Listen, I am not saying you should never go out to dinner again, but I AM saying that these copycat recipes are dangerously good. You are about to become a legend in your own home with these spot-on recreations of your favorite Olive Garden soups and pastas.
1. Olive Garden Salad Recipe
I confess I rarely order salad at restaurants because I usually want the unhealthy stuff. But this specific salad does not disappoint in the slightest.
The red onion and pepperoncini peppers add great flavor. The dressing is the true highlight here.
You should definitely make extra since you will want to eat it repeatedly.
2. Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
This meal is easily one of the most beautiful options on the entire list. I love the amazing colors and the overall simplicity.
The sauce uses wine and cheese plus cream for flavor without drowning the noodles. The peppers are wonderful in the mix.
I also enjoy adding grated carrots and cherry tomatoes for a little extra sweetness.
3. Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Minestrone feels incredibly nostalgic to me. I suspect others also ate this soup whenever they felt under the weather.
This recipe comes in a close second to the version my mom makes. The vegetable base includes zucchini and carrots plus onions and celery.
I sometimes add squash or sweet potato. Rinse your beans well to remove excess salt before cooking.
A splash of red wine and some beef stock creates a very rich broth.
4. Copycat Olive Garden Jumbo Stuffed Shells
I was shocked by the size of these stuffed shells the first time I tried them. You honestly only need a few to feel completely full.
The restaurant serves them on alfredo sauce with seasoned breadcrumbs sprinkled on top. I enjoy the contrast between the marinara and creamy alfredo.
They taste just as delicious without the white sauce though.
5. Olive Garden Tortellini al Forno
I refuse to share this dish because of the crumbled bacon and parmesan cream sauce. The tortellini is filled with cheese and prosciutto.
I suggest making the pasta from scratch if you have enough time. It makes for a fun date night activity.
Store bought tortellini works too if you want an indulgent meal. Do not hold back on the bacon topping.
6. Copycat Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake
Dessert usually feels impossible after eating breadsticks and a main course. I can always find room for this lemon cream cake though.
You can use a box mix for the simple white cake base. The mascarpone and lemon filling is the real star here.
It tastes sweet and creamy with lemon notes in every single bite.
7. Olive Garden Chicken Marsala
Mushrooms and chicken are a classic pairing that gets even better with white wine. The chicken cooks right in the pan with the other ingredients.
This allows the meat to soak up the liquid and stay juicy. Every bite bursts with flavor.
I like serving this with simple pasta or a large bowl of cheesy polenta.
8. Olive Garden Bruschetta Recipe
This appetizer consists of toasted crusty bread topped with tomato salsa. You must use chopped fresh tomatoes rather than canned ones along with Italian seasoning.
I rub garlic directly onto the toast for a strong flavor kick. French baguettes work best for the bread base.
Drain the tomato mixture well so the juices do not make the bread soggy.
9. Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Better than Olive Garden’s)
This soup is full of beef and pasta to keep you full until dinner. It feels like an Italian chili because of the beans and chopped tomatoes.
Ditalini pasta works well because the small tubes distribute evenly among the beans. This fills out the soup substantially.
You can use elbow pasta if you cannot find Ditalini.
10. Olive Garden’s Alfredo Sauce
You need to step away from the jarred sauce immediately. Alfredo really should be made from scratch using this specific recipe.
It is simple enough that you should give it a try. Infuse the cream with thyme and rosemary to boost the flavor profile.
Strain out the herb stalks and let the cream cool down before mixing.
11. Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta
A skillet full of sizzling melted cheese is impossible to resist. I love serving this in a skillet, but individual ramekins work too.
The recipe is incredibly simple. You do not need to make a roux or treat the cheese gently.
Just mix everything together and let your oven handle the rest. The result is bubbling cheese with a golden crispy crust.
12. Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip
Some spinach artichoke dips are simply better than others. This one is truly melt in your mouth amazing.
The secret lies in the blend of cheeses. You will need romano and asiago along with cream cheese and mozzarella.
Squeeze the liquid from the spinach so the dip stays thick.
13. Breadsticks Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat)
I bet you never visit Olive Garden without getting a refill on breadsticks. They are too warm and soft to leave behind.
You will want to bake these daily once you realize how easy they are. You can shape them into rolls if you prefer.
Brush the baked bread with melted butter and sprinkle a garlic powder mix on top.
14. Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli
I often order this appetizer as my main course. You can make them at home with breadcrumbs and ready made ravioli.
The process gets messy but the result is worth it. You end up with a bowl of crunchy ravioli filled with creamy cheese.
They taste fantastic with marinara or alfredo sauce.
15. Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Copycat Recipe
A plate of bright pink shrimp looks incredibly appealing. They are meaty and juicy enough to pair with grits or pasta.
Remember that shrimp only needs a few minutes to cook. They are ready as soon as they turn pink on both sides.
Cooking them any longer will make them rubbery.
16. Refreshing Olive Garden Peach Iced Tea
I only started loving iced tea in my twenties. I now sometimes choose it over a cocktail.
There is no substitute for making it completely homemade. You can easily make a simple flavored syrup with water and sugar.
Add just about any fruit you like to the syrup base.
17. Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
Italian dressing mix contains more ingredients than a standard spice blend. You can buy packets but making your own is very easy.
This recipe is super tangy and uses a small amount of sugar. I prefer the tartness as is.
You can add honey or extra sugar to make it more mellow.
18. One-Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
This soup looks absolutely amazing. It features a mix of sausage and bacon.
You also get a creamy sauce with garlic and potatoes. I like to believe the kale makes it healthy.
I often swap spinach for the kale since I usually have it on hand. It tastes just as good and still provides greens.
19. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This creamy chicken soup is already decadent before you add the pillowy gnocchi. The addition is pure genius.
My household loves gnocchi especially when I fry them in rosemary brown butter. You can substitute regular pasta if you prefer.
Chunks of potato also work well as a replacement.
