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Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta

Helen T. Patterson
Recreate the famous Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta Bowl in your own kitchen! This recipe allows you to mix and match different pasta types, sauces, and proteins for an unlimited Italian feast. Whether you love creamy Alfredo, rich meat sauce, or tangy marinara, this recipe gives you the flexibility to customize your perfect bowl—just like at Olive Garden!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • 1 Strainer – To drain pasta
  • 2 Medium Sauce Pans – For preparing sauces
  • 1 Skillet – For cooking protein (chicken, sausage, or shrimp)
  • 1 Cutting Board & Knife – For chopping herbs and ingredients
  • 1 Whisk – To blend Alfredo and Five Cheese Marinara sauce
  • 1 Cheese Grater – For fresh Parmesan topping
  • Serving Bowls & Tongs – For assembling pasta bowls

Ingredients
  

Pasta Choices (Pick One or Mix & Match)

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 12 oz fettuccine
  • 12 oz penne
  • 12 oz rigatoni
  • 12 oz angel hair

Sauces

  • Marinara Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt

Five Cheese Marinara

  • 2 cups marinara sauce prepared above
  • ½ cup Alfredo sauce prepared above
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup shredded provolone
  • ¼ cup shredded Romano
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan

Protein Options (Choose One or More)

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, cooked and sliced
  • 12 meatballs homemade or store-bought
  • ½ lb shrimp peeled and deveined, sautéed in garlic butter

Toppings & Extras

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauces

  • Marinara Sauce
  • Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Alfredo Sauce
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in heavy cream and whisk until warm.
  • Slowly stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  • Season with salt and black pepper, then let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Meat Sauce
  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and salt.
  • Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
  • Five Cheese Marinara
  • Combine marinara and Alfredo sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in mozzarella, provolone, Romano, and Parmesan.
  • Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 3: Cook the Protein

  • Grilled Chicken
  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Grill over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
  • Let rest, then slice into strips.
  • Italian Sausage
  • Cook sausages in a skillet over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  • Let cool slightly, then slice into rounds.
  • Meatballs
  • Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
  • Shape into 1-inch balls and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
  • Shrimp
  • Sauté shrimp in butter and minced garlic over medium heat.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pasta Bowl

  • Place cooked pasta in a bowl.
  • Pour your choice of sauce over the pasta.
  • Add grilled chicken, sausage, meatballs, or shrimp.
  • Top with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Store pasta, sauce, and proteins separately for easy reheating.
  • Serving Idea: Set up a DIY pasta bar for guests to create their own bowls.
  • Leftovers: Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze sauces for up to 2 months.
Keyword Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta