When you think of a delicious and creamy restaurant pasta sauce, Outback Steakhouse’s Alfredo sauce might come to mind.
Making it is simpler than you think, and the secret lies in perfecting the balance between cream, butter, and cheese.
I love this recipe because it brings the classic restaurant flavor without needing complex ingredients or techniques.
Make sure to use fresh quality parmesan for the best flavor, and keep the heat low to avoid burning the cream.
How to Make Outback Steakhouse Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently.
Ensure it doesn’t brown.
Step 2:
Pour in the heavy cream and milk.
Stir well to combine thoroughly.
Step 3:
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.
Keep the heat low to combine without boiling.
Step 4:
Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Keep stirring until well mixed.
Step 5:
Allow the Alfredo sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Remove from heat.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Parmesan
Using freshly grated Parmesan will give the sauce a more authentic and indulgent flavor, unlike pre-packaged cheese.
Adjust Thickness
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes, until you reach the desired consistency.
Spice Level
For a bit of extra spice, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper, but remember this will add more heat.
Keep it Smooth
Whisking continuously when adding the cheese ensures a smooth transition without the cheese clumping or sticking.
Garlic Flavor
If you love a strong garlic flavor, feel free to increase the garlic powder or even add freshly minced garlic for an extra kick!
What to Serve with Outback Steakhouse Alfredo Sauce Recipe
When you’re preparing a delicious Outback Steakhouse Alfredo sauce, you might be wondering what fantastic sides will complement it best.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is always a classic choice!
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s perfect for soaking up every bit of that luscious Alfredo sauce.
Sautéed Spinach
A serving of sautéed spinach can add a bright green touch to your dish.
Its slight bitterness balances the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables
Consider roasting some seasonal vegetables for a wholesome experience.
A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes brings color and texture to your plate.
Lemon Herb Salad
A fresh lemon herb salad can cut through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Refreshing and zesty, it adds a burst of flavor to the meal.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus drizzled with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a delightful crunch.
Grilling enhances its natural flavors and pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
With each of these options, you’re guaranteed to give your Outback Steakhouse Alfredo sauce a variety of flavors and textures!
Variations and Substitutions
Cream Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
Using evaporated milk is another option that still gives richness without the extra calories.
This will still keep your sauce creamy and indulgent!
Cheese Options
Try using a mix of cheeses!
Parmesan is classic, but adding Romano or Asiago can add a unique twist.
It’s fantastic to change things up depending on what you have on hand.
Vegetarian Variations
For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken or shrimp.
Consider tossing in roasted veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
These additions can be really delicious.
Spice and Flavor Adjustments
Feel free to play with seasonings to suit your taste.
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper gives it a bit of heat.
You’d be surprised how a little spice can kick it up a notch!
How to Store Leftover Outback Steakhouse Alfredo Sauce Recipe
You’ve whipped up a fabulous batch of Outback Steakhouse Alfredo sauce, and now you’ve got some leftovers.
Storing your creamy delight correctly will ensure it stays delicious!
Refrigeration
Keep the sauce in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge smells.
The creamy sauce will last for up to four days in the refrigerator.
It’s crucial to let the sauce cool down to room temperature before storing it.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe bag or container and leave some space for expansion.
The Alfredo sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing
When you’re ready to use the sauce again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Avoid using the microwave or hot water to thaw, as it can alter the texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta
Cooking pasta too long can result in a mushy texture, which doesn’t pair well with Alfredo sauce.
Make sure to cook your pasta to al dente according to the package instructions.
Keep a timer handy to avoid lost track of time, which can be a real lifesaver!
Using Low-Quality Cream
The richness of Alfredo sauce comes from high-quality cream.
Using a low-fat version may affect the taste and texture of your sauce.
Invest in fresh, heavy cream to get that authentic, creamy experience!
Ignoring the Seasoning
Seasoning can make or break your Alfredo sauce.
Many people forget to taste their sauce before serving, which can lead to a bland dish.
Have a taste test and adjust your salt, pepper, or even nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
I encourage you to experiment a bit and find your perfect balance!
Outback Steakhouse Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently.
- Ensure it doesn’t brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk.
- Stir well to combine thoroughly.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.
- Keep the heat low to combine without boiling.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Keep stirring until well mixed.
- Allow the Alfredo sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat.
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