There’s something extra fun about knowing a secret—especially when it’s something you can eat. Olive Garden has plenty of comfort food classics, but behind the menu lies a treasure trove of tips, swaps, and secret upgrades that make your meal feel a little more magical.
With a few tweaks and special requests, that plate of pasta can go from standard to unforgettable. These tricks aren’t just for pros—anyone can try them, if you know what to say.
1. Get Alfredo Sauce On Everything
Don’t settle for just a drizzle. Alfredo can be added to nearly any pasta, soup, or side dish if you ask nicely.
The sauce brings a rich, garlicky creaminess that transforms even plain spaghetti. It’s like adding a silk robe to your pasta—suddenly everything feels fancier.
2. Ask For A Half-And-Half Pasta Combo
Can’t decide between two pastas? Ask for both.
Most servers will let you split the plate between two different sauces or dishes, so you get a creamy and a red side by side. It’s the best way to try more without ordering two full meals.
3. Upgrade To Chicken Parm With Alfredo
Instead of standard marinara, ask for your chicken parmesan with Alfredo sauce. The crisp chicken, rich cheese, and buttery sauce create a mashup that feels wildly indulgent.
It’s not listed, but the kitchen knows what to do. One bite, and it tastes like something they should have put on the menu years ago.
4. Mix Soups For A Custom Bowl
Love Zuppa Toscana but wish it had more of the creamy edge from the Chicken Gnocchi soup? Ask for a half-and-half blend.
The result is a hybrid bowl that’s comforting, peppery, and just the right amount of thick. You’ll wonder why this combo isn’t offered by default.
5. Add Meatballs To The Kids’ Menu Pasta
If you’re grabbing a smaller kids’ portion for lunch or lighter eating, ask to add meatballs. They’re not listed as an option—but they’re always back there, ready to roll.
Juicy and generously seasoned, they turn a basic bowl of buttered noodles into something that feels grown-up and filling.
6. Get Unlimited Breadsticks To Go
Taking food home? Ask for a bag of breadsticks to be included.
They stay soft and garlicky even after a quick zap in the microwave the next day. Just imagine waking up to leftover pasta and buttery breadsticks—it’s the dream.
7. Order Extra Cheese Toasted On Top
Ask for your pasta or entrée to be “toasted with extra cheese.” What comes out is a bubbling, golden top layer that feels straight out of a wood-fired oven.
It adds a bit of crunch and a lot of drama. Perfect for making your dish look and taste like a baked specialty.
8. Swap Your Pasta For Zoodles
Trying to keep things lighter? Ask to substitute zucchini noodles in place of regular pasta.
They soak up the sauce surprisingly well and add a slight snap to the bite. It’s a great trick for enjoying your favorite meal without the post-pasta nap.
9. Turn Any App Into A Meal With A Side
Appetizers like calamari or stuffed mushrooms become full meals when paired with a salad or soup.
This works especially well if you want variety without the heaviness of a giant plate. It’s like building your own little tasting menu.
10. Ask For Alfredo As A Soup Base
Request Alfredo sauce in place of broth in soups like Chicken Gnocchi. The staff might blink twice, but they’ll usually do it.
The result is thick, decadent, and borderline genius. Perfect when you’re craving something rich and spoonable.
11. Use The Breadsticks As Sandwich Buns
Breadsticks can be sliced open and filled with meatballs or grilled chicken. They hold up well and taste even better warm and stuffed.
This one’s not on the menu, but most kitchens will help you hack it. You’ll feel like you’ve invented Olive Garden’s version of a sub.
12. Split The Tour Of Italy Into Two Meals
The famous Tour of Italy—lasagna, chicken parm, and fettuccine Alfredo—is a heavy lift for one sitting. Ask to split it in half and take the rest home boxed up.
What you get is two full meals for the price of one. Nothing beats lasagna leftovers waiting in your fridge.
13. Ask For Crispy Chicken On Any Salad
Tired of grilled chicken? Ask for the crispy version instead, especially on the house or Caesar salad.
That extra crunch makes it taste more like a meal than a side. It’s one of those little upgrades that changes everything.
14. Turn The Dessert Sampler Into A Full-Size
Love all three desserts in the sampler? Ask for a full-size of just your favorite.
Most servers are happy to swap it out, especially if you’re willing to pay a bit more. It’s a nice way to commit to chocolate lasagna without missing out.
15. Request Grilled Chicken In The Ravioli
The cheese ravioli comes standard, but ask to add grilled chicken on top for more protein and flavor.
The smokiness of the grill balances the creamy filling beautifully. You’ll feel like you tricked the menu into giving you something totally new.
16. Get The Sauce On The Side—Extra On The Side
Not just sauce on the side, but extra sauce on the side. That way, you control how much you pour and can dip breadsticks like royalty.
This works wonders if you’re worried about soggy pasta or just want to stretch the flavor into your leftovers.
17. Mix Two Dressings In Your Salad
Can’t decide between Italian and ranch? Ask for a mix.
The combo is tangy, creamy, and surprisingly balanced. A little of both brings out the best in the crisp lettuce and pepperoncini.
18. Ask For A Bowl Of Sauce For Dipping
Yes, you can request a whole ramekin of Alfredo, marinara, or even five cheese sauce on the side. It’s perfect for dunking breadsticks, chicken, or whatever else lands on your plate.
No need to ration what’s already on your meal. Dip like there’s no tomorrow.
19. Build Your Own Pasta From The Side Menu
Sides like fettuccine, spaghetti, or angel hair can be ordered solo—and then upgraded.
Add a protein, swap the sauce, pile on veggies. Suddenly you’ve got a custom pasta bowl for less than a main dish.
20. Add Shrimp To Anything—Yes, Anything
Shrimp can be added to salads, pastas, soups, or even the risotto side dish. Ask, and they’ll make it work.
It adds a savory pop and a bit of elegance to whatever you’re eating. Great when you want your Alfredo to feel like a seafood special.