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- Breadsticks. We would have been wholly satisfied if our meal started and ended with Olive Garden's golden brown breadsticks. Sorry, not sorry. The restaurant's breadsticks are a cathartic experience, and the true star of the OG show.
- Chicken & Gnocchi Soup. While you might be tempted to go straight from the free salad to the entrées, Olive Garden actually has a rather impressive selection of homemade soups.
- House Salad. Ok, folks. Now, we've made it to the good stuff. The heart and soul of Olive Garden. As we inch into the top three of our list, we've entered the true reason why we love this place to begin with.
- Sicilian Cheesecake. The roots of the cheesecake are highly debated, but one thing is clear: Do not confuse New York-style cheesecake with the Italian variety.
- Jeanne Paulino
- Lasagna Classico. At the top of the list is a classic Italian specialty, lasagna. Made with melty mozzarella, pecorino romano, and parmesan, as well as Olive Garden's succulent red meat sauce, you'll taste the love in every bit.
- Homemade Soups. You can't go wrong with any of Olive Garden's famous soups. From the creamy Zuppa Toscana and Chicken & Gnocchi offerings to the savory and herbaceous Pasta e Fagioli and Minestrone choices, you may just have to try all four.
- Tour of Italy. Are you indecisive? Order the Tour of Italy, which features three of Olive Garden's most popular dishes (chicken parmigiana, lasagna, and fettuccine Alfredo).
- Chocolate Brownie Lasagna. Sure, this recipe may not appear in a classic Italian cookbook, but trust us when we say Olive Garden's chocolate brownie lasagna is a dessert wonder.
People also ask
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- Minestrone Soup
- Herb-Grilled Salmon
- Spaghetti with Marinara
- Grilled Chicken Margherita
- Create Your Own Pasta: Angel Hair with Marinara
- Gluten-Free Rotini Pasta with Marinara
- Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce
- Shrimp Scampi
- Salad with Signature Italian Dressing
- Sides of Grilled Chicken, Parmesan Broccoli, and A Salad
Another signature item at Olive Garden is a bowl of their soup. You can choose from options like Zuppa Toscana, Chicken and Gnocchi, and Pasta Fagioli, but Lauren Manaker, MS, RDNsuggests the Minestrone if you want something on the healthier side. "This soup is higher on the sodium side, but it is low in fat, contains fiber, and is chock-full of ve...
At first glance, the fat content of this dishmay not seem ideal, but when you take into consideration where the fat is coming from, it changes the nutritional value entirely. "While it is higher in fat than other dishes on the list, it is high in omega-3's, an essential fatty acid we can only obtain from our diet that supports brain and overall hea...
According to Goodson, a classic bowl of Spaghetti With Marinais one of the healthiest pasta options you can get at Olive Garden. "It may be lower in calories and fat than some of the above options, but there is very little protein or vegetables," says Goodson. "So, if you are craving pasta, I recommend this dish and a side of grilled chicken."
"This dishis a fantastic light option featuring grilled chicken and a side of broccoli with no additional carbohydrates, for those looking to cut back," says Goodson. "It's also high in protein, which will help you stay full longer after eating this meal." One thing to watch for when eating at Olive Garden (as well as many other chain restaurants) ...
Olive Garden has a "Create Your Own Pasta" option on the menu, which works well for people with specific dietary restrictions or health goals. If this appeals to you, Manakersuggests going for the Angel Hair Pasta With Marina Sauce. "Pasta is a unique carbohydrate because it is made with only two ingredients, and when made, it creates a lower glyce...
Fear not—you can still enjoy some pasta at Olive Garden even if you can't have gluten. For those needing a gluten-free meal, Sabat suggests the Gluten-Free Rotini with Marinara. "This dish offers 9 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, which is significantly higher than traditional pasta varieties, making it a more filling and satisfying option," ...
Although this dishis loaded with sodium and should maybe be avoided if you're someone watching your salt intake, there is a lot of protein to help keep you full longer. "If you want another pasta option with more protein, the cheese ravioli is your dish, although it does have a higher calorie and fat content than the other dishes," says Goodson. "I...
Opting for a healthier choice at this Italian kitchen doesn't mean you have to steer clear of pasta. For a healthier yet still hearty and comforting pasta meal, try the Shrimp Scampi. "This dish does have a higher carbohydrate value compared to menu items like the salmon and chicken Margherita dish, but it provides a balance of vegetables, protein,...
It's almost impossible to think about Olive Garden without picturing their Signature Salad next to a warm plate of breadsticks. Thankfully, Manaker says this salad option is a great choice because "it is on the lower side when it comes to saturated fat and is packed with refreshing vegetables that help people meet their fiber needs." However, this ...
A more "non-traditional" path you can choose when dining at Olive Garden is ordering a few sides to create a meal. Sabat suggests options for sides like Grilled Chicken, Parmesan Broccoli, and their House Salad, which she says is a great choice "for those mindful of their calorie intake." "The Grilled Chicken stands out as a low-calorie, high-prote...
- Samantha Boesch
- Staff Editor, Healthy Eating
Nov 3, 2021 · Olive Garden's is perfectly adequate, but it's hard to mess up cheese, cream, and pasta. Advertisement Next up was the five cheese ziti al forno, which contains 1,220 calories and costs $16.99.
- Gabbi Shaw
- Patricia Bannan
- Shrimp Scampi. "If you are in the mood for pasta when at Olive Garden, I say go for it," says Keri Gans, RDN, author of The Small Change Diet. "Their shrimp scampi pasta dish, at 510 calories, would be my pick.
- Chicken Margherita. "Chicken dishes at Olive Garden can be a mixed bag. While there are a few healthy choices, many have enough fat, calories and sodium for two meals," says Karen Ansel, RDN, author of Healing Superfoods for Anti-Aging: Stay Younger, Live Longer.
- Minestrone Soup. "Packed with beans, other vegetables and a savory broth, the minestrone soup is a satiating choice with a filling four grams of fiber in one bowl," says Marisa Moore, RDN, Integrative and Culinary Dietitian.
- Cucina Mia. "This create-your-own pasta dish allows you to enjoy the pasta that you're craving but in a more customizable, healthier way," says Amy Gorin, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area.
Jan 15, 2024 · New Olive Garden specials, like their oven baked pastas Lobster Shrimp Mac & Cheese and Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken, are two of the most popular things on their menu. Other good Olive Garden foods include the Lasagna Fritta, Shrimp Scampi, and Olive Garden soups, like Zuppa Toscana and Minestrone.
Oct 7, 2021 · 5. Eggplant Parmesan. Not necessarily a heavy option and one of the healthiest and lightest of the Parmesan dishes, although there is a lot of cheese here, but the flavor combination is just so perfect…cheese, sauce, eggplant. All of it a pairing made in heaven…right there in the Olive Garden kitchen. 4.
