Few sauces can elevate a dish quite like the Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe. With its creamy base, fresh herbs, and rich garlic flavor, this sauce brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. It’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, chicken, seafood, or even roasted vegetables.
What makes it truly special is how simple it is to prepare. The combination of onions, garlic, cream, white wine, and fresh herbs comes together in less than 30 minutes, creating a sauce that’s both elegant and comforting.
If you’ve enjoyed exploring recipes like the Olive Garden Creamy Mushroom Sauce or the ever-popular Olive Garden Alfredo Dip, this garlic herb sauce is a natural next step. It offers a similar richness while delivering a bold, fresh flavor that will impress every time.
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce
This recipe is a keeper because it blends classic Italian flavors with a smooth, creamy texture that’s hard to resist. The garlic and onion lay down the foundation, while parsley and thyme brighten the sauce beautifully.
It’s a versatile sauce that can dress up a simple weeknight pasta or serve as the star of a dinner party. The balance of creaminess with the freshness of herbs makes it a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of meals.
You’ll also love that this recipe is simple yet feels gourmet. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, you’ll find it approachable. Plus, it stores well, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy that restaurant flavor whenever you like.
Ingredients Required for Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe
- 1 brown onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 g flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 3 g thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp clarified butter (28 g)
- 2 tbsp white wine (30 ml) or stock
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt flakes (plus extra to taste)
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper (about 20 grinds)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-based skillet
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Prep time: 9 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
How To Make Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce at home
1. Prep the ingredients: Dice the onion, thinly slice garlic, chop parsley, and strip thyme leaves from stems.
2. Heat the pan: Place a skillet over high heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing butter to melt without burning.
3. Cook the aromatics: Add onions and sweat for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and sauté for 45 seconds.
4. Deglaze: Pour in white wine (or stock), stir, and cook for 1 minute to reduce.
5. Add cream and herbs: Stir in cream, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low.
6. Simmer: Cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Finish: Let simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and serve hot over pasta, chicken, or seafood.
How to Store Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce Properly?
Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring often until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the cream to separate.
What to Pair and Serve with Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce
1. Over Fettuccine Pasta
We’ve ladled this sauce over hot fettuccine, and it’s pure comfort. The creamy garlic flavor clings to the noodles beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying.
2. With Grilled Chicken
One of our go-to pairings is grilled chicken breast topped with this sauce. The smoky char from the chicken balances perfectly with the creaminess of the sauce.
3. Drizzled on Steak
Believe it or not, this sauce pairs wonderfully with steak. We’ve spooned it over medium-rare sirloin, and the garlic-herb flavors take the meat to a whole new level.
4. Seafood Pasta
Shrimp and scallops tossed in this sauce with linguine is a favorite dinner party trick. It feels elegant but comes together effortlessly.
5. On Mashed Potatoes
We once swapped out gravy for this sauce over buttery mashed potatoes, and it was heavenly. The creamy consistency works just like a gourmet topping.
6. As a Pizza Sauce
Instead of tomato, we’ve used it as a base for white pizza. Add mozzarella, mushrooms, and spinach-it’s restaurant-worthy every time.
7. With Roasted Vegetables
Drizzle it over roasted broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower. We tried it on a simple veggie tray once, and it turned into a side dish people couldn’t stop eating.
8. Stuffed Chicken Filling
We’ve spooned this sauce into butterflied chicken breasts before baking. It locks in flavor and makes the chicken incredibly juicy.
9. Over Rice Pilaf
One evening, we poured it over herbed rice pilaf, and it felt like a full gourmet plate. The creaminess soaks into the rice, adding richness.
10. Dipping Sauce for Breadsticks
And of course, we can’t forget breadsticks! Warm, garlicky bread dipped into this sauce is dangerously addictive-we’ve served it as an appetizer, and it always disappears first.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I made this Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce for pasta last night, and wow-it was so creamy and tasty! The garlic and herbs made the kitchen smell amazing. My family loved it, and we had no leftovers. It felt like we were eating at a restaurant!
Tips for This Recipe
1. Chop onions and garlic small so they melt into the sauce.
2. Don’t rush the simmering-this is where the flavor grows.
3. If you don’t have wine, use chicken stock instead.
4. Taste often and add salt or pepper to your liking.
5. Use fresh parsley and thyme for the best flavor.
6. Stir the sauce often so it doesn’t burn at the bottom.
FAQs on Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe.
1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes -I often make it an hour or two before serving. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready, gently reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warm and silky again. Avoid high heat to prevent separation.
2. What if I don’t have or don’t want to use white wine?
No problem. I sometimes swap the 2 tablespoons of white wine with 2 tablespoons of vegetable or chicken stock. You’ll lose a bit of the brightness the wine brings, but the sauce remains rich and satisfying.
3. Can I use a different herb if I don’t have thyme or parsley?
Yes. While parsley and thyme give this sauce its signature Olive Garden touch, you can experiment with basil, oregano, or a bit of rosemary in small amounts. Just add them near the end so they retain their aroma.
4. Does this sauce pair well with the Olive Garden Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe or Olive Garden Alfredo Dip Recipe?
Absolutely. In fact, you can layer or combine – for example, drizzle the garlic herb sauce over pasta that has a light mushroom cream base or use it as a dip alongside the Olive Garden Alfredo Dip Recipe. The flavors complement rather than compete.
5. How thick should the sauce be, and can I adjust the consistency?
After simmering (about 8 minutes, plus a 2-minute finish), the sauce should coat the back of your spoon -rich but pourable. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of cream or stock. If too thin, simmer a little longer, stirring often.
6. Can I make this sauce dairy-free or lower in fat?
You can try substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a blend of cashew cream + plant milk. The texture and flavor shift a bit, and you’ll lose some of the richness, but it still works as a lighter version.
7. Will this sauce keep well in the freezer?
Yes -though with caution. Freeze in an airtight container (leave room for expansion). It can last up to 3 months. When thawing, warm it slowly over low heat and whisk gently; if separation occurs, add a touch of cream or milk.
8. Why does the garlic/herb flavor sometimes taste too sharp or “raw”?
If garlic is overcooked or undercooked, or if herbs are added too early, flavors can lean harsh. In my tests, finely slicing the garlic and adding it after the onions (saute 45 sec) gives smoother garlic flavor. Fresh herbs added toward the end preserve brightness without harshness.
9. Is this sauce vegetarian?
Yes -it is considered vegetarian (no meat) as per Olive Garden’s profile of their Garlic Herb Sauce.
media.olivegarden.com
Keep in mind it contains dairy (cream, butter), so it’s not vegan.
10. What is the best way to serve this sauce?
From experience, this sauce shines when tossed with hot pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine), spooned over grilled chicken or shrimp, or used as a luxurious dip for breadsticks. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
The Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe delivers bold, creamy, and herbaceous flavors that taste straight out of the restaurant kitchen. Whether you’re dressing pasta or pairing it with chicken, it’s a versatile sauce you’ll make again and again.
Try this recipe at home and let it bring that classic Olive Garden touch to your table. Don’t forget to check out our other favorites like the Olive Garden Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe and Olive Garden Alfredo Dip Recipe to expand your sauce-making repertoire!
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