This copycat Olive Garden chicken alfredo recipe tastes every bit as good as the "OG", except you get to enjoy this one straight from your own kitchen. It combines rich, creamy alfredo sauce with al dente cooked pasta, and lightly fried chicken breasts to make one heck-of-a-good meal.
Table of Contents
An Incredible Chicken Alfredo Recipe
This copycat Olive Garden chicken alfredo is as legit as it gets. From the crispy chicken to the rich and smooth alfredo sauce, there's so much to love about this copycat recipe.
It's the perfect weeknight meal the whole family will love, and it will also impress if you're hosting. And if you're looking for what to serve with chicken alfredo, this pasta goes incredibly well with these Olive Garden breadsticks and these crack green beans.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make. Five simple steps are all you have to follow to create this rich and delicious alfredo recipe that's totally restaurant-worthy.
The chicken. Most chicken fettuccine alfredo recipes use grilled chicken, but using crispy chicken cutlets like in this recipe makes it so much better.
Crowd-pleaser. I've made this recipe for busy weeknight dinners and when I'm hosting, and everyone always loves it. It's a hit with kids and adults, so whenever you serve it, it's sure to be a favorite!
Ingredients You'll Need
For the chicken:
- Chicken breasts- cut into strips.
- Breadcrumbs- panko or regular work.
- All-purpose flour
- Parmesan cheese- the trick for the best breading.
- Paprika and garlic powder- for a delicious flavor,
- Salt and pepper
- Egg
For the sauce:
- Fettuccini noodles- or any pasta you want. Linguini, spaghetti, or even penne would work great.
- Butter
- Garlic- one minced clove.
- All-purpose flour
- Milk- I used whole milk, but any will work.
- Grated parmesan cheese- a must for the best sauce.
- Fresh parsley- to serve.
How To Make Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
1. Prep work: Make the pasta according to the package instructions. Combine breadcrumbs, flour, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
2. Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture and then toss it in the breadcrumbs.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet to high heat and add half of the butter to it. Cook the chicken until fully it's golden and crispy on both sides. Cut into strips and set aside.
4. Make the sauce: Add a bit more butter to the skillet along with the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, add the flour, and cook until thoroughly mixed. Add the milk, mix, and cook for a few minutes or until the sauce thickens. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts.
5. Complete the chicken alfredo pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix it well to coat in the sauce. Serve the pasta with the sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese on top.
Tips To Make The Best Recipe
- Cook the pasta until it's al dente or slightly chewy.
- Use whole milk or 2% milk for the best sauce texture.
- Slowly mix the flour and butter to create the roux for the sauce.
- Add additional seasonings like garlic powder or Italian seasonings to the sauce.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a digital meat thermometer in the center.
How To Store This Chicken Alfredo
In the fridge: Transfer everything to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
In the freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Put everything back in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk to thin the sauce out. Stir it constantly and heat it for about 5 minutes or until it's hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olive Garden alfredo sauce made of?
Olive Garden alfredo sauce is made of romano cheese, parmesan cheese, milk, butter, and garlic to create one of the most delicious alfredo sauces. Now, most alfredo sauce recipes use heavy cream for a thicker sauce, so you can use that in this recipe if you want.
What kind of chicken does Olive Garden use?
Olive Garden uses Italian breaded chicken breasts for their chicken alfredo. You can also use chicken tenderloins if you want.
Can I add broccoli to chicken alfredo?
Yes, broccoli is a great addition to chicken alfredo. Just cook the broccoli and mix it with the finished pasta dish.
More Copycat Olive Garden Recipes
- Olive Garden chicken parmigiana
- Olive Garden stuffed ziti fritta
- Olive Garden giant cheese stuffed shells
- Olive Garden chicken margherita
- Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
This copycat Olive Garden chicken alfredo recipe tastes every bit as good as the "OG", except you get to enjoy this one straight from your own kitchen. It combines rich, creamy alfredo sauce with al dente cooked pasta, and lightly fried chicken breasts to make one heck-of-a-good meal.
Ingredients
Breaded chicken:
- 1-2 Chicken breasts, cut into strips
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp. Flour
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp. Paprika
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp. Salt
- ½ tsp. Black Pepper
- 1 Egg
Alfred0 Sauce:
- 6 oz. Fettuccini Noodles
- ¼ cup Butter (divided)
- 1 tsp. Garlic Clove, minced
- ¼ cup Flour
- 1 ½ cup Milk
- ⅓ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh parsley to serve
Instructions
- Combine breadcrumbs, flour, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Break the egg into another bowl.
- Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture and toss in the breadcrumbs.
- Make the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Heat a non-stick skillet to high and add half of the butter.
- Cook the chicken until fully browned on both sides, and reserve. Cut into strips.
- Add a bit more butter to the skillet and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute and add the flour, cook until thoroughly mixed.
- Add the milk and cook for a few minutes or until everything’s well mixed and the sauce thickens. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts.
- Add the pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat in the sauce.
- Serve the pasta with the chicken and fresh parsley on top.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 596Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 39g
Maria
Hands down the best chicken alfredo that I have ever had.
Bonnie Krueger
Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of breast??
Brendan Cunningham
Yes for sure!
Kimberly L.
I made grilled chicken instead of the breaded but the sauce and everything about this was divine.
Lisa Manado
My gosh this was good we will make it a ton!!
Lora
The chicken in this was phenomenal
Veronica
I order chicken alfredo pretty frequently at various restaurants and this homemade recipe has got to be one of my all-time favorites.
Emmy
This totally hit the spot!!!!!!!
Jeane
So good wow!
Linda D
Make this stat. Your family will thank you!!!!
Robin
This is heaven on a plate
Mikayla
My fav chicken alfredo recipe in the universe
Abigail Jones
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this chicken alfredo recipe.
Sandra Shatkin
This is absolutely delightful. I will be making it again very very soon.