Olive Garden Chicken Pasta: A Creamy Italian-American Classic
Recreate the magic of Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Pasta right in your own kitchen with this foolproof recipe. This creamy, indulgent dish combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce that will transport you straight to your favorite Italian restaurant. The Olive Garden Chicken Pasta has become an American comfort food classic, beloved for its comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
What makes this homemade version special is the ability to control the quality of ingredients while maintaining that signature Olive Garden taste. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates a luxurious sauce that coats every strand of pasta, while the juicy chicken adds protein and heartiness. Whether you’re craving restaurant-quality pasta at home or need an impressive dish for entertaining, this Olive Garden Chicken Pasta delivers on flavor and satisfaction every time.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly nutty flavors from the Parmesan cheese, with a subtle garlic undertone that enhances the chicken.
- Texture: Silky smooth sauce clings to al dente pasta, with tender chicken pieces providing satisfying bites throughout the dish.
- Aroma: The scent of sautéed garlic and simmering cream will fill your kitchen with an irresistible Italian restaurant aroma.
- Visual Appeal: Golden chicken pieces nestled in creamy white sauce with perfectly cooked pasta makes for an elegant presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques that yield impressive results.
- Special Equipment: Just a large skillet and basic kitchen tools needed for this Olive Garden Chicken Pasta.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe is rated easy because it uses basic cooking techniques like sautéing and simmering, with no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Category: Perfect as a main course for dinner, but also great for special occasions or date nights at home.
- Cuisine: Italian-American, inspired by the popular restaurant chain’s signature pasta dishes.
- Cost: Affordable to make at home, costing significantly less than dining out at Olive Garden.
- Season: Excellent year-round, but particularly comforting during cooler months.
- Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving restaurant-quality pasta at home.
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
The taste and texture of this Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe are what dreams are made of. The creamy Alfredo sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly, while the tender chicken adds protein and substance to every bite. The garlic and Parmesan flavors meld together beautifully, creating that signature Olive Garden taste you know and love.
From a convenience standpoint, this recipe comes together in about 40 minutes – faster than driving to the restaurant! All the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and the preparation is straightforward enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for company.
Nutritionally, making this Olive Garden Chicken Pasta at home allows you to control the ingredients. You can use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, adjust the cream content, or increase the chicken for more protein. It’s a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fats that will satisfy your hunger.
For entertaining, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests thinking you ordered takeout from Olive Garden. The presentation is beautiful when garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, making it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Cost-wise, this homemade version saves you money compared to dining out at Olive Garden. You can feed a family of four for about the price of one restaurant portion, with the added benefit of leftovers for lunch the next day.
The Recipe
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
