If you love Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo, this copycat recipe is for you. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce combined with tender shrimp and fettuccine right at home.
Key Highlights
- Recreate the iconic Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo at home.
- Enjoy a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter.
- Tender shrimp and fettuccine pasta come together for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Customize with additional seasonings and garnishes to suit your taste.
- Serves up to 6 people, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Introduction to Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo is a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine. The combination of a rich Alfredo sauce and succulent shrimp makes for a luxurious meal.
What Makes Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo Special?
Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo is renowned for its quality and attention to detail. The Alfredo sauce is freshly made every day using butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The shrimp are carefully selected for their size and juiciness, cooked to perfection, and paired with the rich sauce to create an unforgettable dish.
The History of Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce originated in Rome in the early 1900s, created by Alfredo di Lelio for his wife. Originally made with just butter and Parmesan cheese over fettuccine noodles, it quickly became popular and a staple in Italian-American cuisine. Olive Garden’s version honors this classic dish with the addition of shrimp.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo Ingredients
To make Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo at home, gather the following ingredients:
Key Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy whipping cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Minced garlic
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Select large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for a tender, juicy bite that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Additional Ingredients for Flavor
- Salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Italian seasoning
How to Make Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Creating this delicious dish at home is simple and quick, taking less than 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 ounces of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 cups of heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Top with the sautéed shrimp and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente with a slight bite.
- For an extra creamy sauce, add a couple of ounces of cream cheese.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika for added flavor and visual appeal.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
How to Cook the Perfect Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Add fettuccine and stir to prevent sticking.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain and reserve a cup of cooking water to thin the sauce if needed.
Secrets to Creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Melt butter and heavy cream together before whisking in Parmesan cheese. This ensures the cheese melts smoothly and prevents graininess.
Reheating Leftover Shrimp Alfredo
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat to keep the sauce from separating and the shrimp from becoming tough. Add a bit of pasta cooking water if the sauce is too thick.
Cooking Techniques Summary:
| Technique | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling Pasta | 8-10 minutes | Salt the water generously to season the noodles. |
| Making Alfredo Sauce | 10-15 minutes | Melt butter and cream together before adding cheese. |
| Reheating Leftovers | 5-10 minutes | Gently reheat on the stovetop to prevent separating. |
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp Alfredo is rich and filling, pairing well with various side dishes.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Alfredo
- Fresh garden salad with Olive Garden’s signature Italian dressing
- Garlic breadsticks for dipping in the Alfredo sauce
- Steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and texture
Wine Pairings for Fettuccine Alfredo
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the rich Alfredo sauce.
Wine Pairing Notes:
| Wine Pairing | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|
| Pinot Grigio | Crisp, light-bodied with notes of citrus and green apple |
| Chardonnay | Medium-bodied with flavors of apple, pear, and subtle oak |
Variations and Additional Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Variations
- For a healthier version, use 2% milk instead of heavy cream and add more flour to thicken.
- Add sautéed vegetables like broccoli, onions, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Other Shrimp Recipes to Try
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Zesty and fresh, great with rice or veggies.
- Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Spicy Cajun seasoning with creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta.
- Shrimp Scampi: Classic garlic-butter shrimp, served over linguine or on crusty bread.
Reader Interactions
Our readers love this Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe. They often share their own twists, such as adding broccoli or using different pasta types, and tips for a creamier sauce.
Reader Comments and Feedback
- “This copycat recipe is spot on! The sauce is so rich and creamy – I love it.”
- “I’ve tried many Alfredo recipes, but this one is the best. Adding shrimp makes it even tastier.”
- “I let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to really thicken it up. It made the dish so luxurious.”
- “Adding sautéed broccoli florets or other vegetables to the dish gives it an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.”
- I’ve experimented with using different types of pasta, such as linguine or penne, with great success.
Taking My Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp To Go!
The Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. With tender shrimp, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, this dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner. Mastering this recipe brings the flavors of Olive Garden right to your kitchen.
FAQ
What makes Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo special?
Its creamy Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp blend classic Alfredo flavors with juicy shrimp for a luxurious meal.
What is the history of Alfredo sauce?
Alfredo sauce originated in Rome in the early 1900s by Alfredo di Lelio for his wife. Made with butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream, it’s now a key dish in Italian-American cuisine.
What are the key ingredients for the Alfredo sauce in the copycat recipe?
You need butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
What type of shrimp should be used for the copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo?
Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best taste and texture.
What are the steps for making the copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo?
Cook the fettuccine pasta as the package says. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and sauté in butter and garlic. Make the Alfredo sauce by melting butter and cream together, then whisking in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce and add the sautéed shrimp on top.
What are some tips for achieving the perfect pasta and Alfredo sauce?
Salt the pasta water well. Use full-fat dairy like heavy cream and butter for the sauce. Melt the butter and cream before adding Parmesan cheese.
What are some good side dishes and wine pairings for Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo?
Serve with a fresh garden salad, garlic breadsticks, or steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
What are some variations of the copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe?
For a healthier version, use 2% milk instead of heavy cream and add more flour to thicken. Add vegetables like broccoli, onions, or mushrooms for a fuller meal.
What kind of feedback has the copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe received from readers?
Readers love this copycat recipe, saying it tastes just like the restaurant version, with some thinking it’s even better. They’ve shared their own twists and tips for a creamier sauce.
The Best OG Shrimp Alfredo Recipe Ever!
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 12 ounces medium-sized shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
Pasta
- 12 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Salt water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and butter over medium-high heat until small bubbles form (do not let it boil).
- Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted. Add garlic powder if using, and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve:
- Add cooked pasta to a large bowl, pour over Alfredo sauce, and toss to coat.
- Add the cooked shrimp and toss again. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Additional Notes
- Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. The pasta should still have a firm bite to it, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot Alfredo sauce.
- Shrimp Cooking: Do not overcook the shrimp. They should be just pink and opaque. Overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Sauce Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce is too thin, you can add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to thicken it. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Cheese Quality: For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated cheese, which can be grainy and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder, but either can be used based on preference.
Variations
- Chicken Alfredo: Substitute shrimp with grilled or sautéed chicken breast slices.
- Vegetable Alfredo: Add steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle heat.
- Seafood Mix: Instead of just shrimp, use a mix of seafood such as scallops, crab meat, and clams for a seafood Alfredo.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a lower-carb option, use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of fettuccine pasta.
