Olive Garden Seafood Alfredo Recipe

A plate of seafood alfredo is always a good idea, especially when the sauce is homemade a la copycat Olive Garden!

The key to a smooth and creamy sauce is using fresh Parmesan and stirring constantly to keep it from breaking.

I always season the shrimp and scallops lightly before cooking them, so they stand out against the rich pasta.

A little bit of pasta water mixed into the sauce keeps it from getting too thick and helps it cling to every strand.

Instead of just tossing the seafood in at the end, I like to let it simmer for a minute in the sauce to soak up more flavor.

With a warm bowl of this in front of me…sorry, I’m not sharing!

How to Make Olive Garden Seafood Alfredo

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Ingredients

• 12 oz. Fettuccine Pasta
• 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 lb Scallops
• 1/2 lb Mussels (cleaned)
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Sauté the garlic until fragrant.

Step 3:

Add the shrimp, scallops, and mussels to the skillet.

Cook until the shrimp turns pink and the mussels open.

Remove the seafood and set aside.

Step 4:

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and heavy cream.

Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 5:

Toss the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce and seafood.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

The Right Pasta

Choose a quality fettuccine or linguine for the best texture in this dish.

The pasta should be cooked just al dente, as it will continue to soften in the sauce.

Fresh Is Best

Using fresh seafood adds a depth of flavor that frozen options can’t match.

Select seafood that is firm and smells like the ocean for the best results.

Balancing the Sauce

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.

This can help create a silky and smooth consistency that clings to the pasta.

Cheese Choice

Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan to enhance the overall texture and flavor.

Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent smooth melting.

Enjoy Experimenting

Feel free to swap or add seafood like lobster or crab!

This dish is versatile, and creativity is always a welcome addition.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Seafood Alfredo

Garlic Bread

There’s nothing quite like enjoying your homemade Olive Garden Seafood Alfredo with a side of warm garlic bread.

The softness and flavor of the garlic butter pair perfectly with the creamy Alfredo sauce, making each bite feel like a little slice of heaven.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad complements the richness of seafood Alfredo beautifully.

It provides a crunchy texture contrast and the dressing adds just the right touch of zest to the meal.

You can even throw in some homemade croutons to make it extra special.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is a simple yet tasty side dish that pairs wonderfully with seafood Alfredo.

It adds a touch of healthy green to your plate, while the roasted flavor contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta dish.

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

For something a little different, consider serving a tomato and mozzarella salad. The fresh,

bright flavors of ripe tomatoes and the creaminess of mozzarella cheese work beautifully alongside the dish.

A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top takes it to another level.

Lemon and Herb Couscous

Looking to try something fresh and unique?

A lemon and herb couscous might be your go-to side dish.

The light, fluffy texture combined with lemon zest and fresh herbs adds vibrant flavors, making it an interesting complement to the rich seafood Alfredo.

Let your taste buds embark on a mini adventure with these fresh pairings!

Hope you have as much fun making and serving them as you do eating them! Enjoy!

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Choices

Switching the cheese can transform your Alfredo!

If Parmesan feels a touch pricey, Romano provides a savory alternative.

Use it just as you would Parmesan for a slightly different, yet delicious taste.

Seafood Options

Feel free to mix up your seafood choices.

Shrimp, scallops, or even lobster work beautifully in the Alfredo sauce.

Experiment with what you enjoy most.

Garlic Variations

You can adjust garlic levels based on your preference.

Fresh garlic adds a punch, but you can use pre-minced garlic for convenience.

For a richer flavor, consider roasted garlic.

Lighten It Up

Want a lighter version?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.

It won’t be quite as creamy, but it will still be tasty.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Seafood Alfredo

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious meal, you’ll want to store the leftovers properly to retain that creamy goodness.

Use airtight containers to keep the pasta from drying out and absorbing other smells from the fridge.

Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers as soon as possible, ideally within two hours after serving, to keep it fresh and tasty.

Airtight Container

Place your seafood alfredo in an airtight container to help it maintain its flavor and texture.

Dividing the pasta into individual portions within separate containers could make it easier for later meals.

Refrigeration Time

You can confidently store your seafood alfredo in the fridge for up to three to four days.

Remember, the quicker you refrigerate it, the better it will stay fresh for those lazy dinner nights.

Avoid Freezing

Avoid freezing as it can severely affect the creaminess, causing the dish to separate.

If absolutely necessary, you can freeze it for up to one month, but be prepared for a change in texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Seafood

One common mistake is overcooking the seafood which can make it tough and chewy.

Keep a close eye on shrimp and scallops; they only need a few minutes to cook!

Imagine your seafood just tender and perfectly cooked. That’s the goal!

Incorrect Alfredo Sauce Consistency

Another mistake is not achieving the right sauce consistency.

If your sauce is too thick, it can overwhelm the dish, while a watery sauce lacks the creamy embrace we love.

Use cream and Parmesan to adjust it!

Skipping Fresh Ingredients

Using stale or processed ingredients can compromise flavor.

Always opt for fresh garlic, butter, and cheese to enhance the dish.

They make a world of difference in taste and aroma!