Olive Garden Classic Entrées 2025: Best Italian Favorites

If you’ve ever walked into Olive Garden and felt torn between ordering your usual or trying something new, you’re not alone. Olive Garden’s classic entrées have a way of pulling at your heartstrings those rich, cheesy, perfectly sauced Italian-American dishes that make every visit feel like home.

I’ve dined at Olive Garden more times than I can count from family birthdays to cozy weeknight dinners and I can confidently say their classic entrées are what keep people coming back. Whether it’s the golden, crispy Chicken Parmigiana, the creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, or the indulgent Lasagna Classico, each dish offers its own signature comfort.

🍝 What Makes Olive Garden’s Classic Entrées So Special?

Olive Garden’s reputation lies in consistency every entrée feels like a warm Italian embrace. While the menu continues to evolve in 2025, the “Classic Entrées” section remains the heart of the restaurant.

Here’s what sets them apart:

Homemade-style recipes: Inspired by traditional Italian comfort food.
Balanced portions: Generous enough for sharing, but not overwhelming.
Customizable options: You can modify sauces, sides, and even portion sizes.
Great value: Most classics come with unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks.

The combination of familiarity, flavor, and value makes these dishes timeless favorites.

Here’s a detailed comparison of Olive Garden’s most loved classic entrées, including taste notes, price range, and calorie info. Prices and calories are based on the 2025 Olive Garden menu and may vary slightly by location.

Entrée	Description	Price (Approx.)	Calories	Flavor Profile
Chicken Parmigiana	Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served with spaghetti.	$18.99	1,020	Crispy, tangy, and comforting a perfect Italian-American classic.
Lasagna Classico	Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta, baked with mozzarella and parmesan.	$17.49	940	Rich, meaty, and cheesy with a perfectly baked crust.
Fettuccine Alfredo	Fettuccine tossed in Olive Garden’s signature creamy Alfredo sauce.	$16.49	1,220	Silky, buttery, and indulgent a fan-favorite comfort dish.
Eggplant Parmigiana	Lightly fried eggplant slices with marinara and cheese, served with spaghetti.	$16.99	850	Vegetarian-friendly with a crispy, savory finish.
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno	Baked ziti with five Italian cheeses and marinara Alfredo blend.	$17.29	1,180	Creamy, tangy, and perfectly cheesy a hidden gem.
Shrimp Scampi	Sautéed shrimp in a garlic sauce over angel hair pasta with asparagus and tomatoes.	$19.79	510	Light, garlicky, and refreshing great for seafood lovers.
Tour of Italy	Trio sampler: Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo.	$21.99	1,520	The ultimate Olive Garden experience best for first-timers.

🍗 1. Chicken Parmigiana – The Iconic Favorite

If there’s one dish that defines Olive Garden’s classics, it’s Chicken Parmigiana. The golden, breaded chicken is fried to perfection, smothered in zesty marinara, and topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese.

Served with a side of spaghetti, it’s hearty and satisfying perfect for anyone craving comfort on a plate.

Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana served with spaghetti and marinara sauce.

Pro tip: Ask for extra marinara sauce if you like your pasta extra saucy.

Best for: Traditionalists who want the full Italian-American experience.

🍝 2. Lasagna Classico – Layers of Love

This dish has been on Olive Garden’s menu since the beginning, and for good reason. The Lasagna Classico is everything you expect: rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a cheesy baked top that crackles when you cut through it.

It’s the kind of entrée that makes you slow down and savor each bite. Pair it with Minestrone soup and breadsticks, and you’ve got a meal that tastes homemade.

Olive Garden Lasagna Classico with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese.

Best for: Anyone who loves cheesy, meaty, and nostalgic comfort food.

🧀 3. Fettuccine Alfredo – Creamy Perfection in Every Bite

If you’re craving creamy comfort, the Fettuccine Alfredo is an all-time favorite. Olive Garden’s Alfredo sauce is made fresh daily with butter, cream, and Parmesan and you can tell.

It’s simple, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. In 2025, Olive Garden even offers Gluten-Free Fettuccine and Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo upgrades for variety.

Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with creamy Parmesan sauce and parsley garnish.

Best for: Pasta purists or anyone who can’t resist a buttery cream sauce.

🌱 4. Eggplant Parmigiana – A Vegetarian Classic

Don’t overlook the Eggplant Parmigiana just because it’s meat-free. Olive Garden does it beautifully thinly sliced eggplant is lightly breaded, fried, and layered with marinara and cheese.

The result is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with flavor. Served with spaghetti, it’s one of the most satisfying vegetarian entrées on the menu.

Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana with marinara sauce and melted cheese served with spaghetti.

Best for: Vegetarians and anyone who loves a good crunch with their pasta.

🧡 5. Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – A Hidden Gem

This dish doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. The Five Cheese Ziti al Forno is baked pasta heaven loaded with mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and fontina cheeses, all melted into a tangy marinara-Alfredo blend.

Every bite is gooey, savory, and comforting. If you like baked pasta with a cheesy crust, this one’s a must-try.

Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno with melted golden cheese and parsley garnish.

Best for: Cheese lovers and fans of baked pasta casseroles.

🍤 6. Shrimp Scampi – Light and Flavorful

For those who prefer something lighter, the Shrimp Scampi offers a refreshing twist. The garlic sauce is buttery yet not heavy, with the asparagus and tomatoes adding a nice balance.

It’s a go-to entrée when you want flavor without the richness of Alfredo or marinara-heavy dishes.

Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi with angel hair pasta, garlic butter sauce, and vegetables.

Best for: Seafood enthusiasts or anyone seeking a lighter meal option.

🍽️ 7. Tour of Italy – The Ultimate Olive Garden Experience

Can’t decide what to order? The Tour of Italy lets you sample three of Olive Garden’s greatest hits Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo all on one plate.

It’s indulgent, filling, and ideal for sharing or if you’re visiting for the first time.

Olive Garden Tour of Italy with Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo on a plate.

Best for: First-timers or indecisive diners who want to try it all.

The Olive Garden Dining Experience (2025 Update)

Dining at Olive Garden in 2025 still feels like stepping into an Italian family kitchen warm lighting, friendly service, and that unmistakable aroma of baked breadsticks and garlic butter.

A few updates worth noting:

New “Create Your Own Pasta” option: You can now mix classic entrées with new sauces or proteins.
Smaller lunch portions: Perfect for lighter appetites.
To-Go and Curbside options: All classic entrées are available for takeout and delivery.
Nutrition transparency: Olive Garden now includes detailed calorie and allergen info on digital menus.

Overall, Olive Garden continues to deliver consistency, quality, and great value especially when you factor in the unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks that come with every entrée.

How to Choose the Best Olive Garden Classic Entrée

Choosing the right entrée depends on your taste preferences, dietary needs, and mood. Here’s a quick guide:

🔸 If You Love Creamy Comfort:

Go for Fettuccine Alfredo or Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. These are rich, buttery, and full of cheese.

🔸 If You Want a Traditional Italian Flavor:

Try Chicken Parmigiana or Lasagna Classico they deliver the perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and nostalgia.

🔸 If You Prefer Something Light:

Shrimp Scampi or Eggplant Parmigiana are lighter and ideal for a less-heavy meal.

🔸 If You’re Dining for the First Time:

You can’t go wrong with the Tour of Italy it’s the ultimate Olive Garden sampler.

🔸 If You’re Watching Calories:

Ask for the Lighter Italian Fare menu Olive Garden now offers smaller portions and lighter sauce options in 2025.

Personal Take: Why I Keep Returning to Olive Garden

As someone who’s been dining at Olive Garden for years, I can say it’s the comfort food factor that keeps pulling me back. There’s something about that first bite of warm breadstick dipped in Alfredo sauce that feels like home.

While it’s not “authentic” Italian cuisine in the traditional sense, Olive Garden’s classic entrées deliver exactly what you expect hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meals that make dining out feel special yet familiar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What is Olive Garden’s most popular entrée?

The Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo are the top-selling classics, with the Tour of Italy being a fan-favorite for variety.

2. Are Olive Garden classic entrées available for takeout?

Yes! All classic entrées can be ordered for takeout or delivery via the Olive Garden app or website. They travel well and stay warm.

3. Are there vegetarian classic entrées?

Yes, the Eggplant Parmigiana and Five Cheese Ziti al Forno are vegetarian-friendly choices.

4. Does Olive Garden offer gluten-free options?

Yes. You can request gluten-free pasta for several entrées, including Fettuccine Alfredo and Shrimp Scampi.

5. What comes with Olive Garden classic entrées?

Every entrée includes unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks, making it a complete meal.

6. What’s the average price of Olive Garden classic entrées in 2025?

Prices range between $16 to $22, depending on the dish and location.

Final Thoughts: Olive Garden’s Classic Entrées Never Go Out of Style

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Olive Garden’s classic entrées never disappoint. They capture the spirit of Italian-American dining comforting, flavorful, and family-friendly.

From the creamy decadence of Fettuccine Alfredo to the crispy perfection of Chicken Parmigiana, these dishes prove why Olive Garden remains a favorite across the U.S. in 2025.