Olive Garden New Garlic Herb Sauce
This Olive Garden New Garlic Herb Sauce is a rich and creamy sauce that’s packed with fresh garlic, fragrant herbs, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. Inspired by the popular restaurant version, this homemade recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for pairing with pasta, grilled chicken, seafood, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate this flavorful sauce in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Equipment
- Saucepan (1 medium size)
- Measuring cups (2) – For cream and broth
- Measuring spoons (2) – For seasonings and herbs
- Wooden spoon or whisk (1) – For stirring
- Knife (1) – For mincing garlic and chopping herbs
- Cutting board (1) – For chopping herbs
- Grater (1) – For grating Parmesan cheese
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp – Butter
- 1 tbsp – Olive oil
- 4 cloves – Garlic minced
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- ½ cup – Parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ cup – Chicken or vegetable broth optional
- 2 tbsp – Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp – Dried oregano
- 1 tsp – Dried basil
- ¼ tsp – Red pepper flakes optional
- Salt – To taste
- Black pepper – To taste
Instructions
Sauté the garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
Add cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter mixture. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes over medium-low heat to thicken slightly.
Incorporate cheese and herbs:
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Then add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Adjust consistency:
- If the sauce is too thick, add the chicken or vegetable broth, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finish with fresh herbs:
- Stir in the fresh parsley and give the sauce one final taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, then remove from heat.
Serve:
- Serve the sauce over pasta, grilled chicken, or seafood, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Notes
- Adjustable spiciness: If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Dairy-free option: To make the sauce dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based milk, and use a non-dairy Parmesan alternative.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
- Perfect pasta pairing: This sauce is especially delicious with fettuccine, penne, or linguine, but you can use any pasta shape you like.