What if you could recreate Olive Garden’s famous Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo at home in just a few easy steps? This homemade weeknight dinner features tender steak and rich gorgonzola cheese in a creamy sauce. Save this idea for a quick and delicious family favorite meal to enjoy any night of the week, try it soon.

Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of steak, the creaminess of Alfredo sauce, and the tanginess of Gorgonzola cheese, all in one delicious and easy-to-make recipe. The Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo is a creative twist on traditional Italian cuisine, using everyday ingredients to create a flavorful and impressive meal. This recipe is perfect for those who want to elevate their dinner game without spending hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of steak, Gorgonzola, and Alfredo sauce creates a rich and creamy flavor profile that is both decadent and accessible.
• Ease of preparation: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation and flavor of this dish are sure to impress, despite the relatively simple preparation and cooking process.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include grilled steak, Gorgonzola cheese, Alfredo sauce, fettuccine pasta, and fresh parsley. For the steak, you can use any cut you prefer, but ribeye or sirloin work particularly well. Gorgonzola cheese can be substituted with other blue cheeses, such as Roquefort or Parmesan, if desired. Alfredo sauce can be made from scratch or store-bought, depending on your preference. Fettuccine pasta is the traditional choice for Alfredo sauce, but other long, flat noodles can be used as a substitute. Fresh parsley adds a bright and freshness to the dish, but can be omitted or substituted with other herbs if desired.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, slice the grilled steak into thin strips and set aside. Crumble the Gorgonzola cheese into small pieces and chop the fresh parsley.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the Alfredo sauce over medium heat until warmed through. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the Alfredo sauce.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced steak to the skillet and toss to combine with the pasta and Alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: To serve, divide the pasta and steak mixture among four plates. Top each plate with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients, particularly the steak and Gorgonzola cheese, will greatly impact the flavor and texture of the dish.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is essential for this dish, as it provides a nice texture contrast to the creamy Alfredo sauce and tender steak.
• Let the steak rest: After grilling the steak, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to retain its tenderness.

Heat Control

When cooking the steak, it’s essential to control the heat to achieve the perfect level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook the steak to an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, cook to an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the fresh parsley and the texture of the steak. To achieve a nice crunch, make sure to chop the parsley just before serving and slice the steak against the grain. You can also add other crunchy elements, such as toasted pine nuts or chopped bell peppers, to the dish if desired.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking the steak and pasta, as it retains heat well and can be used at high temperatures.
• Don’t overload the skillet: Cook the pasta and steak in batches if necessary, to prevent the skillet from becoming overcrowded and the ingredients from steaming instead of searing.
• Add a splash of acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar can add a bright and refreshing touch to the dish.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers: Cooked pasta and steak can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freeze for later: Cooked pasta and steak can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.
• Use airtight containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers to prevent the ingredients from drying out and to keep the flavors fresh.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a gift for a foodie friend. Consider packaging the ingredients in a gift basket or a decorative container, along with a recipe card and a bottle of wine. You can also package the cooked dish in a microwave-safe container and include a set of utensils and a napkin for a convenient and delicious meal on-the-go.

Flavor Variations

• Different proteins: Substitute the steak with chicken, shrimp, or pork for a different twist on the dish.
• Creative toppings: Add some creativity to the dish with toppings such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped fresh herbs.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap out the Gorgonzola cheese with other blue cheeses, such as Roquefort or Parmesan, or use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the pasta is overcooked, it can become mushy and unappetizing. To fix this, try cooking the pasta for a shorter amount of time or using a different type of pasta that holds its texture better.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have Gorgonzola cheese, you can substitute it with other blue cheeses or even feta cheese. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley or omit it altogether.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the steak is overcooked, it can become tough and dry. To fix this, try cooking the steak for a shorter amount of time or using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the perfect internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, cooked pasta and steak can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this dish contains gluten due to the presence of pasta. However, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free alternatives to make the dish gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and ingredient quantities accordingly.

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy flavor profile, tender steak, and crunchy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal preparation and cooking time. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your dinner guests!