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20 Best Items on the Olive Garden Catering Menu

Whether you’re hosting a large event, going for a potluck party, or just looking to feed your family, the Olive Garden catering menu offers something for everyone.

Featuring some of the most delicious Italian-American dishes, the catering menu at Olive Garden includes pasta, lasagna, chicken, seafood, pork, and beef items.

Each catering order from Olive Garden typically serves between 4 – 6 people.

If you love Olive Garden’s soups, salads, appetizers, and breadsticks, you’ll be happy to know that you can order most of them as part of your catering order.

You have the option to pick up the food or use their convenient delivery service. However, if you choose the delivery option, there is a $100 minimum for catering orders.

Planning a party can be a lot of work, but we’re here to help with your research!

In this article, we’ve compiled the 20 best items from the Olive Garden catering menu you should order for your next event!

Chicken & Gnocchi Half-Gallon Soup (Serves 6) / One-Gallon Soup (Serves 12)

Olive Garden’s Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is a great, flavorful combination of tender chicken, Italian gnocchi dumplings, and spinach.

Its creamy Alfredo soup base is made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter, adding an exquisite balance to these ingredients that makes for a delicious meal.

The flavors in this soup are perfectly balanced.

The chicken is cooked with succulent moistness, while the spinach has a delicately tender texture without being mushy.

Depending on how many people you’re feeding, you can order a half-gallon or one-gallon container.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

230 calories, 11g protein, 22g carbohydrates, 12g fat

Pasta e Fagioli Half-Gallon Soup (Serves 6) / One-Gallon Soup (Serves 12)

Experience the warmth of a hug in a bowl with Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli Soup.

This savory and sweet soup features a hint of spice, making it an ideal indulgence all year round, especially when temperatures dip lower.

It is crafted from nourishing ingredients such as ground beef, diced tomatoes, white and red beans, carrots, celery onions, and tubetti pasta simmered together in a tomato broth base.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

150 calories, 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, 5g fat

Minestrone Half-Gallon Soup (Serves 6) / One-Gallon Soup (Serves 12)

If you’re in the mood for a classic Italian soup with a tasty flavor, look no further than Olive Garden’s Minestrone Soup.

This delicious vegetable broth is crafted from tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, beans, and kidney beans – plus herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley to add extra zing.

Warming yet light enough not to weigh down your stomach with heavy cream or dairy ingredients generally found in Zuppa Toscana or Chicken & Gnocchi Soup.

It is also a great option if someone in the group is lactose intolerant and can’t have any dairy products.

It’s the perfect simple but filling meal for any occasion.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

110 calories, 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, 1g fat

Zuppa Toscana Half-Gallon Soup (Serves 6) / One-Gallon Soup (Serves 12)

Let your taste buds explore a savory Tuscan-inspired journey of flavors with this soup.

This soup will tantalize your palate with spicy Italian sausage, russet potatoes, and fresh kale in a creamy broth.

The sausage is flavorful, and the kale adds a nice texture to the soup.

And the potatoes are cooked just right – not too soft, but still tender and succulent.

Overall, the blend is slightly salty yet peppery and herby.

For an added layer of flavor, the creaminess offers just enough depth to perfectly balance out the sausage’s spiciness.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

220 calories, 7g protein, 15g carbohydrates, 15g

Fried Mozzarella (Serves 4 to 6)

Nothing says “Italian-American” quite like fried mozzarella.

This classic appetizer has been a staple at Olive Garden for years and continues to be one of their most popular items.

The delicious cheese is coated in a light tempura batter and served with a marinara sauce for dipping

Whether you are feeding a crowd of adults or children, this indulgent appetizer will surely be a hit at any gathering!

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

800 calories, 34g protein, 48g carbohydrates, 49g fat

Spinach-Artichoke Dip (Serves 4 to 6)

Another classic offering from the Olive Garden menu is their signature spinach-artichoke dip.

Prepare to indulge in a creamy concoction of spinach, artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella blended with garlic and spices.

Although it comes with a generous serving of crunchy flatbread chips, you are welcome to dip other chips, crackers, and even veggie sticks in this delightful dip.

The spinach and artichoke combo creates a unique flavor you can’t easily find elsewhere.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

1,160 calories, 37g protein, 70g carbohydrates, 76g fat

Toasted Beef Ravioli (Serves 4 to 6)

Treat yourself to this addictive Italian-American classic dish from St. Louis – Toasted Ravioli!

This recipe consists of lightly coating cheese ravioli in Italian breadcrumbs before deep frying them until a golden brown crunchy exterior is realized and the melted cheese center tastes like an upgraded version of mozzarella sticks.

At Olive Garden, they even add an extra touch by sprinkling parmesan cheese atop their Toasted Ravioli and served with a delicious Marinara sauce for dipping!

This appetizer can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger Italian meal.

It’s also great to share with friends and family, as they can grab one and enjoy the cheesy goodness.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

650 calories, 24g protein, 78g carbohydrates, 30g fat

Italian Sausage (Serves 4 to 6)

If your crowd prefers meatballs or sausages with their pasta, why not give them a choice?

At Olive Garden, you can opt for their Italian Sausage, which is made with a savory combination of pork and beef and touches of oregano, fennel seed, and other herbs.

Compared to other store-bought sausages, the Italian Sausage has enough flavor but not overpowering the pasta and other Olive garden dishes.

Each order comes with 8 sliced sausages, so you can easily create a pasta dish, savory salad, or even a pizza topping that your guests will love.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

220 calories, 7g protein, 15g carbohydrates, 15g fat

Italian Meatballs (Serves 4 to 6)

If you love Italian food, these meatballs are the ones for you!

Made with ground beef and pork, these meatballs are packed full of flavor and will leave your guests wanting more.

The tenderness of the meatball with the flavor-packed sauce goes well by itself as an appetizer or an excellent pasta side dish.

With ten large meatballs per order, this Italian classic will be a perfect addition to any pasta dish or as an appetizer.

Be warned that if you have a larger gathering, you will need multiple orders, as these meatballs are so good that they will go fast.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

200 calories, 11g protein, 6g carbohydrates, 14g fat

Chicken Alfredo (Serves 4 to 6)

Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo is simply delicious.

It combines grilled chicken strips over al dente fettuccine pasta and a creamy white sauce made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, butter, parsley, and pepper.

The creamy yet light sensation and the subtle sweetness that complements the savory Parmesan cheese make for a tasty dish.

The juicy chicken only adds to the delectable experience.

I recommend trying the Shrimp Alfredo if you are not a chicken fan.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

1,570 calories, 84g protein, 96g carbohydrates, 100g fat

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno (Serves 4 to 6)

From its name alone, you know this dish is all about the cheesy flavors.

The Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is a delectable combination of freshly cooked ziti noodles, spinach, and mushrooms enveloped in creamy ricotta cheese.

Topping it off are layers of mozzarella, Romano, Fontina, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden brown perfection.

When they come together, they create an irresistible harmony that will make your taste buds swoon!

As a cheese lover, I can tell you that I savor every bite with unending delight and immediately reach for a second, then a third!

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

1,220 calories, 45g protein, 103g carbohydrates, 71g fat

Chicken Parmigiana (Serves 4 to 6)

Olive Garden has taken classic Italian-American flavors to a different level with its Chicken Parmigiana dish.

The lightly breaded and fried juicy chicken breast cutlets are topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

These are then served over a bed of spaghetti noodles, accompanied by warm garlic breadsticks that will have your taste buds singing in delight!

The ingredients are simple yet work together harmoniously to create an unforgettable flavor experience.

The crispy golden brown exterior on the chicken cutlets pairs wonderfully with the sweet tomatoes, herbs, and spices from within the perfect blend of the marinara sauce.

The melty mozzarella cheese only makes it more irresistible.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

1,430 calories, 65g protein, 100g carbohydrates, 80g fat

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo (Serves 4 to 6)

The Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a classic comfort food that will surely please everyone.

Its light pasta pockets are filled with Asiago cheese and then smothered in an Italian cheese and breadcrumb alfredo sauce before it’s baked to perfection.

To add more flavor, chunks of grilled chicken and fresh herbs adorn this creamy feast, making it one delicious dish.

It’s no wonder why this recipe has become such a hit with families everywhere.

And personally, I love that the tortellini pockets are so easy to distribute.

Unlike other pasta dishes that require twirling onto your fork, the tortellini pockets are easy to scoop up and enjoy.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

1,980 calories, 112g protein, 95g carbohydrates, 131g fat

Shrimp Scampi (Serves 4 to 6)

The Shrimp Scampi has always been seafood lovers’ favorite.

Olive Garden’s Shrimp Scampi features wild-caught North Atlantic shrimp cooked in garlic butter, white wine, and lemon juice over angel hair pasta.

The flavors blend harmoniously for a complexity of tastes that is both simple and complex.

The creamy sauce derived from the marriage of garlic butter and white wine has a mild flavor to complement the sweetness of the shrimp with tangy sharpness from lemon juice.

This dish is always my go-to for a light meal option.

But if you are worried about anyone with seafood allergies, you can always opt for the Chicken Scampi instead.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

510 calories, 26g protein, 56g carbohydrates, 19g fat

Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara (Serves 4 to 6)

Carbonara is an iconic Italian pasta dish with delightful ingredients such as spaghetti or fettuccine noodles, eggs, cheese (traditionally Parmigiano Reggiano), bacon, and black pepper.

The combination of these flavors forms a deliciously creamy sauce that perfectly coats the strands of pasta beneath it, creating a rich and savory flavor profile that has forever made Carbonara one of Italy’s most beloved dishes.

To make this classic even more fulfilling, Olive Garden added grilled chicken strips, shrimp, and bacon to their version so you can enjoy a protein-enriched meal like never before.

With its smoky and sweet flavor, this delectable shrimp dish will have you reaching for more.

The delightful cream sauce is a harmonious blend of roasted red pepper, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, butter, parsley, and pepper which pairs beautifully with the pasta and proteins.

To top off the culinary masterpiece, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes the dish even more irresistible.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

1,390 calories, 64g protein, 75g carbohydrates, 94g fat

Lasagna Classico (Small Size Serves 4 to 6, Large Size Serves up to 12)

When it comes to Italian cooking, the unmatched flavors of a classic lasagna cannot be beaten.

And for a good lasagna experience at a chain restaurant, look no further than Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico.

This dish is crafted with layers of ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and ground beef sandwiched between delectably cooked pasta sheets.

It is then finished with an abundance of tomato sauce and more melted mozzarella cheese to provide an additional layer of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

940 calories, 56g protein, 76g carbohydrates, 97g fat

Cheese Ravioli with Marinara or Meat Sauce (Serves 4 to 6)

Olive Garden’s Cheese Ravioli dish is a great option if you’re looking for a delightful and speedy meal.

This Italian dish seamlessly combines everyone’s favorite two dishes: pasta-filled yumminess of Ravioli with Olive Garden’s winning marinara or meat sauce.

Vegetarians can enjoy the classic taste of vine-ripened tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs in the marinara sauce.

At the same time, carnivores can indulge in the meat sauce made with ground beef, pork sausage, and spices.

The ravioli is a delectable delight, filled with creamy ricotta cheese for an unparalleled taste.

To finish the plate on a high note, Olive Garden tops it off with freshly-grated Parmesan and Italian herbs.

This classic Italian dish will make your guests happy regardless of whether they love traditional cuisine or prefer something simple yet satisfying.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

780 calories, 50g protein, 65g carbohydrates, 46g fat

Black Tie Mousse Cake

Olive Garden’s Black Tie Mousse Cake is the answer to the perfect gathering dessert option.

This Italian-inspired dessert tantalizes with an indulgent dark chocolate cheesecake base, a creamy and sumptuous chocolate mousse layer, and a luxuriant custard layer, then topped off with a crunchy ganache.

The delightful contrast between light and airy mousses blended against moist cake creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

It is an indulgent dessert that both kids and adults will love.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

750 calories, 9g protein, 76g carbohydrates, 50g fat

Tiramisu

Originating from the Veneto region near Venice in the 1960s, the Tiramisu combines creamy goodness and coffee-drenched ladyfingers.

It is hands down one of Italy’s most defining desserts.

Olive Garden’s version of Tiramisu is created with ricotta cheese, soft layers of whipped cream, and ladyfingers soaked in espresso.

To make it even more tempting, it is topped off with cocoa powder to give that extra texture.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

750 calories, 9g protein, 76g carbohydrates, 50g fat

Sicilian Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping

Olive Garden’s Sicilian Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping is a unique experience, combining the smooth texture of cheesecake with an irresistibly sweet and tart strawberry topping.

The ricotta cheese base bursts with flavor to provide a creamy consistency that pairs perfectly with the fresh strawberries cooked in sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water until they thicken into syrup.

The fruity flavors are perfect for a summer party, and its simplicity is ideal for a quick gathering.

Nutritional Information (Each Serving):

700 calories, 12g protein, 78g carbohydrates, 42g fat

Conclusion

Olive Garden offers an extensive catering menu filled with delicious Italian dishes to make any occasion special.

From the classic Cheese Ravioli to indulgent desserts like the Black Tie Mousse Cake and Tiramisu, the Olive Garden catering offers something for everyone in the group can enjoy.

Whether you’re planning a big gathering or just want to pamper your family or friends, the Olive Garden catering menu has all the classic Italian staples that will make your next event unforgettable.

For more information about Olive Garden, check out the articles below.

About the Author

Lianne Fachetti is a content writer who adores food from all cultures. When she’s not working, she’s busy creating new recipes, trying out new restaurants, playing with her German Shepherd Max, and tending to her vegetable garden.

 

January 5, 2023