Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo – Restaurant-Quality Comfort Food
If you love Italian cuisine and crave the luxurious flavors of a steakhouse meal, this Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo recipe is a must-try. This restaurant-inspired dish pairs tender, marinated steak with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, tangy gorgonzola cheese, and fresh spinach over a bed of fettuccine pasta. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a family feast, this dish delivers indulgence in every bite.
The balance of savory steak, velvety Alfredo sauce, and sharp gorgonzola creates an explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to an Olive Garden dining experience. By following this simple yet elegant recipe, you can enjoy the timeless combination of steak and pasta, all from the comfort of your own home.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Rich, creamy, and savory with tangy bites from gorgonzola cheese.
- Texture: Juicy, tender steak pairs perfectly with silky Alfredo sauce and al dente pasta.
- Aroma: Buttery garlic, Parmesan, and grilled beef create an irresistible fragrance.
- Visual Appeal: The golden Alfredo sauce with vibrant spinach and perfectly seared steak make this dish feast-worthy.
- Skill Level Needed: Suitable for home cooks comfortable with multi-step recipes.
- Special Equipment: A grill pan or cast-iron skillet for searing steak to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This **steak gorgonzola Alfredo** is incredibly rich and comforting. The creamy sauce enveloping each strand of pasta enhances the umami of the perfectly grilled steak, making every bite indulgent. The touch of balsamic glaze adds just the right amount of tangy contrast.
Not only is this a restaurant-quality dish, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare at home. With a bit of planning and the right ingredients, you can achieve a professional-grade meal that rivals Olive Garden’s version. This recipe is great for special occasions or a satisfying weekend dinner.
Gorgonzola cheese gives this dish its bold character. Its tangy, slightly salty taste perfectly complements the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring that every mouthful is packed with dynamic flavors. If you love blue cheese, you’ll appreciate how gorgonzola melts into the pasta dish, offering complexity and depth.
Restaurant meals can be expensive, but this homemade version helps you save money without compromising taste. You can create a luxurious pasta dish using affordable cuts of steak and pantry-friendly ingredients with total control over the quality and portion sizes.
This recipe is also highly adaptable. Whether you prefer a lighter sauce or extra cheese, modifications are easy. You can swap out fettuccine for other types of pasta or adjust the steak seasoning according to personal preference.
Essential Techniques
- Perfectly Searing the Steak: Use high heat and a heavy skillet to achieve a nice sear while locking in the juices.
- Making Silky Alfredo Sauce: Simmer the sauce over low heat while constantly stirring to prevent separation.
- Balancing the Balsamic Glaze: Reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
- Cooking Pasta to Al Dente: Boil fettuccine until just tender, ensuring it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
The Recipe
Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Grill pan or cast-iron skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Whisk for mixing Alfredo sauce
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Tongs for handling steak
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless sirloin steaks
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Directions
- Prepare the steak: Season both sides of the sirloin steaks with salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Let them marinate for 15 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Boil fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Grill the steak: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, whole milk, and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Incorporate gorgonzola: Add crumbled gorgonzola cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted.
- Combine ingredients: Toss the fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce, then add fresh spinach and let it wilt slightly.
- Make balsamic glaze: In a small pan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey until thickened.
- Assemble the dish: Plate the fettuccine, top with steak slices, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Recipe Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
- Substitute blue cheese if gorgonzola isn’t available.
- Use ribeye or filet mignon for a more indulgent version.
