Copycat Olive Garden Herb Sauce – Restaurant-Quality at Home

Olive Garden Herb Sauce is a beloved, rich, and flavorful sauce that has become a signature taste at the popular Italian restaurant chain. This sauce is celebrated for its delicious blend of fresh herbs, garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, making it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

Whether you’re drizzling it over pasta, dipping your breadsticks, or even using it to enhance roasted vegetables, this herb sauce adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

Making Olive Garden Herb Sauce at home is surprisingly easy, and it allows you to enjoy the restaurant-quality taste without leaving your kitchen.

It’s a simple, yet luxurious addition to your cooking repertoire that is sure to impress friends and family. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to recreate this fan-favorite herb sauce, share some helpful tips, and provide serving suggestions to make your meals even more delightful.

What is Olive Garden Herb Sauce?

Olive Garden Herb Sauce is a creamy, savory sauce with a fresh and aromatic profile. It’s not just another generic herb-infused butter sauce; it’s a carefully crafted combination of flavors that elevates any dish it touches.

The main ingredients include olive oil, butter, fresh garlic, a variety of aromatic herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley), and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Together, these elements create a velvety texture and rich, herby flavor that perfectly complements the Italian-inspired dishes served at Olive Garden.

This herb sauce is versatile, with a balanced flavor profile that’s not too heavy or too sharp, making it an ideal accompaniment for pasta, grilled meats, or even vegetables.

It’s particularly famous for its use as a dipping sauce for the restaurant’s signature breadsticks. But what makes it truly special is its ability to enhance any meal by adding depth and richness without overwhelming the other ingredients.

While Olive Garden serves it in generous portions alongside their dishes, making this sauce at home means you can enjoy it as often as you like, adjusting the flavor to suit your personal preferences.

Whether you like it extra garlicky or prefer to dial down the herbs, this recipe gives you full control over the final result. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this delectable sauce from scratch!

Ingredients for Olive Garden Herb Sauce

Before diving into the preparation, it’s important to gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. The beauty of Olive Garden Herb Sauce lies in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering result.

Essential Ingredients:

• Olive Oil – This serves as the base for the sauce and contributes a rich, fruity flavor that balances the other ingredients.
• Butter – Adds creaminess and depth, giving the sauce its smooth texture. You can use unsalted butter to control the salt content.
• Fresh Garlic – A key component of the sauce’s aromatic profile. Minced garlic adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Fresh Herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley) – These herbs provide the fresh, earthy flavors that make this sauce special. Feel free to experiment with other herbs you love!
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a creamy and slightly salty richness. Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for the best flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the sauce and bringing out all the flavors.
• Optional: Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For a subtle kick of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

When preparing the sauce, using fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil will yield the best results. While you can substitute dried herbs if needed, fresh ones bring out the fullest flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Olive Garden Herb Sauce

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to create this flavorful herb sauce! The process is simple, quick, and results in a creamy, herb-packed sauce that will elevate your meal.

Step 1: Preparing the Fresh Herbs

Start by washing and chopping your fresh herbs. For the best results, finely chop the rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Fresh herbs bring out the most vibrant flavors, so make sure to remove any woody stems from the rosemary and thyme. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be substituted, though you’ll need to use less (about one-third of the amount of fresh herbs).

Step 2: Sautéing Garlic and Herbs in Olive Oil

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Next, add your freshly chopped herbs—rosemary, thyme, and parsley—and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. This step helps release the oils from the herbs, creating the aromatic base for the sauce.

Step 3: Adding Butter and Parmesan

Once the garlic and herbs are sautéed and aromatic, it’s time to add the butter. Add about 4 tablespoons of butter (you can use unsalted butter for more control over the seasoning) to the skillet. Stir the butter into the garlic and herbs until it’s fully melted and combined. Once the butter has melted, lower the heat slightly and add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the Parmesan melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 4: Seasoning to Taste

Now that the base of the sauce is ready, it’s time to season it. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning until the sauce tastes just right. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes at this point. Stir everything together, ensuring the herbs, butter, and Parmesan are fully combined.

Step 5: Simmering and Perfecting the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of pasta water or extra olive oil. Simmer until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth and velvety but not too runny. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat.

How to Serve Olive Garden Herb Sauce

The beauty of Olive Garden Herb Sauce lies in its versatility. While it’s most commonly served with pasta, it can be used in many different ways to enhance the flavor of your meals.

Here are some fantastic ways to serve and enjoy this herb sauce:

Perfect Pairing with Pasta

One of the most popular ways to enjoy this sauce is by pairing it with your favorite pasta. The creamy, herb-infused sauce coats the pasta perfectly, adding rich, savory flavors with every bite. Whether you prefer fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or any other shape, this sauce works wonders with all types of pasta. Simply drizzle the sauce over the cooked pasta, toss to combine, and serve hot!

Breadstick Dipping Sauce

Inspired by Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks, this herb sauce makes the perfect dip. If you’re serving homemade or store-bought breadsticks, simply place the sauce in a small bowl and use it for dipping. The creamy texture and herby flavor will elevate the breadsticks to a whole new level.

Vegetables and Roasted Dishes

Olive Garden Herb Sauce also makes a fantastic topping for roasted vegetables. Try drizzling it over roasted potatoes, carrots, asparagus, or even grilled zucchini. It’s a great way to add flavor to your side dishes and turn them into something extraordinary. The sauce pairs especially well with vegetables that have been charred or roasted, as the warmth helps the sauce to melt into them.

Grilled Meats and Seafood

This herb sauce can be used as a finishing touch for grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork. The creamy, herbaceous sauce enhances the flavor of the meat without overwhelming it. You can also use it to complement grilled seafood, such as shrimp or salmon. Simply drizzle the sauce over the cooked meat or seafood right before serving.

As a Marinade

For an extra burst of flavor, you can also use this herb sauce as a marinade for meats or vegetables. The garlic, herbs, and Parmesan will infuse your ingredients with delicious flavors. Marinate chicken, beef, or veggies for an hour or more before grilling or roasting to create an aromatic and flavorful dish.

Tips for Making the Perfect Olive Garden Herb Sauce

While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Olive Garden Herb Sauce comes out perfectly every time.

Here are some expert suggestions to take your sauce to the next level:

Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor

Fresh herbs are the star of this recipe. They provide vibrant, aromatic flavors that dried herbs simply can’t replicate. Always use fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for the best results. If you must use dried herbs, remember to reduce the quantity—dried herbs are more concentrated, so you only need about one-third of the amount.

Adjust the Creaminess

The amount of butter and Parmesan you use will directly impact the creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer a richer, creamier sauce, feel free to add extra butter or cheese. Conversely, if you want a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of butter or even swap it for a bit more olive oil.

Don’t Overcook the Garlic

Garlic is essential to the flavor of this herb sauce, but it’s important not to overcook it. Sauté it just until it becomes fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). If garlic is cooked too long, it can turn bitter and negatively affect the sauce’s taste. Be patient and watch the garlic closely to avoid this.

Customize the Herbs

While rosemary, thyme, and parsley are traditional choices for this herb sauce, feel free to experiment with other herbs depending on your taste preferences. Basil, oregano, or even sage can make interesting variations. Just be mindful of the quantities and flavors to ensure they don’t overpower the sauce.

Add Pasta Water for the Right Consistency

If you’re using the sauce with pasta, you may notice it thickening as it cools. To ensure it coats the pasta smoothly, reserve some pasta cooking water before draining the noodles. Adding a tablespoon or two of the pasta water to the sauce can help achieve a silky consistency that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Make Ahead and Store

You can make the Olive Garden Herb Sauce ahead of time. After preparing the sauce, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or pasta water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Herb Sauce is a simple yet incredibly flavorful addition to your home-cooked meals. Whether you’re using it to enhance a pasta dish, dip your favorite breadsticks, or add a little extra something to grilled meats or roasted vegetables, this herb-infused sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Its creamy texture, fragrant herbs, and savory Parmesan make it the perfect accompaniment to so many different dishes.

By following this easy recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality herb sauce without leaving your home. Plus, the flexibility to adjust the flavors to your personal preference makes it even more appealing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the sauce your own—whether it’s with different herbs, a touch of spice, or an extra drizzle of butter!

So, grab your fresh herbs and get cooking! Once you taste the richness of this homemade Olive Garden Herb Sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can easily prepare this herb sauce ahead of time. Simply cook it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat it on the stove, adding a little olive oil or pasta water to restore its smooth consistency.

2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones, but you’ll need to use less. For every tablespoon of fresh herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. The flavor won’t be as vibrant, but it will still work well in the sauce.

3. Can I make this sauce spicier?

Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while sautéing the garlic and herbs. Start with a small pinch and taste as you go, adding more if desired. This will give the sauce a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

4. What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?

Store any leftover Olive Garden Herb Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use low heat and stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also freeze it for longer storage, though the texture may change slightly when reheated.

5. What are some other ways to use this herb sauce?

While it’s perfect with pasta and breadsticks, this herb sauce can be used in many other ways. Try it as a marinade for chicken or vegetables, drizzle it over roasted potatoes or grilled fish, or use it as a topping for pizza or flatbreads. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to many dishes!