Olive Garden is one of the most beloved Italian-American restaurant chains, known for its delicious pasta dishes, hearty entrees, and famous breadsticks.
For many diners, the Olive Garden’s Classic Entrees Menu is the heart of their dining experience, offering a variety of traditional Italian-inspired meals that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you love creamy Alfredo, rich tomato-based sauces, or grilled meats, Olive Garden’s menu has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Olive Garden’s Classic Entrees Menu, breaking down popular dishes, pricing, and the flavors that make them stand out. We’ll also provide useful tips on how to get the best value for your meal and how to customize your dish to fit your dietary needs.
Olive Garden’s Classic Entrees Menu with Prices
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular classic entrees offered at Olive Garden:
Pasta Specialties
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Creamy Parmesan sauce over fettuccine pasta | $16.99 | 1,200 |
| Spaghetti with Meatballs | Traditional marinara sauce with meatballs over spaghetti | $14.99 | 1,080 |
| Five Cheese Ziti al Forno | Baked pasta with five cheeses and marinara | $16.49 | 1,220 |
| Chicken Alfredo | Grilled chicken over fettuccine Alfredo | $18.99 | 1,480 |
| Shrimp Scampi | Garlic butter sauce with shrimp and angel hair pasta | $19.49 | 800 |
Meat & Seafood Entrees
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
| Chicken Parmigiana | Breaded chicken with marinara and melted cheese | $19.99 | 1,090 |
| Grilled Chicken Margherita | Lemon butter sauce, mozzarella, and basil | $18.99 | 660 |
| Herb-Grilled Salmon | Served with Parmesan garlic broccoli | $21.49 | 580 |
| 6 oz. Sirloin Steak | Grilled to order and served with vegetables | $20.99 | 620 |
These prices and calorie counts may vary by location, so always check with your nearest Olive Garden for the most up-to-date details.
What Makes Olive Garden’s Classic Entrees Stand Out?
1. Authentic Italian Flavors
Olive Garden has spent decades perfecting its recipes to ensure an authentic yet accessible Italian-American dining experience. The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients, such as imported cheeses, house-made sauces, and fresh herbs, to enhance every dish.
2. Generous Portions
One of the reasons why customers keep coming back is the large portion sizes. Most entrees are served in hearty portions, making them perfect for sharing or taking home for leftovers.
3. Endless Breadsticks & Salad
Every classic entree comes with unlimited breadsticks and salad, a signature Olive Garden feature that adds incredible value to your meal.
4. Customization Options
Customers can modify their meals to fit dietary preferences by:
- Choosing gluten-free pasta options.
- Requesting lighter sauces for a healthier meal.
- Adding or substituting proteins for an extra boost.
Best Olive Garden Classic Entrees for Different Preferences
For Cheese Lovers: Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
If you love cheese, this dish is a must-try. It’s a baked pasta dish loaded with five types of cheese and a rich marinara sauce, making it one of the most indulgent entrees on the menu.
For Seafood Enthusiasts: Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is a light yet flavorful dish featuring angel hair pasta, garlic butter sauce, and succulent shrimp. It’s perfect for those who enjoy seafood but want something less heavy.
For Meat Lovers: Chicken Parmigiana
A classic Italian favorite, Chicken Parmigiana features crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served with a side of pasta.
For Health-Conscious Diners: Herb-Grilled Salmon
If you’re looking for a protein-packed and low-carb option, the Herb-Grilled Salmon is an excellent choice. It comes with Parmesan garlic broccoli, making it a nutritious yet flavorful meal.
Pro Tips for Ordering at Olive Garden
- Take Advantage of Lunch Specials
Olive Garden offers lunch-sized portions of classic entrees at a lower price, making it an affordable way to enjoy your favorite dishes. - Join the Olive Garden Rewards Program
Signing up for Olive Garden’s eClub gives you access to exclusive discounts, free appetizers, and birthday rewards. - Consider the Take-Home Entrees
For just a few extra dollars, Olive Garden allows guests to order take-home pasta entrees, providing even more value for your meal. - Ask for Substitutions
If you have dietary restrictions, don’t hesitate to ask your server for customizations, such as gluten-free pasta or extra vegetables instead of pasta.
FAQs About Olive Garden’s Classic Entrees Menu
1. Does Olive Garden offer gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Olive Garden offers gluten-free rotini, which can be substituted in many pasta dishes.
2. What is the most popular entree at Olive Garden?
The Chicken Alfredo is one of Olive Garden’s best-selling dishes, loved for its creamy sauce and tender grilled chicken.
3. Can I get extra sauce or cheese on my entree?
Absolutely! Olive Garden is happy to provide extra sauce or cheese upon request.
4. Are there vegetarian options on the Classic Entrees Menu?
Yes, options like Five Cheese Ziti al Forno and Fettuccine Alfredo are great vegetarian choices.
5. Is there a way to get Olive Garden entrees at a discount?
Joining the Olive Garden eClub and ordering from the Lunch Menu are great ways to save money on your favorite dishes.
Final Thoughts
Olive Garden’s Classic Entrees Menu is packed with flavorful dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re craving cheesy pasta, a rich tomato-based dish, or a healthy grilled protein, there’s something for everyone.
Next time you dine at Olive Garden, use this guide to pick the perfect entree for your taste. And don’t forget to enjoy the unlimited breadsticks and salad that make every meal even more satisfying!
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