If you have ever wished to recreate the rich, creamy indulgence of your favorite Italian restaurant right at home, then this Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation. Picture tender, balsamic-marinated steak medallions nestled on a bed of luscious fettuccine tossed in a dreamy Gorgonzola Alfredo sauce with spinach, finished with a tangy balsamic glaze and sun-dried tomatoes. This dish perfectly balances bold flavors and silky textures, capturing the magic of Olive Garden’s famous offering in your own kitchen with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver pan filled with creamy pasta noodles coated in a thick white sauce mixed with pieces of green leafy vegetables. Two black and white spatulas rest inside the pan, one slightly lifted showing more sauce and noodles stuck to it. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. The sauce looks smooth and rich with a slight shine. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Recipe plays a vital role, whether adding creaminess, tang, or color. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor they create together, ensuring every bite is comforting yet sophisticated.

  • 1 pound steak medallions (eye of round recommended): Tender, flavorful meat is the star, marinated to perfection for maximum taste.
  • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that enhances the steak’s natural richness.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
  • 1 pound fettuccine: The silky pasta base that carries all the creamy sauce and toppings.
  • 1/4 pound unsalted butter (1 stick): Creates a luxuriously rich base for the Alfredo sauce.
  • 2 cups heavy cream: Adds decadence and a velvety smooth texture to the sauce.
  • 2 cups spinach: Freshness and color to brighten the dish while complementing the cheese.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A warm hint of spice that enhances the Alfredo’s flavor complexity.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, this cheese grounds the Alfredo sauce with authentic Italian flair.
  • 4 ounces Gorgonzola crumbles: Brings a punch of blue cheese tang that perfectly balances richness.
  • 4 Tablespoons balsamic glaze: A glossy, sweet finish that ties the dish together beautifully.
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Offers a chewy, intensely flavored contrast that elevates every bite.
  • 2 ounces additional Gorgonzola crumbles: For topping and adding bursts of bold flavor as a garnish.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Steak

Start by seasoning your steak medallions with salt and pepper on both sides—this simple seasoning is crucial to bring out the natural meat flavors. Pop them in a ziploc bag with balsamic vinegar and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step infuses the steak with a subtle acidity that brightens the flavor. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the steaks just shy of your preferred doneness since they’ll continue cooking while resting. Resting under foil lets the juices redistribute, keeping the steaks tender and juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Fettuccine

While the steaks are soaking up those balsamic notes, boil your fettuccine according to package instructions until just shy of al dente. Since the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, slightly undercooking it prevents mushiness and ensures perfect texture when plated. Keep a cup of the pasta water handy to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed, which is a handy technique to achieve just the right creaminess.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a wide, tall-sided pan, melt butter into heavy cream over medium heat until fully combined into a rich base. Turn the heat to medium-low and add the nutmeg and fresh spinach. Cooking the spinach here softens it and infuses the sauce with a lovely earthy color. Next, melt in the Parmesan cheese, and importantly, only season with salt and pepper after adding the cheese, as it is naturally salty. This builds a complex, balanced flavor profile in your sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain your pasta and toss it into the luscious Alfredo sauce. Allow it to cook together for a few minutes—this melds the flavors beautifully. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you find that perfect consistency. Then, remove the pan from the heat and fold in the Gorgonzola crumbles gently. Adding the cheese off the heat keeps delightful pockets of bold flavor instead of having all the cheese melt away.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Divide the creamy pasta onto plates or bowls, then crown each with those glorious balsamic-marinated steak medallions. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, scatter sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle extra Gorgonzola crumbles on top. These toppings provide vivid color contrasts and bursts of sharp, tangy flavor that complete this indulgent dish with flair.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Recipe

A white bowl holds a layer of creamy spaghetti pasta at the bottom with a smooth, light yellow sauce mixed with bits of green herbs, creating a soft texture. On top, there is a layer of dark brown, cooked slices of meat with a slightly crispy surface. Scattered around and on the meat are small pieces of white cheese crumbles and deep red sun-dried tomato strips. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled over everything, giving contrast and freshness. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes are what take this recipe from creamy comfort food into an experience. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tart shine that is irresistible alongside the richness of the sauce, and the sun-dried tomatoes bring chewy bursts of savory intensity. Those extra Gorgonzola crumbles add an extra layer of tang and texture, making every forkful dynamic and exciting.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh side options such as a Caesar salad or roasted asparagus. The freshness and crunch of these sides cut through the richness, balancing your plate and rounding out the meal. A crusty Italian bread also makes a perfect companion to sop up every bit of that heavenly sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the steak medallions right on top. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of green. You can even lightly toast pine nuts sprinkled over the dish to add an alluring crunch and nutty aroma. Presentation is part of the joy, so have fun dressing it up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the pasta and steak separately in airtight containers. Keeping the steak apart prevents it from becoming overly soggy while the creamy sauce stays luscious. Refrigerate for up to three days to enjoy the next day without sacrificing much on texture or flavor.

Freezing

Freezing cheesy, creamy sauces can be tricky but not impossible. For best results, freeze the Alfredo pasta in a freezer-safe container without the steak or garnishes. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. Avoid freezing the marinated steak to preserve its texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking or clumping. Adding a little reserved pasta water or cream helps loosen the sauce as it warms. Reheat the steak medallions separately in a low-temperature oven wrapped in foil to maintain tenderness without overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use different types of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While eye of round is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, sirloin or ribeye medallions also work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time according to thickness and your preferred doneness.

Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness, but you can substitute half-and-half combined with a bit more butter for a lighter version. Keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as velvety or thick.

How spicy is this dish?

This Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Recipe is mild, focusing on creamy, tangy, and savory flavors rather than heat. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for a gentle kick if you like some spice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the steak and boost the dish with extra sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. The Gorgonzola Alfredo sauce is rich enough to stand on its own as a satisfying vegetarian meal.

What’s the best way to get the steak as tender as Olive Garden’s?

Marinating the steak in balsamic vinegar and letting it rest after cooking are key steps. Also, avoid overcooking by removing the steak slightly before your desired doneness since it will finish cooking while resting. This helps retain the steak’s juiciness and tenderness.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the warm comfort and sophisticated flavor of this Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Recipe to treat yourself or impress guests with minimal effort but maximum wow factor. Every forkful brings together creamy, tangy, and savory notes that will have your family or friends asking for seconds. So don your apron and dive into this delicious recreation—you just might find a new favorite weeknight indulgence!

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Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Recipe

Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 86 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender steak medallions marinated in balsamic vinegar, tossed in a luscious Alfredo sauce with spinach, Parmesan, and nutmeg, topped with gorgonzola crumbles, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s an indulgent yet approachable recipe that perfectly balances savory steak flavors with creamy, cheesy pasta and tangy accents.


Ingredients

Steak

  • 1 pound steak medallions (eye of round recommended)
  • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Alfredo Sauce & Pasta

  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • 1/4 pound unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 4 ounces gorgonzola crumbles

Toppings

  • 4 Tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 ounces gorgonzola crumbles


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Steak: Season both sides of the steak medallions generously with salt and pepper. Place them in a zip-top bag along with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Seal and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Cook the Steak: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the steak medallions and cook to your desired doneness, noting times will vary depending on thickness. Remove the steaks and cover with foil to rest; they’ll continue to cook slightly during this time.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions, stopping just shy of al dente as the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.
  4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan or wide skillet with high sides, combine the butter and heavy cream. Heat over medium until butter melts into the cream.
  5. Add Spinach and Nutmeg: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in ground nutmeg and fresh spinach. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the spinach is completely wilted.
  6. Incorporate Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season the sauce carefully with salt and pepper; Parmesan adds saltiness so add salt sparingly and to taste.
  7. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the sauce and toss to coat well. Let it cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it. If too thin, cook a little longer to thicken.
  8. Add Gorgonzola: Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in 4 ounces of gorgonzola crumbles. This preserves the cheese’s chunkiness instead of melting it completely into the sauce.
  9. Plate and Garnish: Divide pasta among plates or bowls. Top each serving with rested steak medallions. Garnish with 4 tablespoons balsamic glaze, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, and an additional 2 ounces of gorgonzola crumbles for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Marinating the steak for longer deepens flavor but can be done in as little as 30 minutes if short on time.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed; it helps to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Use fresh grated Parmesan for best flavor.
  • To prevent overcooking steak, remove from heat just before your target doneness and let rest covered.
  • Gorgonzola can be adjusted to taste; more for a stronger blue cheese flavor.
  • Substitute sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor or dry-packed rehydrated for less fat.

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