Olive Garden Creamy Garlic Sauce
Olive Garden’s creamy garlic sauce is a rich, velvety, and aromatic sauce that is perfect for drizzling over pasta, grilled chicken, or using as a dipping sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this indulgent, restaurant-quality sauce in your own kitchen. The combination of garlic, butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors for a deliciously creamy dish.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan – 1
- Wooden spoon or whisk (1)
- Measuring spoons (1 set)
- Measuring cup (1)
- Knife (1)
- Cutting board (1)
- Grater (for parmesan cheese) (1)
Ingredients
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- Salt to taste
- Pepper freshly ground, to taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning or fresh herbs basil, thyme
Instructions
Prep the garlic:
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
Cook the garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add the cream:
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream slowly while stirring. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Add parmesan cheese:
- Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and let it melt into the cream, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
Season the sauce:
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in a pinch of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
Simmer the sauce:
- Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
Serve and enjoy:
- Once the sauce is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat and serve it over pasta, grilled chicken, or use it as a dip for breadsticks.
Notes
- Consistency Adjustments: If the sauce becomes too thick as it simmers, simply add a bit of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up.
- Garlic Level: For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic to your liking. You can also roast the garlic first for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you don't have parmesan on hand, you can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- Storage: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.