Olive Garden catering menu with prices helps you plan family-sized servings of pasta and salad for gatherings. Whether you are hosting a birthday party, a work lunch, or a holiday dinner, this guide breaks down every option so you can order with confidence.
You don’t need to guess how much food to buy. The Olive Garden catering menu is built around large trays and bundles that feed 8 to 12 people per item. Prices are clear, and the portions are generous. Let’s walk through everything step by step.
Olive Garden Catering Menu With Prices
The main catering menu includes pasta trays, salad, breadsticks, and dessert. You can also add drinks and extra sides. Below is the full list of items and their current prices as of early 2025. Prices may vary by location, so check with your local Olive Garden for exact numbers.
Pasta Trays
Each pasta tray serves about 8 to 10 people. You get a full tray of pasta with sauce and toppings. Here are the options:
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $49.99 per tray
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – $54.99 per tray
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $54.99 per tray
- Chicken Alfredo – $64.99 per tray
- Five Cheese Ziti al Forno – $59.99 per tray
- Chicken Parmigiana – $69.99 per tray (includes pasta side)
- Eggplant Parmigiana – $59.99 per tray
- Lasagna Classico – $69.99 per tray
- Stuffed Shells – $59.99 per tray
All pasta trays come with your choice of marinara or meat sauce on the side if needed. You can also request extra cheese for an additional charge.
Salad And Breadsticks
The famous Olive Garden salad is a must for any catering order. You can get it in two sizes:
- Small Salad (serves 4-6) – $12.99
- Large Salad (serves 8-10) – $19.99
Breadsticks are sold by the dozen. Each order includes 12 breadsticks with butter and garlic seasoning:
- Dozen Breadsticks – $7.99
You can also order a combo bundle that includes a large salad and two dozen breadsticks for $34.99.
Dessert Trays
Finish your meal with a sweet treat. The dessert options are:
- Tiramisu (serves 8-10) – $39.99
- Chocolate Brownie Lasagna (serves 8-10) – $39.99
- Lemon Cream Cake (serves 8-10) – $39.99
Each dessert tray is pre-sliced and ready to serve. No extra work needed.
Beverages
Olive Garden offers drink options for catering. You can order by the gallon:
- Lemonade – $9.99 per gallon
- Iced Tea – $9.99 per gallon
- Fountain Drinks (assorted) – $9.99 per gallon
- Bottled Water – $1.99 each
If you want a full drink station, you can also request cups, ice, and napkins.
Family Style Bundles
These bundles are designed to feed a group with a mix of items. They are a good value if you want variety:
- Pasta & Salad Bundle (serves 8-10) – $89.99. Includes one pasta tray, one large salad, and one dozen breadsticks.
- Ultimate Bundle (serves 10-12) – $129.99. Includes two pasta trays, one large salad, and two dozen breadsticks.
- Feast Bundle (serves 12-14) – $159.99. Includes three pasta trays, one large salad, and three dozen breadsticks.
You can mix and match pasta types in these bundles. Just tell the restaurant your preferences when you order.
How To Order Olive Garden Catering
Ordering is simple. You have three main ways to place your order:
- Online through the Olive Garden website. Go to the catering section, choose your items, and select a pickup time.
- By phone. Call your local Olive Garden and ask for the catering department. They can help you customize your order.
- In person. Visit the restaurant and speak with a manager. This works best if you want to see the trays or ask questions.
You should order at least 24 hours in advance. For large events (over 20 people), give 48 hours notice. Same-day orders are possible but not guaranteed.
Pickup And Delivery Options
Most locations offer free pickup. You just drive to the restaurant and they bring the food to your car. Delivery is available for orders over a certain amount, usually $100 or more. Delivery fees vary by location, so ask when you order.
If you choose delivery, the driver will bring the food to your door. They do not set up or serve the food. You handle that yourself.
Payment Methods
You can pay with credit card, debit card, or cash at pickup. Online orders require a credit card. Some locations also accept gift cards. Tipping is optional but appreciated for delivery drivers.
Tips For Saving Money On Olive Garden Catering
Catering can add up quickly, but there are ways to keep costs down. Here are some practical tips:
- Order family style bundles instead of individual trays. They often cost less per person.
- Skip the dessert tray if you are on a tight budget. You can buy a store-bought cake instead.
- Use coupons. Olive Garden sometimes offers catering coupons in their email newsletter or app.
- Order during off-peak times. Some locations offer discounts for weekday orders.
- Share a bundle between two families. Split the cost and the food.
Another way to save is to order only what you need. A single pasta tray plus salad and breadsticks feeds about 10 people. For 15 people, you might need two trays. Dont over order—leftovers are nice but you dont want to waste money.
What To Expect When You Pick Up Your Order
When you arrive for pickup, park in the designated catering spot if available. Call the restaurant to let them know you are there. A staff member will bring the food out to your car. They will confirm your order and help you load it if needed.
The food comes in disposable aluminum trays with lids. Each tray is labeled with the contents. Salad and breadsticks are in separate bags. Desserts are in boxes. Everything is designed to be easy to transport.
Once you get home, you should serve the food within two hours. If you are not eating right away, keep the pasta and salad refrigerated. Reheat pasta in the oven or microwave before serving.
How Much Food Do You Need Per Person?
Portion sizes depend on the group. Here is a general guide:
- Pasta: 1 tray feeds 8-10 people as a main dish. If you have other sides, it feeds 10-12.
- Salad: 1 large salad feeds 8-10 people as a side.
- Breadsticks: 2 per person is standard. A dozen covers 6 people.
- Dessert: 1 tray serves 8-10 people with one slice each.
For a group of 20 people, you would need 2 pasta trays, 2 large salads, 4 dozen breadsticks, and 2 dessert trays. That is a full meal with leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Olive Garden catering for a small group?
Yes. You can order individual trays or smaller salads. The minimum order is usually one tray or one salad. There is no minimum number of people.
Does Olive Garden catering include plates and utensils?
No. You need to provide your own plates, forks, napkins, and cups. The restaurant only provides the food. You can ask for extra napkins if needed.
Are there vegetarian options on the Olive Garden catering menu?
Yes. The Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Stuffed Shells are vegetarian. The salad is also vegetarian if you skip the meat toppings.
Can I customize the pasta sauces in a catering order?
Yes. You can choose marinara, meat sauce, or Alfredo for most pasta trays. Some items like Chicken Parmigiana come with a specific sauce, but you can request changes.
How far in advance should I order Olive Garden catering?
At least 24 hours is recommended. For large orders or special events, order 48 hours ahead. Same-day orders are possible but may have limited availability.
Comparing Olive Garden Catering To Other Options
Olive Garden is not the only catering choice, but it offers good value for Italian food. Here is how it stacks up against similar services:
- Cost per person: Olive Garden catering averages about $8 to $12 per person. That is competitive with fast-casual catering.
- Variety: You get pasta, salad, breadsticks, and dessert. Other places may have more limited menus.
- Convenience: Pickup is easy, and the food stays hot for a while. Delivery is available in many areas.
- Taste: The food is consistent and familiar. Most people like Olive Garden flavors.
If you want something different, you could try a local Italian restaurant or a grocery store deli. But for a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal, Olive Garden is hard to beat.
What To Serve With Olive Garden Catering
If you want to add your own touches, here are some ideas:
- Garlic bread or extra breadsticks from the store
- A simple green salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini
- Fruit platter for a light dessert
- Wine or beer for adult guests
These additions can round out the meal without costing much. They also give you more control over the menu.
Common Mistakes When Ordering Olive Garden Catering
People often make these errors. Avoid them to save time and money:
- Ordering too much food. One tray per 10 people is usually enough. Dont double up unless you want leftovers.
- Forgetting to order drinks. The food is salty, so guests will get thirsty. Add a few gallons of lemonade or iced tea.
- Not checking the pickup time. Make sure the restaurant knows when you will arrive. Late pickups can cause delays.
- Ignoring dietary restrictions. Ask your guests about allergies or preferences. Olive Garden can accommodate many needs.
- Skipping the breadsticks. They are a fan favorite and cheap. Order at least one dozen per 10 people.
By avoiding these mistakes, your catering experience will be smoother and more enjoyable.
How To Reheat Olive Garden Catering Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Here is how:
- Pasta: Put it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through.
- Salad: Store it in the fridge. Eat it cold. Do not reheat salad.
- Breadsticks: Wrap them in foil. Heat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Or microwave for 20 seconds.
- Dessert: Keep it refrigerated. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Leftovers stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze pasta for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts On Olive Garden Catering
Olive Garden catering is a solid choice for group meals. The prices are fair, the portions are large, and the food is familiar. You can feed a crowd without spending a fortune or slaving in the kitchen.
Just remember to order ahead, check your local prices, and bring your own plates. With a little planning, your event will be a success.
If you have never tried Olive Garden catering before, start with a small order. Get one pasta tray, a salad, and a dozen breadsticks. See how it works for your group. Then you can scale up for bigger events.
The menu is simple, but it works. And that is exactly what you need when you are feeding a lot of people.