Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe

There’s something irresistibly heartwarming about Italian cuisine, isn’t there? It’s as if each dish is made not just with ingredients but with stories, traditions, and a touch of love. Among the myriad of flavors that Italian cooking offers, there is one particular recipe that holds a special place in my heart—the Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce. With its rich, aromatic blend of garlic and herbs, this sauce can transform a simple meal into an enchanting culinary experience.

How to make Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce

Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce is a flavorful blend typically made with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It’s often used as a dressing or marinade and can accompany various dishes, enhancing their taste with a rich, aromatic profile.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter: This forms the rich, creamy base of your sauce.
• 2 tablespoons of finely minced garlic: The heart and soul of the sauce, garlic adds depth and warmth.
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the sauce to its ideal consistency.
• 1 cup of heavy cream: Adding a silky texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1 cup of whole milk: To balance the richness of the cream.
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the sauce with its characteristic Italian flair.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt: To elevate the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper: Just enough for a subtle kick.
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: Incorporates a nutty, cheesy complexity that’s hard to resist.

Instructions:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Be attentive and not let it brown, as we want to preserve its creaminess.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1 minute or until it’s fragrant but not browned. The key here is to coax out the garlic’s aroma without letting it become bitter.
3. Roux Time: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic, whisking continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for removing the raw flour taste and preparing the base of your sauce.
4. Whisk in Dairy: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while continuously whisking to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps. This gradual addition is vital for achieving the perfect texture.
5. Season: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
6. Let it Simmer: Bring the mixture to a slow simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Cheese Please: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Tips:

• Garlic Quality: Using fresh garlic can make a big difference. Pre-minced garlic in jars can save time, but for the best flavor, opting for fresh cloves is preferable.
• Consistency Control: The sauce will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can whisk in a little more milk over low heat until you reach your desired consistency.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your sauce once it’s nearly done and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the Parmesan will also add saltiness.
• Serving Suggestions: This Garlic Herb Sauce is incredibly versatile. Drizzle it over pasta, use it as a base for pizzas, or even as a dip for breadsticks or vegetables.

What to serve with

The Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce is a delightfully versatile condiment that can transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces with its rich, aromatic flavor profile.

Pasta Dishes

• Fettuccine Alfredo: Replace the traditional Alfredo sauce with the Garlic Herb sauce for a flavorful twist on this classic dish. The Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce clings to the long strands of fettuccine, delivering a deliciously creamy bite every time.
• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: Elevate this simple garlic and oil spaghetti by adding a generous pour of the Garlic Herb Sauce for a creamy version of the classic.
• Ravioli or Tortellini: Stuffed pasta filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables becomes even more indulgent when served with this creamy sauce. The garlic and herbs accentuate the fillings’ flavors.

Protein Accompaniments

• Grilled Chicken or Steak: Brush the Garlic Herb Sauce over grilled chicken breasts or steak for a finishing touch that adds moisture and bursts of flavor.
• Baked Salmon: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the rich, fatty texture of salmon, complementing its natural flavors without overpowering them.
• Meatballs: Whether served as an appetizer or a main course with pasta, meatballs drizzled with Garlic Herb Sauce become irresistibly fragrant and tasty.

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the sauce over an assortment of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a creamy accent that enhances their natural sweetness.
• Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: Elevate simple steamed vegetables by tossing them in the sauce before serving, adding a rich layer of flavor that makes eating your greens a decadent affair.
• Mashed Potatoes: Mix the Garlic Herb Sauce into your mashed potatoes for a creamy, garlicky twist on this comforting side dish.

Bread

• Garlic Bread: Brush the Garlic Herb Sauce onto slices of crusty bread before toasting for an ultra-garlicky version of garlic bread.
• Breadsticks or Focaccia: Use the sauce as a dip for fresh, warm breadsticks or a slice of focaccia for a delightful start to any meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of the Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce gives you the opportunity to adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences, allergies, or simply what you have on hand.

Heavy Cream

• Light Cream or Half-and-Half: You can use light cream or half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce, though the sauce may be less thick.
• Coconut Milk: A dairy-free alternative with a subtle coconut flavor, making it a good choice for those avoiding dairy. Use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess.
• Cashew Cream: For a vegan substitute, cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews with water can provide a similar creamy texture.

Butter

• Margarine: Can be used as a direct substitute for butter if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. However, the flavor might slightly differ.
• Olive Oil: If you’re out of butter, olive oil can be a healthier option, though it will change the flavor profile of the sauce to be a bit lighter and fruitier.

Garlic

• Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that garlic powder is more concentrated, so start with a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic the recipe calls for and adjust to taste.
• Jarred Minced Garlic: A convenient alternative to fresh garlic. One teaspoon is roughly equivalent to one clove of garlic.

Italian Seasoning

• Make Your Own Blend: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own by mixing together equal parts of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Adjust the mix according to your preference.
• Herbes de Provence: This French herb blend is a suitable alternative, although it includes lavender not typically found in Italian seasoning.

Parmesan Cheese

• Pecorino Romano: Another hard, aged cheese, Pecorino Romano is slightly saltier but can be used in equal amounts as a substitute for Parmesan.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free, vegan option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your taste since its flavor is different from Parmesan.

Flour (for Thickening)

• Cornstarch: A gluten-free alternative for thickening. Use half the amount of cornstarch as you would flour, dissolved in a little cold water before adding.
• Arrowroot Powder: Another gluten-free thickener that works well in sauces. Use in the same way as cornstarch.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the secret to making a mouthwatering Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce right in your kitchen. Remember, the true beauty of Italian cooking lies in the joy of the process and the love you pour into each dish. 

More Olive Garden Recipes:

• Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara Recipe

Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 0 gram fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of finely minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of heavy cream: Adding a silky texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1 cup of whole milk: To balance the richness of the cream.
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt: To elevate the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper: Just enough for a subtle kick.
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Be attentive and not let it brown, as we want to preserve its creaminess.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1 minute or until it's fragrant but not browned. The key here is to coax out the garlic's aroma without letting it become bitter.
3. Roux Time: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic, whisking continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for removing the raw flour taste and preparing the base of your sauce.
4. Whisk in Dairy: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while continuously whisking to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps. This gradual addition is vital for achieving the perfect texture.
5. Season: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
6. Let it Simmer: Bring the mixture to a slow simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Cheese Please: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.