Instructions:
- Prep Work:
- Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
- Grate the Parmesan and Romano cheeses.
- Mince the garlic.
- Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Start with the Butter:
- In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, but be careful not to brown the garlic.
- Create the Base:
- Whisk in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer without boiling.
- Add the cream cheese and continue to whisk until it is fully incorporated.
- Introduce the Cheeses:
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk and all-purpose flour until the flour is completely dissolved.
- Slowly pour the milk-flour mixture into the sauce while continuing to whisk, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Simmer to Perfection:
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the desired thickness.
- Check and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- You can add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
- Serve Warm:
- Once the Alfredo sauce has reached the desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat.
- Serve the sauce immediately over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine.
- Optional Garnish:
- For an extra touch, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more whole milk.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes and accompaniments to suit your taste.
Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-inspired Alfredo sauce that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor! This recipe serves as a delightful homage to the classic dish from the popular Italian-American restaurant.