Hello and welcome to the carb-loaded dinner of your dreams! I am about to ruin your grocery budget because these 19 Copycat Olive Garden Recipes are absolute stunners.
You can skip the restaurant wait times and make that famous pasta right in your own kitchen tonight.
1. Refreshing Olive Garden Peach Iced Tea
I honestly did not appreciate iced tea until my twenties. Now I grab it over cocktails sometimes!
Homemade is definitely the way to go here. You can whip up a simple flavored syrup with sugar, water, and fruit.
2. Breadsticks Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat)
I bet you never skip a refill on these at the restaurant. These warm, soft bites are impossible to leave behind.
You might just want to bake them every single day once you see how easy they are. Brush your baked goods with melted butter and a mix of garlic powder and salt.
3. Copycat Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake
I usually stuff myself with breadsticks and pasta before dessert rolls around. But I will always find room for this lemon cream cake.
You can use a box mix for the white cake base if you want. The real magic is that sweet mascarpone filling with its lovely lemon notes.
4. Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Better than Olive Garden’s)
This hearty bowl is packed with beef and pasta. It reminds me of an Italian chili thanks to the beans, veggies, and chopped tomatoes.
Ditalini is great for distributing amongst the beans, but elbow noodles work if that is what you have. It will keep you full until dinner.
5. Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta
A sizzling pan of melted cheese is impossible to resist. You can serve this in a skillet or individual ramekins.
No roux is necessary for this simple recipe. Just mix it up and bake until it bubbles with a golden crust on the edges.
6. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This decadent creamy chicken soup gets a major upgrade with pillowy gnocchi. I love frying the gnocchi in rosemary brown butter for extra flavor.
You can also swap the dumplings for regular pasta or potato chunks. It is pure genius.
7. Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
Italian dressing mix is more complex than a standard spice blend. You can buy a packet or make it yourself easily.
This version is super tangy with just a bit of sugar. Feel free to add honey if you want a mellower flavor.
8. Copycat Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells
I was shocked by the size of these shells the first time I saw them. You only need a few to make a complete meal.
They sit on a bed of alfredo sauce with seasoned breadcrumbs on top. The contrast between the marinara and creamy alfredo is delicious.
9. Olive Garden Chicken Marsala
Chicken and mushrooms are a classic duo. Add some white wine to the pan and you have a winner.
The meat soaks up all that liquid to become juicy and flavorful. Try serving this over cheesy polenta or simple pasta.
10. Olive Garden Bruschetta Recipe
Bruschetta features toasted crusty bread topped with tomato salsa. This salsa uses chopped fresh tomatoes and Italian seasoning rather than the chip dipping kind.
I rub garlic directly on the toast for strong flavor. Make sure you drain the tomato mixture so your French baguette slices do not get soggy.
11. Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Minestrone feels so nostalgic to me. The base features onions, zucchini, carrots, and celery.
I like to toss in sweet potato or corn if I have them. Rinse your beans well and try beef stock with red wine for a richer broth.
12. Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip
Not every spinach dip melts in your mouth like this one. The secret is the blend of cheeses like parmesan, asiago, and mozzarella.
You also need romano and cream cheese in the mix. Squeeze the liquid out of your spinach to keep the texture thick.
13. Olive Garden Salad Recipe
I usually order unhealthy things at the restaurant instead of salad. But you will love this version with red onion and pepperoncini peppers.
The dressing is the real star here. You should definitely make a double batch.
14. Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli
I often order this appetizer as my main course. You can use ready made ravioli and breadcrumbs to make them at home.
The process is messy but the crunchy result is worth it. Serve these creamy cheese filled bites with marinara or alfredo.
15. Olive Garden’s Alfredo Sauce
Step away from the jarred sauce. You really should make this scratch alfredo since it is so simple.
Try infusing the cream with thyme and rosemary for extra flavor. Just strain the herbs and let the liquid cool before mixing.
16. Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Copycat Recipe
Bright pink shrimp look so appealing on a plate. They are juicy and go great with grits or pasta.
Remember that they only need a couple of minutes to cook. Pull them off the heat once they turn pink so they do not get rubbery.
17. One-Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
This soup looks amazing with bacon and sausage. It also features garlic, potatoes, and a creamy sauce.
The kale basically makes it health food, right? I usually swap in spinach for the greens and it tastes just as good.
18. Olive Garden Tortellini al Forno
I refuse to share this dish full of prosciutto filled tortellini. It gets smothered in parmesan cream sauce and crumbled bacon.
You can make fresh pasta for a fun date night or use store bought. Pile that bacon on high.
19. Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
This is hands down one of the prettiest meals on the list. The sauce relies on cream, cheese, and wine without drowning the pasta.
I love the peppers but also add grated carrot and cherry tomatoes for sweetness.