Olive Garden Tortellini Alfredo
Olive Garden Tortellini Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring cheese-filled tortellini coated in a velvety Alfredo sauce. With just a few key ingredients such as heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, butter, and garlic, this recipe brings the restaurant’s signature comfort food into your home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please pasta lovers of all ages. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress!
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot for boiling pasta (3–4 qt.)
- 1 Large Skillet for making the sauce (12 inches)
- 1 Fine Grater for Parmesan cheese
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce.
- 1 Pasta Strainer for draining tortellini
- 1 Measuring Cup for liquids (for cream and pasta water)
- 1 Knife (for chopping garlic)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g Fresh or Frozen Cheese Tortellini
- 1 cup 240 ml Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup 115g Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups 120g Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt to taste about 1/2 tsp
- Pepper to taste about 1/4 tsp
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 lb 450g Chicken Breast or Shrimp (for added protein)
- 1 cup Fresh Spinach or Mushrooms for veggies
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-10 minutes for frozen). Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for later, and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer gently for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Combine Tortellini with Sauce:
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Optional Add-ins:
- If using chicken or shrimp, add the cooked protein to the pasta. For veggies like spinach or mushrooms, sauté them separately and toss them in with the pasta at the end. Mix well.
Serve:
- Once everything is combined, serve the Tortellini Alfredo hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will provide the smoothest sauce. Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less creamy.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese. This will give a creamy texture but reduce the richness.
- Protein Options: Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp are excellent additions to turn this dish into a more substantial meal. Make sure to season and cook them separately before adding them to the pasta.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added texture and flavor.