I’ve handled enough group meals to know one thing: people just want warm, satisfying food that everyone likes. That’s where the Olive Garden Catering Menu shines. Whether it’s a work lunch or a weekend get-together, their trays of pasta, protein, salad, and breadsticks always hit the mark.
It’s not just about quantity — it’s about quality too. And in 2025, Olive Garden continues to deliver both. The dishes are fresh, the prices are reasonable, and the portions? Generous enough to quiet even the loudest appetites. If you’ve ever scrambled last-minute trying to feed 10 hungry people, you’ll understand why their catering is my go-to.
Planning a Group Meal? Olive Garden Catering Makes It Easy
From last-minute meetings to birthday parties, Olive Garden’s catering takes the stress out of feeding groups. They make it easy to order, customize, and pick up your food when it’s convenient.
Ideal for Office Lunches, Parties, and Family Gatherings
I’ve used Olive Garden for everything from quarterly work meetings to my niece’s birthday party. Here’s what I’ve learned — no matter the setting, people light up when they see a tray of Chicken Alfredo or a pile of garlic breadsticks.
- Office lunches: The trays stack nicely, serve cleanly, and keep everyone full without the post-lunch slump.
- Parties: Kids devour the Ziti and Ravioli. Adults head straight for the Lasagna or Chicken Parm.
- Family gatherings: Their full pans and salad trays make hosting 15 guests feel effortless.
The versatility here is real — and that’s why it works.
Large Portions That Serve 4 to 14 Guests
You don’t need to do portion math in your head. Olive Garden makes it super simple.
| Pan Size | Serves | Perfect For |
| Half Pan | 4–6 guests | Small lunches, side options |
| Full Pan | 8–14 guests | Parties, meetings, reunions |
| Bundle Meals | 8–16 guests | All-in-one meals with sides |
Start with a pan or two, then layer on salad, breadsticks, or dessert depending on your group.
Affordable, Convenient, and Freshly Made Italian Favorites
In 2025, Olive Garden is still one of the most cost-effective catering options nationwide. You’re looking at roughly $8–$12 per person, depending on how much variety you include.
The food is made fresh daily, packed in insulated containers, and ready for pickup exactly when you request. There’s no scrambling, no missing sauces, no stress.
Why Choose Olive Garden Catering for Your Next Event?
I’ve tried other chains. Some delivered cold food. Others got the order wrong. But Olive Garden? It’s consistent, and that consistency matters when you’re feeding a dozen people who are hungry and watching the clock.
Signature Italian Flavors Loved Nationwide
Let’s face it — everyone already knows what Chicken Alfredo tastes like at Olive Garden. That’s what makes it so reliable for groups. You’re giving people something they trust and enjoy.
Some top picks I’ve used in catering orders:
- Chicken Alfredo
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
- Lasagna Classico
- Chicken Parmigiana
- Shrimp Scampi
These aren’t “safe” in a boring way — they’re safe in a “people will definitely eat this” way.
Fresh Ingredients Prepared Daily
Every Olive Garden location preps their catering trays the day of pickup. No frozen trays. No mystery sauces. That’s why everything still tastes like it just came from the kitchen — because it basically did.
Flexible Serving Sizes and Add-Ons for All Guest Types
The ability to customize is another reason I keep coming back. If I’ve got a vegetarian cousin or a coworker avoiding dairy, I can tweak the menu just enough without it feeling like a hassle.
Want marinara instead of Alfredo? Done. Need a tray without cheese? Just ask. Gluten-sensitive guests? They offer gluten-free pasta substitutions if you call ahead.
Here are a few helpful extras I often add on:
| Add-On | Description |
| House Salad Tray | Feeds 6–10 with dressing & croutons |
| Breadsticks | Sold by the dozen — always a hit |
| Dipping Sauces | Alfredo, Five Cheese, or Marinara |
| Gallon Beverages | Tea and lemonade for easy pouring |
This flexibility makes hosting so much easier — no separate meals needed.
Reliable Catering Services with Nationwide Locations
You’re not taking a risk with Olive Garden. Their online system lets you:
- Order up to 3 weeks in advance
- Choose exact pickup times
- See portion guides while building your order
Plus, there’s always someone on-site to answer questions or help you carry trays out — small touches that go a long way.
Olive Garden Catering Pans (Serve 4 – 6)
Let’s get into the food. These half pans serve about 4 to 6 guests and are perfect if you’re mixing several dishes or feeding a smaller group. Here’s what’s currently available on the Olive Garden Catering Menu in 2025.
Chicken Alfredo & Chicken Parmigiana Trays
| Dish | Description | Price (Half Pan) |
| Chicken Alfredo | Fettuccine in creamy Alfredo with grilled chicken | $53.99 |
| Chicken Parmigiana | Breaded chicken with marinara over spaghetti | $59.99 |
These are the most popular proteins — hearty, flavorful, and filling.
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno & Fettuccine Alfredo
| Dish | Description | Price (Half Pan) |
| Five Cheese Ziti al Forno | Ziti pasta baked with a blend of five Italian cheeses | $47.49 |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Creamy Alfredo over fettuccine, no meat | $45.99 |
These two always go fast — especially when you add salad and breadsticks.
Shrimp Scampi, Lasagna Classico, & More Pasta Favorites
| Dish | Description | Price (Half Pan) |
| Shrimp Scampi | Shrimp sautéed in garlic butter over angel hair pasta | $61.49 |
| Lasagna Classico | Traditional meat lasagna with layers of pasta & cheese | $58.99 |
| Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce | A classic with seasoned meat sauce | $45.49 |
| Cheese Ravioli | Ravioli stuffed with cheese and topped with marinara | $47.99 |
Plenty of options, whether you’re feeding picky eaters or pasta lovers.
Vegetarian and Customizable Pasta Options
If you’re feeding guests with dietary needs, you’re not stuck. Olive Garden makes it easy to adapt:
| Vegetarian Option | Notes |
| Spaghetti Marinara | Simple, meat-free, and easy to pair |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | Breaded eggplant slices with sauce & cheese |
| Custom Ziti or Alfredo | Ask for no cheese or light sauce if preferred |
| Gluten-Free Rotini | Substitutable in most pasta dishes on request |
Olive Garden Meal Combinations for Catering
If you’re looking for ready-to-go bundles that please a crowd, Olive Garden’s catering combinations are a top-tier choice. These meal pairings are specially designed to serve between 8 to 14 people, making them ideal for larger gatherings like family reunions, birthdays, or office parties.
Chicken Parmigiana & Lasagna Combo (Serves 8 – 14)
This classic Italian duo brings the bold flavors of Olive Garden to any event. The Chicken Parmigiana is hand-breaded, fried, and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, while the Lasagna Classico features layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses.
| Combo Item | Serves | Price (Est.) | Includes |
| Chicken Parmigiana | 8–14 guests | $75.99 | Breaded chicken, marinara, mozzarella |
| Lasagna Classico | 8–14 guests | $69.99 | Layers of pasta, meat sauce, mozzarella, parmesan |
| 18 Breadsticks + Salad | 8–14 guests | Included | House salad with dressing + breadsticks |
Total Package Price: Around $145.98
Pasta and Meat Pairing Trays
Mix and match your favorite pastas with protein options like grilled chicken or meatballs. Olive Garden makes it easy to create hearty, balanced trays for groups.
| Pasta + Protein Pairings | Serves | Price (Est.) |
| Fettuccine Alfredo + Grilled Chicken | 4–6 | $49.99 |
| Spaghetti + Meatballs | 4–6 | $45.99 |
| Ziti al Forno + Italian Sausage | 4–6 | $47.99 |
Great for medium-sized office lunches or family dinners.
Family-Style Platters with Mixed Entrées
These platters include a variety of proteins and pastas—perfect for guests with different tastes. You get something for everyone without needing to customize every tray.
| Mixed Entrée Platter | Includes | Price (Est.) |
| Italian Combo | Chicken Parm, Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna | $84.99 |
| Pasta Lover’s Mix | Ziti, Alfredo, Spaghetti, Meat Sauce | $74.99 |
Create Your Own Pasta Station – A Crowd Favorite
Nothing gets people excited at a party like a build-your-own pasta bar. Olive Garden offers a “Create Your Own Pasta Station” that includes everything you need to let guests craft their favorite combinations.
Choose from Multiple Pastas, Sauces & Proteins
You can start with three pasta bases, then pick a variety of sauces and proteins. It’s interactive and ideal for picky eaters.
Pasta Options:
- Spaghetti
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Gluten-Free Rotini (by request)
Sauce Options:
- Marinara
- Alfredo
- Meat Sauce
- Five Cheese Marinara
Protein Add-Ons:
- Meatballs
- Grilled Chicken
- Italian Sausage
- Sautéed Shrimp
| Pasta Station Package | Serves | Price (Est.) |
| Standard Package | 10 guests | $119.99 |
| Premium (with Shrimp & Sausage) | 10 guests | $139.99 |
Includes salad and 18 breadsticks.
Great for Corporate Events & Customizable Needs
This setup is a go-to for office lunches and school events because it’s flexible and hands-off. You place the order, and Olive Garden handles the rest. Everything is packaged in disposable trays with utensils and serving tongs included.
Vegetarian, Halal-Friendly, and Kid Options Available
The pasta station can be customized for dietary needs:
- Vegetarian: Go with marinara or Alfredo and skip the proteins.
- Halal-Friendly: Request no pork-based items and stick with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Kids: Mac & Cheese or plain pasta with butter is available by request.
Olive Garden Catering Soups, Salad & Breadsticks
These crowd-pleasers are what Olive Garden is known for—and they’re available in catering sizes too. Whether it’s a side or a full meal, the classic salad and soup options round out your spread.
Famous House Salad with 12 Breadsticks (Serves 6)
The iconic Olive Garden salad includes crisp romaine, olives, tomatoes, onions, croutons, and house Italian dressing—served with warm breadsticks.
| Item | Serves | Price (Est.) |
| House Salad + 12 Breadsticks | 6 | $22.49 |
| Extra 12 Breadsticks | – | $6.49 |
You can also request dressing on the side or add extra toppings like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Choose from Minestrone, Chicken & Gnocchi, and More
Soups are available in bulk containers and are served hot and ready to go.
Available Soup Options:
- Chicken & Gnocchi
- Zuppa Toscana
- Pasta e Fagioli
- Minestrone (Vegetarian)
| Soup Type | Serves | Price (Est.) |
| Large Soup Bowl | 6 | $18.99 |
| Additional Breadsticks | – | $6.49 (12 pcs) |
Large Soup Bowls for Bigger Events (Serves 12)
For bigger groups, Olive Garden offers double-size soup trays. Perfect for company events, baby showers, or church gatherings.
| Large Soup Tray Type | Serves | Price (Est.) |
| Any Soup (Double Size) | 12 | $36.99 |
| Add Breadsticks (24 pcs) | – | $12.99 |
Olive Garden Catering Appetizers Menu
Fried Mozzarella, Spinach-Artichoke Dip & Toasted Ravioli
Start your event off right with Olive Garden’s best-selling catering appetizers. These hot, cheesy, and shareable bites are perfect for any crowd.
| Appetizer | Serves | Approx. Price |
| Fried Mozzarella | 6 people | $25.99 |
| Spinach-Artichoke Dip | 8 people | $32.99 |
| Toasted Beef Ravioli | 6 people | $28.49 |
These trays arrive warm and ready to serve, making them ideal for both casual and formal events.
Dipping Sauces: Alfredo, Marinara, and Meat Sauce
Each appetizer pairs beautifully with Olive Garden’s signature sauces. You can customize your tray with one or more of the following:
- Alfredo Sauce – Rich and creamy, made with Parmesan and butter
- Classic Marinara – A zesty tomato-based sauce with herbs
- Hearty Meat Sauce – A savory blend of meat and Italian spices
These sauces are included with many appetizers or can be ordered extra for added flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Bites for Pre-Meal Snacking
Appetizers like these are great for early arrivals or guests who need something quick and satisfying before the main courses are served. They’re especially useful for:
- Cocktail hours
- Corporate meetings
- Birthday and holiday parties
- Pre-dinner snacks for large families
Perfect Catering Additions for Your Guests
Grilled Chicken, Sausage, and Meatballs (Serves 4–6)
Add more protein to your catering tray with Olive Garden’s flavorful meat options.
| Add-On | Serves | Approx. Price |
| Grilled Chicken | 4–6 | $17.49 |
| Italian Sausage | 4–6 | $15.99 |
| Meatballs | 4–6 | $16.49 |
These are perfect for customizing pasta trays or creating protein-rich combos.
Chicken Fingers – Kid-Friendly Option
If kids are on the guest list, this one’s a must. Olive Garden’s chicken fingers are crispy, juicy, and easy to eat — no utensils required.
- Breaded and fried to perfection
- Comes with dipping sauces
- A favorite for birthday parties or family-style dinners
This option is designed for younger guests, but adults love them too!
Steamed Broccoli & Vegetarian Add-Ons
Don’t forget your plant-based guests. Olive Garden offers simple, fresh sides to round out any order.
| Vegetarian Option | Serves | Price (Est.) |
| Steamed Broccoli | 4–6 | $12.99 |
| Sautéed Vegetables | 4–6 | $13.99 |
| Garden Salad Tray | 6–8 | $21.99 |
These work perfectly as side dishes or can even be used to build DIY vegetarian pasta bowls.
Homemade Sauces for Catering (Serve 8)
Alfredo, Marinara, Meat Sauce, and Five Cheese Marinara
Enhance your catering experience by ordering Olive Garden’s signature sauces in bulk. These large portions are ideal for mixing into pastas or serving as dips with breadsticks.
| Sauce | Serves | Approx. Price |
| Alfredo Sauce | 8 people | $14.99 |
| Marinara Sauce | 8 people | $11.99 |
| Meat Sauce | 8 people | $13.49 |
| Five Cheese Marinara | 8 people | $13.99 |
All sauces come packed in heat-safe containers, making them perfect for events at home or on the go.
Great for Pasta Stations or Extra Dipping Options
These sauces aren’t just condiments — they’re crowd favorites. Here’s how you can use them:
- Create a DIY pasta bar
- Offer extra dipping for breadsticks or meat options
- Keep vegetarian options rich and flavorful
Adding extra sauces gives your guests more flexibility and makes the entire spread feel more customized and indulgent.
Olive Garden Catering Desserts Menu [2025]
No Olive Garden event is truly complete without the signature Italian desserts everyone craves. Whether you’re hosting a business lunch, a graduation party, or a wedding rehearsal dinner, these indulgent desserts add the perfect sweet ending.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the Olive Garden catering desserts menu with pricing and serving info to help you choose:
| Dessert Name | Description | Serves | Price (Approx.) |
| Black Tie Mousse Cake Tray | Rich layers of chocolate cake, dark chocolate cheesecake, and creamy mousse | 12–15 slices | $49.99 |
| Tiramisu Tray | Classic Italian dessert made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, and cocoa | 12–15 slices | $44.99 |
| Sicilian Cheesecake | Creamy ricotta-style cheesecake with a shortbread cookie crust | Per slice | $4.49 |
| Chocolate Brownie Tray | Fudgy, chocolate-drenched brownies cut into party-sized portions | 20–24 pieces | $39.99 |
| Mini Dessert Variety Pack | Assortment of bite-size treats like chocolate mousse cups, mini cheesecakes, and more | 18–24 minis | $42.99 |
| Zeppoli (Fried Dough Bites) | Lightly fried Italian-style doughnuts served with chocolate sauce | 20–25 bites | $29.99 |
These dessert trays are perfect for feeding groups and are available as part of Olive Garden’s catering offerings in 2025. You can mix and match depending on the type of event — upscale or casual — and your guests’ preferences.
Beverages Available for Olive Garden Catering Orders
Whether you’re planning a formal dinner or a backyard celebration, Olive Garden’s beverage options are affordable and ideal for large groups.
Gallon Iced Tea, Raspberry Lemonade & More
Olive Garden offers popular beverages by the gallon, which are perfect for refreshing your guests without the mess of individual bottles. Common options include:
- Sweetened Iced Tea (1 gallon)
- Raspberry Lemonade (1 gallon)
- Classic Lemonade (1 gallon)
Each gallon serves approximately 8–10 guests and comes with cups upon request.
Sparkling and Still Water Options for Formal Events
For weddings, corporate events, or upscale dinners, you can add bottled still or sparkling water:
- San Pellegrino Sparkling Water (500ml bottles)
- Bottled Spring Water (500ml bottles)
These pair well with plated meals and dessert spreads.
2-Liter Sodas for Casual Gatherings
Olive Garden also provides 2-liter soda options like:
- Coca-Cola
- Diet Coke
- Sprite
Ideal for relaxed gatherings or family-style events, these drinks are easy to pour and serve.
How to Place an Olive Garden Catering Order in 2025
Getting your event catered by Olive Garden in 2025 is easier than ever thanks to its modern online tools and friendly in-store support.
Online Ordering via Official Website
Start by visiting Olive Garden’s official catering page where you can:
- Browse the full catering menu
- Customize your order by party size
- Choose delivery or pickup
- View allergen info and serving suggestions
Orders can be placed up to 30 days in advance for large parties.
Schedule Pickup or Delivery Based on Your Event
Depending on your local Olive Garden’s capabilities, you can either:
- Pick up your full order at the nearest location
- Schedule catering delivery (available at participating restaurants)
Delivery includes hot pans, disposable serving utensils, and even sternos if requested.
Tips for Ordering Ahead & Serving Recommendations
- Order at least 24–48 hours in advance for most catering orders.
- For major holidays, weddings, or large events, it’s best to order 1 week in advance.
- Serving sizes are generous, so consider group packages rather than individual orders.
- Request utensils, plates, napkins, and serving spoons when placing your order.
FAQs
Does Olive Garden deliver catering orders?
Yes, many Olive Garden locations offer delivery for catering orders. Availability depends on your location and event size. Delivery includes setup assistance, hot food containers, and all necessary utensils if requested.
Can I customize items for dietary needs or allergies?
Absolutely. Olive Garden allows substitutions and customizations to meet common dietary needs such as gluten sensitivity, vegetarian requests, or allergy concerns. Always inform the restaurant in advance
Are plates, napkins, and utensils included in the order?
Yes, disposable plates, utensils, napkins, and serving tools are included upon request. Be sure to check the box during online checkout or mention it while placing your order by phone.
How far in advance should I place a catering order?
For small gatherings, 24–48 hours’ notice is usually enough. For events of 20+ guests, or for delivery on weekends or holidays, it’s best to order at least 3–5 days ahead.
Is there a minimum order size for catering?
Typically, there’s a $100–$150 minimum for delivery orders, depending on location. There is no strict minimum for pickup orders, though catering pans are designed to serve 4–6 or more guests.
Pingback: Olive Garden Mobile App | Features & Full Guide 2025
Pingback: Top Low Calorie Food at Olive Garden | Full List (2025)
Pingback: Best Olive Garden Soups & Recipes to Try in 2025
Pingback: Olive Garden Arizona Closure Development: Shocking Update
Pingback: Top Best 7 Olive Garden Combos That Taste Better Together
Pingback: Top Olive Garden Soup You Won’t Believe Beats the Salad 2025
Pingback: Don’t Miss Olive Garden Mother’s Day Specials 2025