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Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce

Helen T. Patterson
This Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce recipe is a creamy, rich, and aromatic sauce that’s perfect for pairing with pasta, grilled meats, vegetables, and even breadsticks.
With the right balance of garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan, this homemade version of a restaurant favorite is easy to make and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Simple, versatile, and incredibly delicious!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 220, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 55mg, Sodium: 320mg, Carbohydrates: 6g, Fiber: 0g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 3g, Vitamin A: 10%, Vitamin C: 5%, Calcium: 8%, Iron: 2%
Estimated based on one serving (assuming 4 servings per batch)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 medium-sized saucepan
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 knife
  • 1 stirring spoon
  • 1 cheese grater (optional for grating Parmesan)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic:

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
    Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Add Cream and Broth:

  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, occasionally stirring.

Season the Sauce:

  • Stir in the Italian seasoning and fresh parsley.
    Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Simmer and Thicken:

  • Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    The sauce will thicken as it simmers.

Add Parmesan:

  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
    Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Once the sauce is thickened and creamy, remove from heat and serve it over your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or breadsticks.

Notes

  • Substitutions: If you want to make this sauce lighter, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a plant-based cream for a vegan version. For a dairy-free option, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the sauce a little heat.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little more cream or broth if needed.
Keyword Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce