Forget Takeout: 19 Italian Dishes Better Than Olive Garden

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Forget Takeout: 19 Italian Dishes Better Than Olive Garden

Feel like you’re missing out on true Italian flavor by only eating at Olive Garden? There’s a world of flavors to explore with traditional Italian recipes, crafted from fresh, local ingredients. These recipes have been around for decades, and the best part is their simplicity that lets the flavor speak for itself.

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You know what’s great about Tortellini Soup with Kale and Chicken? It’s comforting, filling, and has wonderful flavors. It easily beats anything you’d find at Olive Garden – tender chicken, fresh kale, and delicious tortellini all in one bowl. You won’t feel the need to visit a restaurant for an Italian soup once you try this at home.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give the Ham and Asparagus Pizza a shot instead of the usual toppings at Olive Garden. The ham and asparagus give a whole new meaning to pizza night, offering a tasty change from the conventional pizza options. The smoky ham and the fresh veggies work together, creating an awesome flavor and texture experience that’s genuinely Italian.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The beauty of Garlic Shrimp Scampi lies in how such a simple dish can pack so much delicious flavor. It’s juicy shrimp tossed in a garlic-infused sauce. Honestly, it’s such a unique dish that Olive Garden just can’t compete with. It’s perfect for a relaxed dinner at home with some warm bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The Shrimp Scampi Pizza is nothing short of a food revelation. Combining the familiar pizza crust with tender shrimp and garlicky sauce – it’s a masterpiece that’s tough to find at Olive Garden. Enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience with this creative, mouth-watering pizza option.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken on a plate.
Italian Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Try the Italian Chicken dish for a taste of real Italian flavor. It’s a straightforward recipe showcasing the charm of Italian herbs and spices. Olive Garden’s chicken options won’t even stand close once you’ve tasted this amazing dish that truly reflects the essence of Italian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The Birria Pizza is a beautiful combination of authentic Mexican and Italian flavors. Olive Garden surely can’t match this fusion of flavors. Imagine the perfect pizza dough topped with birria, cheese, and some spice – this is the pizza you didn’t even know you were craving. A perfect conversation starter over the dinner table!
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to beat Olive Garden’s salad game? Just mix up some Pesto Orzo Salad. It’s refreshing, chock full of flavor, and has that perfect balance of textures. What’s not to love about orzo pasta, pesto, and some fresh veggies? A simple yet satisfying Italian salad you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

What if I told you that Chicken Gnocchi Soup would make you forget about Olive Garden’s soups altogether? It’s creamy, full of tasty ingredients, and leaves you feeling satisfied. The perfect mix of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables make it the ultimate comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Polenta with Mascarpone

Polenta with mascarpone in a white bowl.
Polenta with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a cozy and delicious side dish, you need to try Polenta with Mascarpone. The creamy, sweet mascarpone cheese together with the hearty polenta is just a match made in heaven. You’ll be wondering why you ever settled for Olive Garden’s mashed potatoes!
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

A plate of asparagus with mascarpone and lemon.
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget the limited asparagus options at Olive Garden, and go for Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone instead. Think of asparagus getting that amazing char, and then topped off with creamy mascarpone. It’s a fantastic side dish and surprisingly easy to make at home. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Tortellini Soup with Sausage in a white bowl.
Tortellini Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get ready to step up your soup game with Tortellini Soup with Sausage. It’s way better than anything you’d find at Olive Garden. Hearty sausages and flavorful broth packed with delicious tortellini – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Italian soup lovers won’t be able to resist giving this recipe a try at home.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a pasta dish that’s sure to win your heart – Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes. It’s simple, but the way the creamy ricotta and sweet tomatoes combine is truly amazing. Olive Garden’s pasta options won’t even come close in comparison. This dish highlights the true beauty of Italian cuisine without any unnecessary additions.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something magical about Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta. It’s perfect Italian comfort food, bringing together hearty sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe. It’s a dish that leaves Olive Garden’s pasta options trailing behind. Give it a try, and you’ll see how Italian cuisine shines with this perfect combination of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

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