Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Olive Garden is well-known for its indulgent Italian-American dishes, and one of its crowd-pleasers is the Chicken Alfredo Pizza. This decadent creation combines the creamy Alfredo sauce from their iconic pasta dish with the beloved comfort of pizza. With tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo Pizza is an irresistible dish that you can recreate at home. In this article, we'll guide you through making a homemade version of this popular dish, complete with tips and variations.

Ingredients for Olive Garden-Style Chicken Alfredo Pizza

To recreate Olive Garden's Chicken Alfredo Pizza, you'll need a handful of fresh ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: Homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference.
• Alfredo Sauce: Olive Garden's signature Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy. You can either make your own or use a high-quality jarred version.
• Chicken Breasts: Grilled or sautéed, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella for that classic pizza gooeyness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and flavor to the Alfredo sauce.
• Garlic: Minced, to enhance the sauce’s depth.
• Butter and Heavy Cream: For a homemade Alfredo sauce base.
• Olive Oil: To brush the dough and cook the chicken.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to add more flavor.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own version of Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo Pizza at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature to make it easier to roll out. For a homemade dough, combine flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt, then knead until the dough is smooth. Let it rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size. Once ready, roll the dough out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

To recreate Olive Garden’s creamy Alfredo sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to fit your pizza stone or baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the prepared surface, then brush the crust with a little olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven. Spread an even layer of Alfredo sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the Alfredo sauce. Then, arrange the sliced chicken evenly across the pizza. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese on top of the pizza before baking.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake it for an additional minute or two.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. For a fresh finish, garnish the pizza with chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-style Chicken Alfredo Pizza.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Here are some tips to ensure your pizza turns out as delicious as Olive Garden’s:

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, grate your own Parmesan and mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Cook the Chicken Ahead of Time: Pre-cooking the chicken ensures that it’s tender and fully cooked when the pizza comes out of the oven.
• Don’t Overload the Pizza: While it’s tempting to add lots of toppings, too many can weigh down the pizza and make the crust soggy.

Variations on Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pizza

You can personalize your Chicken Alfredo Pizza with various ingredients and twists:

• Spinach and Mushroom Alfredo Pizza: Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms to the pizza for a vegetarian-friendly option or to add more flavor and texture alongside the chicken.
• Bacon and Chicken Alfredo Pizza: For a smoky twist, add crispy bacon pieces on top of the Alfredo sauce and chicken.
• Four Cheese Alfredo Pizza: For extra cheesiness, add provolone, fontina, and gouda cheeses to the mix along with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Pairing Suggestions for Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pizza

To round out your meal, pair your Chicken Alfredo Pizza with these complementary sides and drinks:

• Salad: A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the pizza.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks on the side for dipping into any leftover Alfredo sauce.
• Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce and savory chicken.

The Health Aspect of Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Though Chicken Alfredo Pizza is a rich and indulgent dish, there are a few ways to make it a bit lighter:

• Use a Whole Wheat Crust: Swapping traditional dough for a whole wheat version adds fiber and nutrients.
• Light Alfredo Sauce: Make a lighter Alfredo sauce by using half cream and half low-fat milk, or substitute some of the cream with Greek yogurt.
• Add Veggies: Incorporating vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can increase the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers for the best flavor and texture:

• Storage: Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pizza on a baking sheet. Bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo Pizza is the perfect indulgent dish that combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza. By following these steps and tips, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this pizza is sure to be a hit. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, Chicken Alfredo Pizza is a must-try for any pizza lover.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the pizza? Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saving option. Just slice it into thin pieces and add it to the pizza.

2. What type of dough works best for Alfredo's pizza? Traditional pizza dough or even a thin crust dough works well, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free dough depending on your dietary needs.

3. Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the Alfredo sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before spreading it on the pizza.

4. What other cheeses can I use for Chicken Alfredo Pizza? You can mix in cheeses like fontina, provolone, or gouda for a different flavor profile, but mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional and work best for texture and flavor.

5. Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Pizza? Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pizza or freeze individual slices after baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn.