5 Easy Olive Garden Recipes You Can Make at Home

The Charm of Olive Garden at Home

For those who enjoy dining at Olive Garden but crave the intimacy and comfort of a homemade meal, there’s good news: you can recreate some of your favorite Olive Garden dishes right in your own kitchen. From classic Italian dishes to the heartwarming soups and salads, here’s a comprehensive guide to make your culinary journey into Olive Garden’s flavors as seamless as possible. Whether you’re preparing for a romantic dinner or feeding a hungry family, these recipes will bring the taste of la dolce vita to your dining table.

Five Iconic Olive Garden Recipes to Try

Let’s explore five quintessential Olive Garden recipes that you can easily whip up at home:

1. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This comforting soup combines gnocchi with a creamy broth filled with vegetables and shredded chicken. Here’s how you make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. chicken breast, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 (16 oz) package of gnocchi
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  • Heat oil in a pot, sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add chicken and cook until done, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Add gnocchi and cook until it floats.
  • Stir in cream, spinach, and cook until spinach wilts.
  • Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

🌿 Note: If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or just omit it for a delightful vegetable gnocchi soup.

2. Olive Garden’s Signature Salad

Recreate this beloved salad with its signature dressing:

• Ingredients for Salad:
  • Mixed greens
  • Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Olives
  • Pepperoncini
  • Croutons
  • Parmesan shavings
• Dressing Ingredients:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan, grated
  • 2 tablespoons Romano, grated
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon parsley flakes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Steps:
  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Toss the greens, onion, olives, pepperoncini, and croutons in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and top with parmesan shavings.

3. Chicken Alfredo

An Olive Garden classic, this dish involves creamy pasta with juicy chicken:

• Ingredients:
  • 16 oz fettuccine
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 chicken breasts, grilled or sautéed
  • Salt and pepper
• Steps:
  • Cook fettuccine as per package instructions.
  • In a pan, melt butter, add cream, and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, season with salt and pepper.
  • Slice chicken into strips or chunks.
  • Toss pasta with sauce, place chicken on top, and serve immediately.

4. Shrimp Scampi

This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a special occasion:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • Angel hair pasta
• Steps:
  • Cook pasta to al dente.
  • In a skillet, heat butter and oil, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  • Add shrimp, cook until pink, remove shrimp and keep warm.
  • Add wine, broth, and lemon juice to skillet; cook for 2 minutes.
  • Return shrimp to skillet, warm through, and stir in parsley.
  • Toss pasta with the sauce, serve immediately.

5. Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

Although not on the standard menu, this is a popular Olive Garden side dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 16 oz ziti pasta
  • 5 cheese blend (Ricotta, Asiago, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano)
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Steps:
  • Cook ziti pasta as directed.
  • In a bowl, mix 2 cups of the Alfredo sauce with 1 cup marinara sauce.
  • Combine cooked pasta with cheese blend, leaving some for topping.
  • Pour sauce over pasta, sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  • Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Olive Garden recipes at home not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your dining experience. With these recipes in your arsenal, you can savor the comforting flavors of Olive Garden anytime you like, without leaving your house. Each dish brings a piece of Italian culinary tradition right to your kitchen, making every meal an occasion. These recipes are versatile, allowing you to adjust to your taste or dietary needs, making them perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal.

Can I modify these recipes for dietary restrictions?

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Absolutely! You can substitute dairy with non-dairy alternatives, use gluten-free pasta, or opt for vegetarian or vegan-friendly ingredients. Each recipe can be easily adjusted to suit different dietary needs.

How long do these homemade dishes last?

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Most of these dishes will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to creamy dishes to restore the texture.

What if I can’t find the exact ingredients?

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While exact ingredients can be crucial for some recipes, feel free to get creative. Swap out cheeses, use different pasta shapes, or substitute certain ingredients with what you have on hand to personalize these dishes while maintaining their essence.