A lot of people love this recipe for Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Did you know that you can make this famous dish from Olive Garden in just 30 minutes?
Olive Garden’s creamy, decadent shrimp alfredo is a favorite for many The rich Parmesan sauce combined with succulent shrimp over fettuccine is hard to beat While it may seem intimidating to recreate such a delicious restaurant dish, this Olive Garden copycat recipe makes enjoying shrimp alfredo easy any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can master Olive Garden’s signature shrimp alfredo right in your own kitchen.
Why Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo is So Good
What makes this pasta dish stand out from the rest? A few key factors contribute to its crave-worthy flavors:
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Quality ingredients – Whole ingredients like heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh shrimp give it superior flavor
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Perfect pasta – Olive Garden nails the pasta cooking it al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
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Sauteed shrimp – Lightly browning the shrimp boosts their natural sweetness.
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Velvety sauce – Melting the cheese into the rich cream makes a smooth, luscious sauce.
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Balanced flavors – The sauce tastes indulgent yet fresh, accented by garlic, Parmesan, and shrimp.
Recreating the flavors of this upscale classic is easier than you think when you use high-quality ingredients and the right techniques.
Shopping List for Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Grab these ingredients for your Olive Garden copycat:
- Shrimp – 12 oz peeled, deveined medium shrimp
- Fettuccine pasta – 12 oz dry
- Heavy cream – 2 cups
- Butter – 5 oz total, divided
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 3/4 cup
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Shop for fresh shrimp and real Parmesan for best results. You likely have the pantry staples on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps:
1. Season the shrimp
- Peel, devein, and pat dry medium shrimp
- Toss with salt and pepper
2. Cook the pasta
- Start a large pot of salted water boiling
- Cook fettuccine al dente according to package time
- Drain and set aside when done
3. Make the Alfredo sauce
- Heat cream and 4 oz butter in a saucepan until bubbling
- Turn heat down to low and whisk in Parmesan
- Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce is smooth
4. Saute the shrimp
- Melt 1 oz butter in a skillet over medium heat
- Add minced garlic and saute 30 seconds
- Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes, flipping once
5. Toss it all together
- Pour finished Alfredo sauce over cooked pasta
- Top with sauteed shrimp
- Mix well and serve warm
The cooking goes quickly, so prep your ingredients ahead. Taste as you go to adjust seasonings.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Alfredo
Use these tips for Olive Garden-quality results:
- Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture
- Buy block Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh
- Don’t let the Alfredo sauce reach a boil when making it
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp
- Add garlic powder or pepper to the sauce for extra flavor
- Serve with steamed broccoli or side salad
Take your time and use high-quality ingredients for incredible homemade shrimp Alfredo.
Common Shrimp Alfredo Questions
Should I cook the shrimp in the Alfredo sauce?
No, sauteing them separately helps enhance their flavor.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
For best results, make the sauce from scratch. The flavor is far superior.
What sides go well with shrimp Alfredo?
Broccoli, garlic bread, or a house salad complement it nicely.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate the pasta and sauce separately up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
More Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipes
Once you master shrimp Alfredo, try making more favorites:
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Chicken Alfredo
- Baked Ziti
- Chicken Parmesan
- Lasagna Classico
- Seafood Alfredo
- Italian Salad Dressing
- Breadsticks
- Tuscan Soup
With simple ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy Olive Garden flavors at home anytime.
Enjoy Restaurant Quality Shrimp Alfredo Tonight
Olive Garden’s top-rated shrimp Alfredo is simpler to prepare than you may think. With fresh, quality ingredients and by following the steps carefully, you can’t go wrong. Savor the flavors of garlicky, creamy alfredo sauce enveloping tender pasta and shrimp. Feel free to customize it to your tastes by adding mushrooms, spinach, or extra spices. Impress your family with this homemade version of a restaurant classic. Your kitchen can deliver Olive Garden quality shrimp alfredo, any night of the week.
What Makes Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo so Good?
When you taste this dish, it may seem like it has more ingredients than it actually does. However, the simple ingredients work together perfectly to create a sophisticated flavor.
Whole ingredients are what give the dish its wonderful flavor. They go perfectly with the lightly browned shrimp and al dente pasta. The rich flavor and varying textures of sauce, noodles, and shrimp make an out-of-this-world experience for your palate.
How to Store the Leftovers
After letting the extra shrimp alfredo cool, put it in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Ideally, keep the sauce and pasta separately. Because of the dairy in this dish, I don’t recommend freezing it.
Olive Garden Creamy Shrimp Alfredo | COPYCAT RESTAURANT RECIPES
How to make Olive Garden shrimp Alfredo?
Here’s what you will need for this copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe: Making shrimp Alfredo is not difficult at all. You can make the whole dish in under 20 minutes. If your shrimp is not peeled and deveined, peel and devein the shrimp. Start the pasta water to boil. Make the Alfredo sauce by melting the butter and cream together.
How do you cook shrimp in Alfredo sauce?
Season shrimp with salt and black pepper. Saute shrimp by adding butter to a skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot add chopped garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Saute shrimp on each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp should be pink. When the pasta is done, drain it, and toss it into the Alfredo sauce.
Does Olive Garden have pasta with shrimp?
Yes, Olive Garden has pasta with shrimp. In fact, they serve several dishes with pasta and shrimp, including the shrimp scampi and their shrimp fettuccine alfredo. How Many Calories Are In Shrimp Alfredo From Olive Garden? According to Olive Garden’s website, a large serving of shrimp fettuccini alfredo is 1,450 calories.
How long does it take to cook Olive Garden shrimp Alfredo?
Preparing the Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe at home is a breeze. Set aside approximately 30 minutes for both preparation and cooking, ensuring that your ingredients are measured and ready to go for a seamless cooking experience.