Olive Garden's take home meals have become a go-to for busy families and individuals craving Italian comfort food without the dine-in wait. Whether you're feeding a crowd or stocking your fridge for the week, knowing how to order, reheat, and save money on these meals can make all the difference. This guide covers everything from menu options and pricing to heating instructions and common pitfalls.
Olive Garden Take Home Menu: What’s Available & How to Order
Olive Garden offers a variety of take home options, including family-sized meals, individual entrees, and their popular Never Ending Pasta Bowl (available for takeout during promotional periods). The core take home menu includes:
- Family-Style Meals: Serves 4-5 people. Choose from classics like Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, or Lasagna Classico. Each comes with unlimited breadsticks and a choice of salad or soup.
- Individual Entrees: Perfect for singles or couples. Options include Tour of Italy, Shrimp Scampi, and Grilled Chicken Margherita.
- Create Your Own Pasta: Pick your pasta, sauce, and toppings (like meatballs or grilled chicken).
- Sides & Extras: Add-on breadsticks, extra sauce, or a large to-go salad.
How to Order: You can order online via the Olive Garden website or app, by phone, or in person at the restaurant. For family meals, order at least 2-3 hours ahead during peak times to ensure availability. Use the app to customize your order and pay ahead for contactless pickup.
Pricing & Deals: How to Save on Take Home Meals
Olive Garden's take home meals range from about $8 for individual pasta to $40-$50 for family bundles. Here’s how to get the best value:
- Family Meal Deal: At around $40-$50, this feeds 4-5 people and includes breadsticks and salad or soup. That’s roughly $10 per person—less than most fast-casual meals.
- Never Ending Pasta Bowl (to-go): During promotions, you can get unlimited pasta for a flat fee (around $13). Perfect for meal prepping if you eat in-restaurant and take home leftovers.
- Coupons & Rewards: Sign up for Olive Garden’s eClub to receive a welcome coupon (often $5 off $25). Also check the app for exclusive deals like free breadsticks with any entree purchase.
- Lunch Specials: Order during lunch hours (11 am-4 pm) for lower prices on select entrees.
Common Mistake: Assuming family meals are cheaper per person than individual entrees. Always compare; sometimes buying two individual entrees with a side salad is more cost-effective for two people.
How to Heat Olive Garden Takeout: Best Methods for Each Dish
Proper reheating is key to avoiding soggy pasta or dry chicken. Follow these steps for each component:
Pasta (Fettuccine, Lasagna, etc.)
Oven Method (Best for texture): Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra sauce over the top, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
Stovetop Method (Quick): Transfer pasta to a skillet with a splash of water or milk. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until hot (about 5-7 minutes).
Microwave (Last resort): Place pasta on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave at 50% power in 30-second bursts. Stir between intervals to avoid hot spots.
Breadsticks
Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. For a soft texture, wrap in foil; for crispy, leave uncovered. Avoid microwaving—they become rubbery.
Soup & Salad
Soup: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently. Or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Salad: Keep dressing separate until serving. If the lettuce is wilted, toss with a bit of cold water and pat dry.
Pro Tip: Store each component separately in airtight containers. Pasta will absorb sauce if left combined overnight.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned Olive Garden fans make errors. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Overordering: Family meals are generous; a family-sized lasagna can easily serve 5-6 people, not 4. If you’re a small household, consider individual entrees or freezing half.
- Ignoring reheating instructions: Many people microwave everything, leading to mushy pasta and tough chicken. Use the oven or stovetop for best results.
- Not checking the order before leaving: Always open the bag and verify you have all items (breadsticks, salad, utensils, napkins). Missing a side can ruin a meal.
- Assuming all locations offer the same menu: Some Olive Garden locations may have limited takeout options. Check the app for your local store’s menu.
- Forgetting to add extra sauce: Pasta tends to dry out during transport. Order an extra side of sauce (usually $1-2) to refresh when reheating.
FAQ
Can I order Olive Garden take home meals online? Yes, through the Olive Garden website or app. You can customize your order and pay ahead.
How long do Olive Garden take home meals last in the fridge? Properly stored in airtight containers, most dishes last 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Are breadsticks included with all take home meals? Family meals include breadsticks; individual entrees may not. Check the menu or add them for about $4.
Can I use coupons on takeout orders? Yes, most coupons are valid for takeout, but read the fine print. The eClub welcome coupon works online.
What’s the best way to reheat lasagna? Oven at 350°F for 20 minutes covered, then 5 minutes uncovered. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Final Tips for the Best Take Home Experience
Olive Garden take home meals are a convenient and tasty option for weeknight dinners or gatherings. To make the most of your order:
- Plan ahead: Order during off-peak hours (early afternoon or late evening) to avoid long wait times.
- Customize: Swap out salad for soup if you prefer, or add extra protein for a small fee.
- Store smart: Separate sauces and dressings, and label containers with the date.
- Freeze extras: Portion leftover pasta into freezer bags for quick lunches.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality Italian food at home without the hassle. Buon appetito!