32 Olive Garden Copycat Recipes (2024)

Home Recipes Cuisines European Italian

32 Olive Garden Copycat Recipes (1)

ByRachel Seis and Katie Bandurski

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Aug. 10, 2024

    Whether you're hankering for keep-'em-coming breadsticks, a sky-high layered lasagna or a sweet slice of tiramisu, you can bring your favorite Olive Garden recipes home with these copycat recipes that taste just like their Italian inspirations.

    1/30

    Inspired by: Olive Garden’s Cheese Ravioli

    I love to bake and cook, especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family’s favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan. If you like this, learn how to make Olive Garden’s black tie mousse cake.

    Get Our Recipe for Homemade Ravioli

    2/30

    32 Olive Garden Copycat Recipes (2)

    Inspired by: Olive Garden’s Breadsticks

    Fresh, buttery and oh-so delicious, these copycat Olive Garden breadsticks taste just like the real deal. Plus, they can be on the table in less than an hour! —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

    Get Our Recipe for Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

    3/30

    Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Fettuccine Alfredo

    This easy Alfredo sauce is creamy, comforting and coats fettuccine noodles in fine fashion. This recipe is wonderful as is, but sometimes I like to add sliced fresh mushrooms and black olives that have been sautéed in butter and garlic. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana

    Get Our Recipe for Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo

    4/30

    32 Olive Garden Copycat Recipes (4)

    Inspired by: Chocolate Brownie Lasagna

    Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna is truly something else. It’s one thing to have a brownie with tangy cream cheese frosting slathered on top (orswirled in the batter). It’s a whole other ball game to multiply that four times. —Molly Allen

    Get Our Recipe for Chocolate Lasagna

    5/30

    Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

    After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I’m making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California

    Get Our Recipe for Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

    6/30

    32 Olive Garden Copycat Recipes (6)

    Inspired by: Olive Garden’s Chicken Marsala

    This classic recipe is a staple at Italian restaurants everywhere. Perhaps it’s the juicy, tender chicken breasts, or maybe it’s the flavorful, slightly sweet, mushroom wine sauce. Not to mention the side of creamy, dreamy fettuccine Alfredo. Whatever the reason, it’s a dish that we love to eatand love to make at home. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

    Get Our Recipe for Copycat Chicken Marsala

    7/30

    Hearty Pasta Fagioli Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Pasta e Fagioli

    Here’s an Italian favorite made easier by using prepared spaghetti sauce and canned broth for the flavorful base. —Cindy Garland, Limestone, Tennessee

    Get Our Recipe for Hearty Pasta Fagioli

    8/30

    Best Lasagna Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Lasagna Classico

    Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can’t go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois

    9/30

    Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Sicilian Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping

    The creamy texture and lovely look of this strawberry cheesecake always get compliments. —L.C. Herschap, Luling, Texas

    Get Our Recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake

    10/30

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Chicken Parmigiana

    My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants for years. I found this cheesy chicken parmesan recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making this at home. After 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy making his favorite recipes. -Lola Butler, Sun City, California

    Get Our Recipe for Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana

    11/30

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Toasted Ravioli

    While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin

    Get Our Recipe for Toasted Ravioli

    12/30

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Raspberry Lemonade

    Here’s a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Get Our Recipe for Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate

    13/30

    Stuffed Shells Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

    More cheese, please! You’ll get your fill from saucy jumbo pasta shells loaded with four kinds—ricotta, Asiago, mozzarella and cottage cheese. Do the prep work, and then freeze according to the recipe directions to have a ready-to-bake meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Get Our Recipe for Four-Cheese Stuffed Shells

    14/30

    Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Shrimp Alfredo

    I make this spicy shrimp pasta a lot because it’s a something my family never seems to get tired of. The sauce is so fast to make I can get it done while the fettuccine is cooking. In the past, I have added red peppers and spinach, but who’s to say you could not add mushrooms or more or less spice. —Stephanie Beluk, Sharpsburg, Georgia

    Get Our Recipe for Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

    15/30

    Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    I tasted chicken gnocchi soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here’s the delicious result! It’s wonderful on a cool evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California

    Get Our Recipe for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    16/30

    Marinara Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Marinara Dipping Sauce

    My mother, who was Italian American, called marinara sauce “gravy.” She made this marinara sauce recipe in big batches several times a month, so it was a staple on our dinner table. A mouthwatering aroma filled the house each time she cooked it. —James Grimes, Frenchtown, New Jersey

    Get Our Recipe for Marinara

    17/30

    Amaretto Margarita Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Italian Margarita

    With this amaretto margarita, add a touch of Italian flair to the classic lime drink. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

    Get Our Recipe for Amaretto Margarita

    18/30

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Herb-Grilled Salmon

    My roasted salmon is so simple but elegant enough to serve to company. I make it on days when I have less than an hour to cook. The salmon seasoning is an easy way to add flavor. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York

    Get Our Recipe for Herb-Roasted Salmon Fillets

    19/30

    Super Italian Chopped Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Famous House Salad

    Antipasto ingredients are sliced and diced to make this substantial chop salad. I like to buy sliced meat from the deli and chop it all up so you can get a bit of everything in each bite. —Kim Molina, Duarte, California

    Get Our Recipe for Super Italian Chopped Salad

    20/30

    Eggplant Parmesan Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Eggplant Parmigiana

    We really like eggplant and would rather have it baked than fried. This can be served as a side dish or main dish. —Donna Wardlow-Keating, Omaha, Nebraska

    Get Our Recipe for Eggplant Parmesan

    21/30

    32 Olive Garden Copycat Recipes (21)

    Inspired by: Olive Garden’s Minestrone Soup

    It’s hard to not go overboard when you’re at Olive Garden. From the Never Ending Pasta Bowls to the all-you-can-eat breadsticks andtiramisu for dessert, it’s pretty much a carbapalooza. Luckily, for people who want a lighter option, there’s Olive Garden minestrone soup. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

    Get Our Recipe for Minestrone

    22/30

    Meaty Spaghetti Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    My homemade spaghetti sauce got rave reviews, but it was so time-consuming to make on the stovetop. My family loves this flavorful slow-cooker version. —Arlene Sommers, Redmond, Washington

    Get Our Recipe for Meaty Spaghetti Sauce

    23/30

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Tiramisu

    Instead of using coffee and rum, I let cinnamon shine in this tiramisu. It’s best if eaten within two days—if it even lasts that long! —Cathy Geniti, Saratoga Springs, New York

    Get Our Recipe for Hot Chocolate Tiramisu

    24/30

    Stuffed Chicken with Marinated Tomatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Grilled Chicken Margherita

    I invented this roast chicken to prove goat cheese really is delish. I served it to my skeptical family without telling them, and they gobbled it up. But any soft cheese will do. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, DE

    Get Our Recipe for Stuffed Chicken with Marinated Tomatoes

    25/30

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Seafood Alfredo

    My guests usually can't believe I prepared this meal myself. The rich, creamy main dish features plenty of seafood flavors with a hint of garlic and lemon. Frozen peas and a jar of Alfredo sauce make it a simple supper that will be requested time and again. —Melissa Mosness, Loveland, Colorado

    Get Our Recipe for Seafood Alfredo

    26/30

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Rotini with Meat Sauce

    My husband loves pasta; I cringe over the messy dishes. On Spaghetti Day, as he calls it, I make a one-pot saucy rotini that keeps everyone happy. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

    Get Our Recipe for One-Pot Saucy Beef Rotini

    27/30

    Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Alfredo Dipping Sauce

    When I found out I had celiac disease and couldn’t have fettuccine Alfredo, I was determined to figure out a way to re-create it. I mix this homemade alfredo sauce with gluten-free multigrain pasta, but you can use any style of pasta. —Jackie Charlesworth Stiff, Frederick, Colorado. You can use this sauce to make Asiago tortelloni alfredo with grilled chicken.

    Get Our Recipe for Homemade Alfredo Sauce

    28/30

    Best Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona

    Get Our Recipe for Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

    29/30

    Shrimp Marinara Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Spaghetti with Traditional Marinara and Sautéed Shrimp

    Flavorful marinara sauce simmers for just a few hours. Right before mealtime, toss in the shrimp to cook quickly. Serve over hot spaghetti for a delicious weeknight dish that feels dressed up. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin

    Get Our Recipe for Shrimp Marinara

    30/30

    Sopaipillas Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden's Warm Italian Doughnuts

    Light, crispy pastry puffs, sopaipillas are a sweet way to round out a spicy meal. They make a nice winter dessert served warm and topped with honey or sugar. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas

    Get Our Recipe for Sopaipillas

    Up Next: Copycat Olive Garden Soups, Salad and Breadsticks

    Originally Published: November 30, 2021

    Author

    Rachel Seis

    As a former deputy editor for Taste of Home, Rachel spent close to a decade diving deep into the world of food. Currently, Rachel is the dining critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel where she covers the local food scene, from newly opened restaurants to the behind-the-scenes of Season 21 of Top Chef, which was primarily filmed in Milwaukee.

    Read More

    Author

    Katie Bandurski

    As Taste of Home's senior shopping editor, Katie connects readers with the best gifts, kitchen gear and home items on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments. Before joining the shopping team, Katie worked as a digital staff writer at Better Homes & Gardens and on the Taste of Ho...

    Read More

    32 Olive Garden Copycat Recipes (31)

    32 Olive Garden Copycat Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the breadstick rule at Olive Garden? ›

    Olive Garden does have a policy on breadsticks. Typically, a server is supposed to bring one stick per person plus one extra for the first basket. After that, the rule of thumb is one breadstick per person. Here are the sneaky menu tricks that influence your order.

    Does Olive Garden cook their food in house? ›

    The Microwave Isn't Olive Garden's MVP

    The only dishes that arrive at the restaurants fully prepared and frozen, then microwaved to order, are the desserts. Everything else on the menu is made in-house, including the soups and sauces, which are prepared fresh each day.

    Does Olive Garden make their food homemade? ›

    One anonymous employee told PopSugar that the signature soups (like Pasta e Fagioli, Chicken & Gnocchi, Zuppa Toscana, and Minestrone) are made each day, explaining they "are made by hand and from scratch every morning using fresh, whole ingredients such as kale, peppers, and squash." In a Quora thread, a server at ...

    Did Olive Garden discontinue cannelloni? ›

    They took it off the menu YEARS ago.

    Should you refrigerate Olive Garden breadsticks? ›

    Tips for Keeping Your Breadsticks Fresh

    Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming stale. Keep them at room temperature: Store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days.

    Are Olive Garden breadsticks really unlimited? ›

    The all-you-can-eat item most famously associated with the brand are its breadsticks. With the purchase of any entree, your server will refill your bread basket upon request throughout your meal free of charge.

    Does Olive Garden make their soup fresh every day? ›

    Yes, every morning. A large vat of each flavor is started very early in the morning, then vacuum sealed in large bags and kept in a warmer until needed. This keeps it warm and fresh without burning/overcooking. As it takes 2–3 hours to make the soup, it can run low by the end of the day.

    Why is Olive Garden salad so good? ›

    The Olive Garden salad is a delightful combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, tangy pepperoncini, and savory olives. However, what truly sets this salad apart is the signature Olive Garden dressing.

    Are Olive Garden lunch portions smaller? ›

    That means that the lunch item is almost 50% smaller than the dinner option, which is a pretty notable size difference.

    Does Olive Garden make their sauces from scratch everyday? ›

    At Olive Garden, many of the most beloved items are prepared fresh each day, including the sauces.

    Does Olive Garden use frozen ingredients? ›

    In fact, many popular restaurants regularly use frozen meat and even chefs at top restaurants often use some frozen ingredients like seafood, french fries, and certain hard-to-get vegetables. So, does Olive Garden use frozen food? Of course.

    What is unique to Olive Garden? ›

    The dishes we're known for.

    Our signature garden salad and freshly baked breadsticks with Never Ending servings of your choice of homemade soup.

    Why did Olive Garden get rid of mushroom ravioli? ›

    Stuffed Pasta On Limited Supply

    The promos and the discontinuation of Olive Garden's giant stuffed shells are part of the chain tweaking its menu. In 2023, it discontinued its stuffed mushroom ravioli -- another stuffed pasta causality of the chain-shifting focus.

    Why did Olive Garden stop the Never Ending pasta Bowl? ›

    Olive Garden decided to ditch the Never Ending Pasta Bowl in 2021, when its restaurants were busy and short-staffed. Same-store sales that quarter exceeded the same period in 2019, the last time the promo ran.

    Does Olive Garden use parmesan or Romano? ›

    Olive Garden offers cheese at the table, the grated cheese is Romano cheese, a sheep's milk cheese that is similar to the cow's milk derived Parmesan. Romano tends to be stronger in flavor and saltier, but both are popular choices to adding to pasta dishes.

    Do you have to ask for breadsticks at Olive Garden? ›

    Although it's had plenty of opportunities to clamp down on its free breadstick policy over the years, Olive Garden is still sticking fast to its guns today. As long as you order an entrée from the menu, fresh breadsticks are guaranteed with no questions asked.

    What is the maximum hold time for breadsticks? ›

    Once the breadsticks are shaped, cover them well (so they don't dry out) and place in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature as the oven preheats before baking as the recipe directs. If the breadsticks haven't doubled in size yet, allow them to sit at room temperature until doubled.

    Why does Olive Garden give out free breadsticks? ›

    It's a nice gesture meant to welcome you into the restaurant, while the following baskets are more of a professional courtesy. From a business standpoint, this makes sense. After all, Olive Garden can't exactly be giving out overflowing baskets full of breadsticks away for free.

    Can you reheat Olive Garden breadsticks in the bag? ›

    Following those instructions, leave the breadsticks right in the same bag in which they were sent home, pop them into a 350 F oven, and bake until they are warm and soft. That should be about five minutes.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Kerri Lueilwitz

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5918

    Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

    Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Kerri Lueilwitz

    Birthday: 1992-10-31

    Address: Suite 878 3699 Chantelle Roads, Colebury, NC 68599

    Phone: +6111989609516

    Job: Chief Farming Manager

    Hobby: Mycology, Stone skipping, Dowsing, Whittling, Taxidermy, Sand art, Roller skating

    Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.