken the sauce.
   • Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk while continuing to whisk, to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add the Cheese:
   • Reduce heat to low. Slowly add Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses to the saucepan, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
   • If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
   • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
   • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan, if desired.

Tips:

• Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a smoother texture compared to pre-grated cheese.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce with the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps to integrate the sauce and pasta.
• Serving: Serve immediately, as the sauce thickens as it cools.

Have you enjoyed my take on the Olive Garden Alfredo? If it made your dinner special, consider sharing the love. Pin the image below to your Pinterest board and spread the joy of a great recipe!

Prepping Alfredo Sauce in Advance: A Time-Saver

Alfredo sauce isn’t just a creamy treat; it’s also a great choice for convenience. Thanks to the flour in this recipe, it stands out from other cheese sauces by maintaining its consistency even after cooling and reheating. Here’s the scoop:

Fridge Life: Got Alfredo sauce leftovers or prepping for a future meal? Don’t worry. Your Alfredo sauce can chill in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer-Friendly: Planning the sauce ahead? This sauce has got you covered. Freeze it, and for optimal flavor, use it within 1-2 months.

Reheating Your Alfredo Sauce

Noticed your Alfredo sauce has thickened and settled a bit? Fear not! Whether you’re taking it out of the fridge or the freezer, here’s how to bring it back to its creamy glory:

Reheating 101: Alfredo sauce tends to thicken as it cools. But it’s back in the game with a microwave or a gentle reheating on the stove. For the most satisfactory results, consider using a makeshift double boiler. This method ensures even heating, whether warming the Alfredo sauce alone or with pasta.

From the Freezer: If your Alfredo sauce has been in deep freeze, give it a night in the fridge to thaw before you heat it up.

Too Thick? No Problem: If you find your sauce a tad too thick upon reheating, introduce a splash of pasta water, milk, or chicken broth. It’ll thin out and be as pleasing as ever.

Let’s make a delicious Roman Suppli, a classic that promises a comforting crunch on the outside and a gooey mozzarella wonder inside. This dish is prepared with the rich flavors of carnaroli rice, mozzarella cheese, and butter and elevated by the subtle touch of onion, tomato puree, and fresh basil leaves.

The creaminess of milk, the depth of veggie broth, and the binding magic of eggs come together effortlessly. And let’s not forget the finishing touch: a generous drizzle of Parmigiano and Roman pecorino cheese. Enter the world of Roman Suppli, where each bite celebrates flavor and texture!

Roman Suppli (Supplì alla Romana)

Dive into the core of Rome’s culinary traditions with Roman Suppli, a dish that seamlessly blends taste and history. These crisp rice balls, filled with gooey mozzarella, are prepared with the most satisfactory ingredients: carnaroli rice, mozzarella cheese, butter, and fried in extra virgin olive oil.

The aromatic presence of onion, tomato puree, and fresh basil leaves improves the ensemble. Add to this the creaminess of milk, the richness of the vegetable broth, and the binding powers of eggs, all completed with a plentiful amount of Parmigiano and Roman pecorino cheese.

But there’s a mesmerizing twist to this Roman delicacy’s story. Outside its popular name, these golden delights are known as “Supplì alla Romana.” And for those with a good sense of history, the term “suppli al telefono” resonates. Why? Because the stretching mozzarella, when pulled apart, joyfully mirrors the spiral telephone cords that were once omnipresent in homes.

It’s a fun reflection of how meals and memories twist, catching the essence of Roman gastronomy and parts of day-to-day life from the past. With Roman Suppli, every bite delivers not just flavor but a tale, linking the past to the present in the most mouthwatering way.

The Best Suppli in Rome

Have you ever walked through the streets of Rome? If yes, you might have heard stories about the remarkable Roman Suppli at Supplizio. This culinary jewel, helmed by the renowned chefs Arcangelo Dandini and Lorenzo D’Ettore, stands proudly in Rome’s historic soul, serving some of the city’s finest Suppli.

Their menu is a lovely tapestry of flavors. While they master the traditional version, adventurous palates can explore variations such as cacio e pepe or the indulgent blend of butter and anchovies. A nod to tradition, they also prepare the age-old original Suppli, a wide variety of chicken giblets, pork sausage, mozzarella, Parmesan, tomato, and fresh porcini mushrooms.

For those who want a fiery kick, the arrabbiata suppli, infused with zesty pepperoncino, is a must-try.

Ingredients you’ll need

Carnaroli Rice: Frequently referred to as the “king of rice,” carnaroli rice is the spine of this recipe. Its starchy content provides a creamy consistency, making it the excellent choice for holding the Suppli together while delivering a delightful bite.

Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the dish! When warmed, mozzarella melts into a string-like, gooey treat, delivering the signature “telephone cord” effect. Its mild taste complements the other ingredients, guaranteeing a harmonious taste.

Butter: Butter enhances the rice mixture, giving it a silky texture and improving the overall mouthfeel of the Suppli.

Onion: A foundational flavor. The onion, when sautéed, releases sweetness and fragrance that forms the base note for the dish, ensuring depth and sophistication.

Tomato Puree: This provides a tangy undertone, balancing out the richness of the cheeses and butter. It also imparts a dynamic color, making the treat visually attractive.

Milk: Milk softens the carnaroli rice, ensuring that the inside of the Suppli stays creamy and contrasts beautifully with the crisp exterior.

Vegetable Broth: This broth infuses the rice with a rich flavor, ensuring that every grain is filled with taste.

Basil Leaves: Fresh basil presents a burst of herbaceous freshness, slicing through the richness and adding a layer of aromatic sophistication.

Eggs: Acting as a binding agent, eggs provide that the rice mixture holds its form while also adding a touch of richness.

Parmigiano Cheese: Known for its strong and nutty flavor, Parmigiano adds a depth of flavor, boosting the overall flavor profile of the Roman suppli.

Roman Pecorino Cheese: This goat cheese, with its salty and tangy notes, complements the mozzarella and Parmigiano, rounding off the cheesy trio that makes the Suppli irresistibly appetizing.

What is the difference between Arancini and Roman Suppli?

Arancini generally boast a round or teardrop shape and are prepared with rice, often accompanied by ingredients like meat, peas, and sometimes pistachios. The variety of Arancini flavors is quite comprehensive compared to Suppli. On the other hand, Suppli embraces an oblong form, featuring a precise combination of tomato sauce and rice.

At its heart, a piece of mozzarella awaits. It’s essential to serve them while they’re hot. The name “Suppli al Telefono” (telephone) arises from the visual spectacle when you split one: the mozzarella stretches between the halves, reminiscent of a telephone cord. 

Roman Suppli Recipe

Ingredients 

• 5 oz of carnaroli rice
• 5 oz of mozzarella cheese
• 4 Tbsp of butter
• 1/3 of medium onion
• 14 oz of tomato puree
• 1 cup of milk
• ½ cup of vegetable broth (or more if needed)
• 4 Tbsp of freshly chopped basil leaves
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup of grated Parmigiano cheese
• ½ cup of grated Roman pecorino cheese
• Salt to your liking
• Olive oil or other vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

• Preparation of Onion: Chop the onion into fine pieces for a subtle flavor infusion.
• Sautéing the Base: Heat oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a pan. Add the finely chopped onion, and saute until it turns translucent.
• Rice Introduction: Add the rice to the pan, seasoning it with a touch of salt. Toast the grains shortly for enhanced flavor.
• Broth & Tomato Fusion: Slowly pour in vegetable broth, stirring to incorporate. Follow this with tomato puree and warm milk.
• Rice Cooking: Keep at medium heat and cook the mixture for around 15 minutes. Ensure constant stirring and refill with broth as required. Fold in the freshly chopped basil as the rice approaches its perfect texture.
• Season & Combine: Modify saltiness to your liking. Blend in the remaining butter, pecorino, and Parmigiano, ensuring a harmonious mix.
• Cooling the Risotto: Spread your creamy risotto on a cool surface, allowing it to settle a bit.
• Mozzarella Centerpiece: Slice the mozzarella into bite-sized cubes. Mold the rice into a ball using wet hands, creating a small pocket in the center. Insert a mozzarella cube inside, sealing and shaping the rice into an elongated form.
• Egg Wash & Breading: Whisk eggs in a bowl, seasoning with a touch of salt. Immerse each rice ball, making sure it’s an even coat. Roll them in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to secure a consistent crust.
• Frying to Perfection: Heat the oil to 340°F. Fry the Roman Suppli until they get a light walnut hue, approximately 3 minutes.
• Final Touches: Drain excess oil using absorbent paper. Allow the Suppli a short resting period. Serve them warm, ensuring they’re not overly hot, for the best taste experience.

Enjoyed your Roman Suppli? Give that photo below a pin on your Pinterest board. Because recipe this good deserves a double-tap… or a pin! 🙂 

More Italian Recipes to Explore

Italian Chocolate Salami: A satisfying no-bake dessert, this “salami” is a fusion of cocoa, biscuits, and nuts, offering a lovely treat that’s both whimsical and indulgent.

Italian Chocolate Gelato: Dive into the creamy profoundness of this classic Italian ice cream. It’s the epitome of chocolatey perfection, rich in cocoa and velvety smooth.

Pizzelle Cookies Recipe: These thin, crispy waffle cookies testify to Italian baking finesse. Delicately flavored and beautifully patterned, they’re excellent with a cup of Italian espresso.

Homemade Canestrelli Recipe: Experience the buttery excellence of these shortbread cookies, lightly dusted with powdered sugar and often shaped like delicate flowers.

Italian Meatballs Recipe: Savor the rich combination of meats and herbs in these iconic Italian meatballs. They’re a hearty Italian favorite, perfectly seasoned and simmered in a robust tomato sauce.

How to Make Authentic Maritozzi: Dive into the world of these sweet buns, often filled with whipped cream. A Roman breakfast staple, they’re a lovely start to any day.

Italian Chicken Vesuvio Recipe: Relish the savors of roasted chicken melded with garlic, wine, and herbs. A dish that’s both rustic and sophisticated, it captures the spirit of Italian home cooking.

So, you are familiar with Arby’s chicken salad? Precisely, the one with red pecans and grapes. You can now make it just as good right in your kitchen. Imagine this: juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and sweet red grapes all blended together.

After that, you add pecans for that additional crunch. Top it off with a creamy dressing, and that’s it! You’ve got yourself an out-of-this-world chicken salad. It’s perfect for lunch or even a light dinner. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll always make it, just like this mega-popular Chick-Fil-A chicken salad. And while we’re at mega-popular, you might want to check Arby’s Bronco berry sauce and Arby’s beef and cheddar sandwich!

Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich

Arby’s chicken salad is an amazing concoction of diced chicken, celery, apples, red grapes, and pecans, all combined in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. And the best part? It’s served on a bed of fresh green leaf lettuce and sandwiched between slices of toasted honey wheat bread. It’s like a summer picnic in a delicious sandwich!

Although it’s available on Arby’s menu, here’s the thing: Arby’s chicken salad sandwich is like a summer fling. It’s a seasonal item that’s only offered during the sunny months of the year. So, if you’re craving it in the middle of winter, you’re out of luck.

But don’t fret; I’ve got you covered. With this homemade recipe, you can whip up your copycat version of Arby’s chicken salad sandwich anytime you like. It’s like having summer on a plate all year round!

Arby’s Chicken Salad Ingredients

Cooked Chicken: This isn’t just any chicken; it’s the heart and soul of our chicken salad. It’s the protein-packed hero that makes this salad a satisfying meal. I go for poached chicken, but you can also use leftovers, freshly roasted, or store-bought rotisserie; it’s all great.

Pecans: These aren’t just nuts; they’re little crunch bombs that burst with flavor. They bring out a nutty delight to the salad that’s difficult to resist.

Mayonnaise: Mayo is the adhesive that keeps this salad together. It wraps everything in a creamy, tangy blanket that’s just so comforting.

Lemon Juice: It’s a zesty wake-up buzz for all the ingredients in the salad. It cuts through the richness and makes the ingredients taste fresher.

Salt + Pepper: They’re the magical dust that improves all the other flavors. A sprinkle of each, and the salad taste amazing.

Green Lettuce: It’s the fresh, crispy base that our chicken salad sits on. It provides a refreshing crunch and a contrast of color to this chicken sandwich.

Apple: Apple is a sweet and slightly tart addition to this salad. It’s a traditional ingredient that never dissatisfies.

Red Grapes: Grapes are sweet little gems that burst with juiciness. They also add a lovely sweetness that offsets the savory chicken and tangy mayo.

Celery: Celery is a crunch star. It also brings out an earthy counterbalance to the sweetness of the grapes and apples.

Bread: And last but not least, the bread. But not just any bread; it’s toasted honey wheat bread. It’s the golden, crunchy cover to our tasty story, adding a touch of sweetness and a whole lot of texture. It’s the ideal component for our chicken salad to shine.

The Best Chicken for Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich

When making this Arby’s-inspired sandwich, it’s worth noting that the authentic recipe champions poached chicken breasts. It’s a process that ensures tenderness and taste. Personally, I’m a fan of cubing the chicken for that even distribution in every bite. But shredding is a great way to go if you’re feeling adventurous: your kitchen and culinary rules.

Poached Chicken: Poaching is like a soft bath for your chicken. It’s a serene method that provides your meat with tenderness and juiciness. And if you’re scratching your head on how to do it, you can check in this Chicken Salad recipe.

Rotisserie Chicken: It’s fast, delicious, and ready to be cubed or shredded. A sizable rotisserie chicken will give you around 4 cups, more than you’re aiming for.

Grilled Chicken: Had a BBQ chicken or oven-roast this summer? Leftovers are out of this world here. Dice ’em, shred ’em, and it’s a premium flavor key if they’ve got that crispy golden skin.

Smoked Chicken: Ever tried smoked chicken? Sure you have. It adds a lovely, woody undertone to your chicken salad, offering a unique twist.

Air-Fried Chicken: If you’re into the air fryer craze, this crispy, more beneficial option will add a comforting crunch to your salad.

Slow-Cooked Chicken: Let your chicken simmer and soak up flavors over hours. The outcome? Chicken is so tender and juicy that it virtually melts in your mouth.

Leftover Chicken: That chicken from last night’s dinner? Whether from a previous BBQ, a family dinner, or a takeout chicken, it’s primed to be the star in this salad.

Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

This recipe for Arby’s chicken salad sandwich combines juicy chicken, crunchy pecans, and fresh grapes in a delightful mix. It’s a homemade twist on a beloved classic, perfect for a snack or a simple dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of diced red apple
• 1 Tbsp of lemon juice (or juice from one small lemon)
• 3 1/2 cups poached chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup of grapes
• 1 cup of chopped celery
• 1 cup of chopped pecans
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• salt and pepper to your liking
• lettuce leaves
• 16 pieces of thick-sliced honey wheat bread

Instructions

Prepping Your Chicken:

• Start with your cooked chicken. You can either slice it into neat 1/2-inch cubes or pull it apart using two forks if you’re feeling a bit adventurous.

Mixing the Main Ingredients:

• Toss your diced chicken, apple chunks, grapes, sliced celery, and crunchy pecans in a big salad bowl. Give it a gentle mix to combine nicely.

Dressing Time:

• In a separate bowl, make the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once it’s smooth, pour it over your chicken and fruit mixture. Mix slowly, ensuring every component gets a taste of that creamy excellence.

Patience Pays (Optional):

• Sure, you can eat it now, but the flavors blend beautifully if you let it sit for a while. Seal your salad bowl with cling film and let it refrigerate. Give it 30 minutes to an hour, or if you can resist, let it marinate overnight.

Building Your Sandwich:

• Toast your honey wheat bread to a golden crisp. Lay down a fresh green leaf lettuce, pile it on your chicken salad, and top it with another slice of bread. Alternatively, this salad glows in lettuce cups, wrapped in a tortilla, or arranged over fresh greens.

Final Touch:

• Relish your Arby’s chicken salad sandwich right away. The salad mix can be prepped a day in advance if you’re making it ahead. Just a pro-tip: assemble those sandwiches before serving to keep that bread crispy and fresh. Enjoy!

Have you enjoyed this Arby’s chicken salad? Why not give that image below a whirl and smash it onto your Pinterest board? Because great food deserves a good share, right?