Easy Copycat Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe

This Easy Copycat Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe tastes just like the rich, ultra-creamy pasta you get at the restaurant—only faster and cheaper to make at home. It’s a cozy, cheesy bowl of comfort that hits the spot for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever the carb cravings strike.

If you’ve ever sat at Olive Garden wishing you could take home a vat of their insanely creamy mac and cheese, good news—you can whip up the same magic in your own kitchen.

This homemade version nails that velvety, cheesy sauce and tender pasta without any fuss, and honestly, it might even beat the restaurant.

It’s quick to make, kid-approved, and the kind of comfort food you’ll gladly “accidentally” make too much of just so you have leftovers waiting in the fridge.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Ultra-creamy and cheesy: Just like the restaurant version.
• Quick and easy to make: Perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinners.
• Kid-approved comfort food: A hit with picky eaters and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add bacon, breadcrumbs, or extra cheese to your taste.
• Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully without losing creaminess.

Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: Tender pasta that holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for creamy, restaurant-style texture.
• Milk: Provides creaminess and helps blend the cheese sauce smoothly.
• Heavy cream: Makes the mac and cheese extra rich and decadent.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheese for classic mac and cheese flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey texture and creamy cheese stretch.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor boost to sauce.
• Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
• Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and flavor depth to the dish.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory aromatic flavor for restaurant-style taste.

How To Make Olive Garden Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 3: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until every noodle is coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, creamier sauce.
• Cook pasta al dente so it holds up well in the sauce and doesn’t get mushy.
• Whisk the roux thoroughly to prevent lumps when adding milk and cream.
• Low and slow cheese melting ensures the sauce stays velvety without separating.
• Add seasonings gradually: Taste as you go to balance salt, pepper, and garlic flavor.
• Optional mix-ins: Bacon, breadcrumbs, or extra shredded cheese make it extra indulgent.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore creaminess.
• Freezer: Place cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Tips: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back the creamy texture. Stir well to avoid clumps and ensure even warming.

Easy Copycat Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe Faqs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives a creamier sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. Make the mac and cheese, store in the fridge, and reheat just before serving.

Can I freeze Olive Garden–style mac and cheese? Yes! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What pasta works best? Elbow macaroni is classic, but cavatappi or shells work well too, holding the creamy sauce nicely.

Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins? Sure! Bacon, breadcrumbs, or extra cheese make it more indulgent. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg for depth.

Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes, it’s creamy, cheesy, and loved by kids and adults alike—perfect for weeknights or potlucks.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating? Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream and stirring frequently to restore creaminess.

More Copycat Olive Garden Recipes

• olive garden chicken scampi
• olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe
• olive garden stuffed ziti fritta
• olive garden chicken marsala recipe
• olive garden creamy garlic sauce
• air fryer copycat olive garden chocolate lasagna
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• air fryer copycat olive garden shrimp alfredo
• air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
• air fryer olive garden toasted ravioli
• instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
• air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella

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