Today is National Fettuccine Alfredo Day {Copycat Olive Garden}

This is the ultimate pasta comfort food recipe. A popular dish that I make occasionally is Fettuccine Alfredo. I've made it for many years using various recipes. This one is a copycat of the Olive Garden recipe.

A few years ago our paths crossed with Rich and Kristi Heinz! They both shared this recipe "Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce" in their 2003 Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lanesville, Indiana Cookbook.

A copy of this book was given to me to help replace my loss of several hundred cookbooks during Hurricane Katrina.  When we want a no meat meal this is the first choice! My husband prefers to have meat with his meals so I add chicken and sometimes shirmp for him.  I've included my twist to this recipe with my grilled shrimp and chicken.

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(Olive Garden) Alfredo Sauce with grilled shrimp and chicken

1 pt. heavy cream (half & half can be used but not milk)

1 Stick of butter
2 T. cream cheese
1/2-3/4 c. Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder or fresh minced garlic

salt & pepper to taste

In saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream & cream cheese. Simmer this until all is melted and mixed well. Add the Parmesan cheese and garlic. Simmer for about 15-20 min. on low.

While the sauce is simmering I make my pasta. You can use whatever you like. Cook according to pkg instructions.

 If we are having meat I then grill the shrimp and chicken breast strips. I rub McCormick Grill Mates Seafood RUB on both the shrimp and chicken. The seasoning is just right! This savory, sweet, spicy blend of garlic, rosemary, lemon peel, chili peppers and cedar smoke flavor gives seafood a bold, flavorful crust that seals in juices. and it seals in the moisture of the meats!  

Grill shrimp 3-5 minutes & chicken 6-8 minutes.  Final step is to toss the pasta with the sauce. I usually leave a little leftover for dipping with the breadstick or garlic bread. This is a yummy dish. If you have anything to share I would love to hear it. I'm always up to trying new recipes!