Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce (COPYCAT) Let the sauce simmer as long as you can! Please note the cream cheese is optional, we add it to aid in thickening the sauce. Olive Garden does not use cream cheese. 1 pint of Heavy Cream 1 stick of butter 2 Tbsp. Cream Cheese 1/2 - 3/4 C. Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. Garlic powder In a saucepan combine butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Simmer this until all is melted, and mixed well. Add the Parmesan cheese and Garlic powder. Simmer this for 15 - 20 minutes on low. You may wish to season with a little salt and pepper. I have done this with half- and-half, but we prefer the heavy cream. But I wouldn't try it with plain milk.