Olive Garden has long been synonymous with family-style dining, generous portions, and of course, an ever-popular Italian menu. Since its founding in 1982, this American chain has become known for its comfortable Tuscan-inspired decor, unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, and a menu that balances tradition with innovative twists. In this guide, we’ll focus on the Olive Garden Classic Entrées Menu, walk through its must-try dishes, share nutritional insights, discuss customization options, and even offer tips for ordering healthier choices without sacrificing taste.
Olive Garden Entrées Menu with Prices
Chicken Alfredo – $20.99
This dish features tender, grilled chicken served atop fettuccine pasta smothered in Olive Garden’s signature Alfredo sauce—a blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter. The sauce is prepared fresh daily, offering a luxurious creaminess that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta.
Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara – $22.99
A fusion of flavors, the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara combines sautéed chicken, plump shrimp, and bacon with spaghetti tossed in a creamy carbonara sauce. It is enhanced with roasted red peppers that add a subtle hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
Shrimp Carbonara – $23.99
Shrimp Carbonara is a delightful seafood twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. It features succulent shrimp sautéed with crispy pancetta, all tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
Chicken Parmigiana – $20.79
Chicken Parmigiana offers a classic Italian-American twist on a beloved dish. Breaded chicken breasts are lightly fried and topped with a generous helping of homemade marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Tour of Italy – $22.99
This dish offers smaller portions of three classic dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo. This trio allows guests to experience a variety of flavors in one sitting, making it an ideal choice for families or those visiting for the first time.
Shrimp Alfredo – $21.79
A seafood take on the classic Alfredo, where succulent shrimp are mixed into the fettuccine Alfredo for an added oceanic twist.
Ravioli Carbonara – $18.49
Cheese-filled ravioli baked with a creamy carbonara sauce and bacon, offering a delightful twist to traditional carbonara.
Lasagna Classico – $19.29
Classic baked lasagna with layers of pasta, cheese, and homemade meat sauce—perfect for those who prefer something with a lighter touch of ricotta combined with robust flavors.
Family-Style Lasagna Bundle (Serves 4-6) – $63.99
This hearty bundle features Olive Garden’s signature Lasagna Classico—layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and a blend of cheeses, including mozzarella and ricotta. Baked to golden perfection, it’s accompanied by a fresh House Salad and a dozen of their famous garlic breadsticks, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or special occasions.
Spaghetti & Meatballs – Starting at $16.78
This plate features al dente spaghetti tossed in either meat sauce or marinara, topped with tender meatballs that are delicately seasoned with Italian herbs and spices.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – $12.99
For vegetarians or those who prefer a lighter sauce, Olive Garden offers spaghetti tossed in a hearty meat sauce.
Spaghetti with Marinara – $12.99
Spaghetti tossed in classic marinara sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo – $16.79
Fettuccine Alfredo features tender fettuccine noodles enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce crafted from butter, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic. The simplicity of its ingredients belies the depth of flavor, offering a luxurious and comforting dining experience.
Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo – $23.29
This indulgent dish features Asiago cheese-filled tortelloni baked in Olive Garden’s homemade Alfredo sauce, complemented by a blend of Italian cheeses and toasted breadcrumbs. It’s crowned with sliced grilled chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala – $20.99
A hearty dish featuring grilled chicken breasts stuffed with Italian cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with a creamy Marsala mushroom sauce. Served with a side of mashed potatoes, this entrée offers a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo – $22.29
A luxurious fusion of flavors, this dish features tender grilled sirloin steak medallions atop a bed of fettuccine pasta, all enveloped in a creamy Alfredo sauce infused with tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Accented with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it offers a harmonious blend of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy notes.
Shrimp Scampi – $21.29
Sautéed shrimp tossed in a garlic sauce with angel hair pasta.
Seafood Alfredo – $22.79
This dish combines tender fettuccine noodles with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Topped with a medley of succulent seafood, including shrimp and scallops, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – $18.49
A comforting baked pasta dish featuring ziti noodles enveloped in Olive Garden’s signature five-cheese marinara sauce. This indulgent entrée is topped with a generous layer of melted Italian cheeses, creating a rich and flavorful experience.
Cheese Ravioli – $17.49
This dish features tender pasta pillows filled with a rich blend of Italian cheeses. Guests can choose between a savory homemade marinara sauce or a hearty meat sauce made with pan-seared beef and Italian sausage, all topped with melted mozzarella for a satisfying finish.
Chicken Scampi – $21.29
This dish featuring tender chicken tenders sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and red onions, all enveloped in a creamy garlic and white wine sauce. Served over angel hair pasta, this entrée offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Eggplant Parmigiana – $17.99
A classic Italian-American dish that features hand-breaded eggplant slices, lightly fried and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s served with a side of spaghetti, making it a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option.
Grilled Chicken Margherita – $20.49
This dish features tender grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil pesto, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce. The dish is accompanied by Parmesan garlic broccoli, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Herb-Grilled Salmon – $21.99
This dish features a tender, 6 oz salmon fillet seasoned with Italian herbs and grilled to perfection. It’s topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter and served alongside Parmesan garlic broccoli, offering a light yet satisfying meal.
6 oz. Sirloin – $20.79
This dish is a tender, grilled steak topped with savory garlic herb butter. It’s served with a side of Parmesan garlic broccoli, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal. For those seeking a heartier option, it can be paired with creamy fettuccine Alfredo.
Nutritional Information & Dietary Considerations
| Menu Items | Calories | Allergen |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Alfredo | 1,570 cal | |
| w/ grilled chicken | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten | |
| w/ crispy chicken fritta | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy | |
| Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara | 1,370 cal | Dairy, Crustacea (crab, lobster, shrimp), Wheat, Gluten, Soy, Sulfites |
| Shrimp Carbonara | 1,200 cal | Dairy, Crustacea (crab, lobster, shrimp), Wheat, Gluten, Sulfites |
| Chicken Parmigiana | 1,020 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Tour of Italy | 1,550 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Shrimp Alfredo | 1,470 cal | Dairy, Crustacea (crab, lobster, shrimp), Wheat, Gluten, Sulfites |
| Ravioli Carbonara | 1,390 cal | Dairy, Eggs, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Lasagna Classico | 940 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Family-Style Lasagna Bundle (Serves 4-6) | 6,700 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Spaghetti & Meatballs | 970 – 1,120 cal | Dairy, Eggs, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | 640 cal | Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Spaghetti with Marinara | 490 cal | Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | 1,310 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten |
| Chicken Tortelloni Alfredo | 1,980 cal | Dairy, Eggs, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Stuffed Chicken Marsala | 1,090 cal | No info |
| Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo | 1,580 cal | No info |
| Shrimp Scampi | 490 cal | Dairy, Crustacea (crab, lobster, shrimp), Wheat, Gluten, Soy, Sulfites |
| Seafood Alfredo | 1,450 cal | Dairy, Crustacea (crab, lobster, shrimp), Mollusk (mussel, oyster, scallop), Wheat, Gluten, Sulfites |
| Five Cheese Ziti al Forno | 1,170 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Cheese Ravioli | 780 – 860 cal | |
| No Sauce | Dairy, Eggs, Wheat, Gluten | |
| w/ sauce | Dairy, Eggs, Wheat, Gluten, Soy | |
| Chicken Scampi | 1,050 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy, Sulfites |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | 1,070 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy |
| Grilled Chicken Margherita | 650 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Soy, Sulfites |
| Herb-Grilled Salmon | 610 cal | Dairy, Fish |
| 6 oz. Sirloin | 980 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten |
Dishes on the Olive Garden Entrées menu are typically high in carbohydrates (from pasta) and include significant amounts of saturated fat (from cheese and cream-based sauces). Here are a few tips if you’re navigating dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Options: Olive Garden offers vegetarian choices such as Spaghetti with Marinara and Eggplant Parmigiana.
- Gluten Sensitivity: For those with gluten concerns, Olive Garden’s Gluten-Sensitive Menu includes options like Gluten-Free Rotini. Always check with your local restaurant for specific allergen information.
- Protein Boosts: To balance a high-carb entrée, consider adding lean proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, both of which are featured on several items.
Customization & Ordering Options
One of the great appeals of the Olive Garden Classic Entrées Menu is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, or even requesting catering for a family event, there are numerous ways to tailor your meal.
Customizing Your Dish
Pasta Choices:
Most classic entrées allow you to swap the type of pasta. For instance, you might exchange spaghetti for fettuccine or even choose from options like angel hair, rigatoni, or gluten-free rotini.
Sauce Options:
Instead of the traditional Alfredo, consider substituting with a marinara, five-cheese marinara, creamy mushroom, or even a meat sauce, depending on your dietary preferences and taste.
Toppings & Add-Ons:
If you’re looking for a heartier entrée, Olive Garden often permits protein add-ons. For example, on a Fettuccine Alfredo (vegetarian or classic), you might add grilled chicken, extra sautéed shrimp, or even a side of meatballs for additional flavor and protein.
Portion Control:
For those mindful of portion sizes and calories, consider sharing an entrée or opting for the lunch-sized favorites, which typically have lower calorie counts while still delivering on taste.
Ordering Methods
Dine-In Experience:
There is something undeniably special about the dine-in experience at Olive Garden. The warm, inviting atmosphere—the aroma of freshly baked breadsticks, the rustic Tuscan decor, and the friendly service—enhances the overall dining experience. The servers are typically knowledgeable about the menu, and you can even ask for dietary modifications in real time.
Takeout & Delivery Options:
In the age of convenience, Olive Garden offers robust takeout and delivery services through their website and mobile apps. This is particularly useful if you want to enjoy your favorite entrée at home. Keep an eye out for special offers like the “Take Home Entrées” (a budget-friendly option that is pre-chilled and designed to be reheated).
Catering & Family-Style Meals:
Olive Garden is also popular for its family-style meals. If you’re planning a gathering, the Family-Style Meals menu offers bundled servings that feed groups of 4–6 (or even larger parties) at competitive prices. These bundles often include an entrée, sides, and the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks combo that has become a trademark of the brand.
Healthy Choices at Olive Garden
While many classic entrées are rich and indulgent, Olive Garden has made strides in offering healthier alternatives. Healthier Entrée Options.
Spaghetti with Marinara (Vegetarian):
At approximately 490 calories per serving, this dish is one of the healthier staples on the menu. Its tomato-based marinara sauce has far less saturated fat compared to cream-based sauces. To make it a more balanced meal, you can ask for a side of grilled vegetables or extra salad.
Shrimp Scampi:
Another lighter option is Shrimp Scampi, which features sautéed shrimp tossed in a garlic sauce with angel hair pasta. With a moderate calorie count and a solid protein profile (roughly 29 grams of protein), this dish provides a satisfying yet lighter alternative.
Herb-Grilled Salmon:
Although higher in fat, the Herb-Grilled Salmon offers beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and ample protein, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers. Pair it with a side salad to round out your meal.
Minestrone Soup:
For those on a calorie-controlled diet, start your meal with a bowl of minestrone—a vegetable-based soup loaded with fresh ingredients and only around 110 calories per serving. It’s an excellent way to curb your appetite before indulging in a main course.
Pairing Your Entrée with Other Menu Items
The Olive Garden dining experience is not complete without its famous sides and appetizers. Many diners enjoy pairing their entrée with a combination of soups, salads, and breadsticks. Here’s how to get the most out of your meal:
Soup, Salad & Breadsticks Combo
No trip to Olive Garden is truly complete without the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks offer—a deal that has made the chain famous.
Soup Options:
- Zuppa Toscana: A creamy and slightly spicy option with Italian sausage and potatoes.
- Minestrone: A light and vegetable-packed soup perfect for a healthy starter.
- Chicken & Gnocchi: A creamy, chicken-based option that is both hearty and satisfying.
Salad:
The Olive Garden house salad is made with crisp greens, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and pepperoncini. It is typically tossed in a signature Italian dressing that has remained a fan favorite over the years.
Breadsticks:
Freshly baked every 15 minutes, these breadsticks are warm, garlicky, and lightly salted—perfect for dipping in marinara, Alfredo, or five-cheese marinara sauce.
Appetizers to Enhance Your Meal
If you want to supplement your entrée, consider trying one of the following:
- Fried Mozzarella: A crispy starter served with marinara for dipping.
- Stuffed Ziti Fritta: A unique twist on classic ziti, offering a crunchy texture with melted cheese inside.
- Calamari: Lightly breaded and fried, served with a spicy ranch or marinara, these are great if you’re a seafood fan.
Pairing an entrée with these menu items ensures a varied texture and flavor profile throughout your meal—balancing the richness of the entrée with fresh and lighter sides.
Conclusion
For those who appreciate authenticity mixed with modern convenience, the Olive Garden Classic Entrées Menu delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re dining in with family, sharing a meal with friends, or ordering takeout on a busy day, this menu is designed to please—and to keep you coming back for more.