Is the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal still available in 2026?

The 2 for $25 deal is periodically available at participating Olive Garden locations in 2026. It is not always running year-round. Always confirm with your local restaurant before visiting.

What entrees are included in the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal?

Eligible entrees typically include Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Lasagna Classico, Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Alfredo, Seafood Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi, and Smoked Mozzarella Chicken.

Does the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal include drinks?

No. Beverages including soft drinks, iced tea, wine, and cocktails are charged separately. Budget an additional $4-$12 per person for drinks.

Can I use the 2 for $25 deal for takeout or delivery?

Some locations allow takeout with the 2 for $25 bundle, but unlimited soup, salad, and breadstick refills typically only apply for dine-in. Check with your specific location before ordering.

How much should I tip on the Olive Garden 2 for $25 deal?

Tip based on the full value of the meal (approximately $55-$75), not the $25 promotional price. A standard 18-20% tip works out to roughly $10-$15.

Is the 2 for $25 the same as the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl?

No. The Never-Ending Pasta Bowl offers unlimited pasta for one person at approximately $13.99. The 2 for $25 is a set three-course meal for two people at a fixed $25 price.

Olive Garden Classic Entrées: Your Complete Guide

The Classic Entrees at Olive Garden represent the chain’s core Italian-American dishes. These dishes include Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna Classico, Chicken Parmigiana and Shrimp Scampi all of which come with the restaurant’s“Never-ending First Course”-style unlimited soup or salad and fresh breadsticks by default. These entrees offer familiar flavours, consistent portions and value across the menu.

In this guide you’ll discover what the “Classic Entrées” section at Olive Garden entails, how to understand its offerings, and how to pick your dish wisely. Whether you’re browsing the menu or planning a visit, you’ll leave informed about flavours, value, nutrition and ordering strategies. Let’s get started!

Signature Dishes You’ll Find on the Menu

Olive Garden Classic Entrées feature rich sauces, hearty portions, and authentic Italian-American flavors. Each meal includes unlimited soup or salad and freshly baked breadsticks.

Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Chicken Alfredo combines grilled chicken with fettuccine in Olive Garden’s signature Parmesan Alfredo sauce. It’s one of the restaurant’s best-selling entrées, loved for its rich, buttery texture.
Perfect for pasta lovers craving classic Italian comfort.

Lasagna Classico

Lasagna Classico layers pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheeses for a true homestyle Italian flavor. Baked to perfection, it delivers savory comfort in every bite. A must-try for guests who enjoy traditional Olive Garden favorites.

Tour of Italy

The Tour of Italy lets guests sample Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo in one entrée. It’s a top pick for first-time visitors seeking variety and value. This trio perfectly represents Olive Garden’s most iconic flavors.

Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Parmigiana features breaded chicken topped with marinara and melted mozzarella cheese. Served with spaghetti, it’s a timeless Italian-American classic. Crispy, cheesy, and comforting an Olive Garden signature dish.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi offers sautéed shrimp in a garlic-butter and lemon sauce over linguine. Light, zesty, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Ideal for seafood lovers who prefer a lighter Classic Entrée.

Eggplant Parmigiana (V)

Eggplant Parmigiana presents hand-breaded eggplant layered with marinara and melted mozzarella. A satisfying, meat-free take on the Parmigiana classic. Perfect for vegetarian guests seeking rich, authentic Italian flavor.

Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara

Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara blends grilled chicken, shrimp, and bacon in creamy Parmesan sauce. Smoky, savory, and indulgent with every forkful. A hearty pasta choice for guests craving layered, rich flavors.

Chicken Marsala (Regional)

Chicken Marsala features sautéed chicken in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. Its deep, earthy flavor adds elegance to the Classic Entrées menu. Perfect for diners who love a refined, savory Italian dish.

Portion, Nutrition & Pricing

Each Classic Entrée typically comes with the “Never-ending First Course” (unlimited soup or salad + breadsticks).

Calories: Many dishes exceed 1,000 calories Tour of Italy ~1,550 cal, Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara ~1,390 cal.
Pricing: According to recent sources, classic entrées range roughly from ~$18 to $30 depending on dish and location.
Trend note: Olive Garden is testing smaller-portion versions at lower price points in some locations to meet changing guest demands.

Understanding this dimension helps guests pick a dish that fits their hunger, budget and dietary aim.

Vegetarian & Lighter Entrée Options

If you’re looking for alternatives within the Classic Entrées set:

Eggplant Parmigiana (V): Hand-breaded eggplant topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served with spaghetti. Labeled vegetarian.
Fettuccine Alfredo (V): For pasta lovers without meat.
Herb-Grilled Salmon (while not always classified under Classic Entrées in all markets) offers a lighter seafood protein alternative.

These options allow guests to stay within recognizable menu structure while adjusting for dietary preference or calorie-consciousness.

Ordering Tips and Value Hacks

Because the Classic Entrées include unlimited soup or salad plus breadsticks, consider starting with the soup or salad, and pace with your entrée. This adds value.
For value-seekers, choosing a simpler pasta (e.g., Lasagna Classico) may hit that sweet price-hunger match.
Many locations allow substitutions or lighter sides. Ask for steamed vegetables instead of pasta, or request half-portion to reduce calories.
Link to “Never-ending Pasta Bowl” promotions for additional value in certain seasons.
Share with a companion: some entrées plus the unlimited first course can satisfy two lighter appetites. These tips help guests maximise satisfaction from the Classic Entrées menu.

Brand Strategy & Why These Dishes Matter

From a brand-strategy perspective, Olive Garden’s Classic Entrées reflect key goals: delivering familiarity (comfort Italian-American flavours), managing menu complexity (fewer, reliable core dishes), and driving consistent traffic with add-ons (breadsticks, soup/salad). The inclusion of the “Never-ending First Course” bundle helps increase perceived value.

By maintaining this category, Olive Garden reinforces its identity as a dependable, family-friendly Italian casual dining destination. Catering Menu-simplification efforts and portion/price experiments (such as smaller-plate offerings) show how the chain adapts to changing consumer demands and cost pressures.

Comparison Table

Dish

Calories

Typical Price

Best For

Tour of Italy	~1,550 cal	~$20-30	Variety-seekers / sharing
Chicken Alfredo	~1,570 cal	~$25	Classic comfort pasta lovers
Lasagna Classico	~940-1,100 cal	~$19	Heartier but reasonable portion
Chicken Parmigiana	~1,020 cal	~$18-20	Protein plus pasta combo
Eggplant Parmigiana (V)	~1,070 cal	~$17	Vegetarian-friendly entree

Pricing varies by location and subject to change.

FAQ

What does “Classic Entrée” include at Olive Garden?

It includes one of the specified entrées plus the unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks first course.

Are breadsticks and soup or salad included automatically?

Yes, with each Classic Entrée order the first course is included (unlimited).

Can I modify a Classic Entrée (e.g., request no chicken or substitute veggies)?

Yes, you can ask your server about substitutions or lighter sides; locations may vary.

How many calories are in a typical Classic Entrée?

Many are 1,000-1,600 cal. For example, Tour of Italy ~1,550 cal, Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara ~1,390 cal.

Do vegetarian guests have Classic Entrée options?

Yes for example Eggplant Parmigiana (V) and Fettuccine Alfredo (V) are listed in the Classic Entrées category in some markets.

Conclusion

The Classic Entrées at Olive Garden are the backbone of the brand’s Italian-American appeal: familiar dishes, dependable flavours, and built-in value (soup/salad + breadsticks). By understanding what’s included, how the dishes differ in calorie, cost and flavour, and how to make smart ordering choices, you can dine confidently whether you’re on a budget, managing calories, or simply craving a comfort meal.

Keep in mind vegetarian and lighter alternatives if needed, and use the ordering tips to tailor your visit. Next time you browse the menu, you’ll know exactly where to start.

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Maria Conti

Maria Conti is a food writer and casual dining enthusiast who tracks restaurant deals, menu changes, prices and value offers across the U.S. She covers Italian-American restaurant chains for readers who want clear, up-to-date menu information and practical comparisons.