What meal has the most protein at Olive Garden?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

With a surprising 112 grams of protein per serving, the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is the highest protein entree available at Olive Garden. This makes it a compelling choice for diners aiming to maximize their protein intake while enjoying a flavorful Italian meal without compromising their macro goals.

Quick Summary

The highest protein entree at Olive Garden is the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, offering a massive 112 grams per serving. Other high-protein menu items and powerful customization hacks are also available.

Key Points

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is the winner: This entree delivers an impressive 112 grams of protein, the highest on the menu.
Consider other high-protein entrees: Other options like Calabrian Steak & Shrimp Bucatini (78g) and Chicken Alfredo (81g) also offer significant protein.
Customize your meal: Use the 'Create Your Own Pasta' option to build a personalized high-protein meal, such as spaghetti with shrimp and marinara (49g).
Add extra protein: Boost any meal by adding a side of grilled chicken (26g), Italian sausage (27g), or a Tuscan sirloin (46g).
Strategic side dish utilization: Incorporate high-protein appetizers like Meatballs Parmigiana (51g) or use the unlimited soup and salad strategically to supplement your protein.

The Highest Protein Meal: A Deep Dive

When seeking to maximize your protein intake at Olive Garden, the answer is clear: the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo. This single entree delivers an impressive 112 grams of protein per serving, making it a powerful option for hitting your daily macronutrient goals. The combination of grilled chicken and cheese-filled tortellini in a rich alfredo sauce contributes to its surprisingly high protein content, though diners should note its accompanying high calorie and fat totals. While it may not be the 'lightest' option, its protein-packed nature is unmatched on the standard menu.

Other Top Protein Entrees

If the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo isn't your preference, Olive Garden offers several other entrees with significant protein counts:

Calabrian Steak & Shrimp Bucatini: This option features spicy steak and shrimp, providing a substantial 78 grams of protein.
Chicken Alfredo: A fan-favorite, this dish comes with a solid 81 grams of protein. You can further increase this by adding a side of broccoli for an extra 4 grams.
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo: Offering 74 grams of protein, this features grilled steak medallions over fettuccine with a creamy gorgonzola sauce.
Tour of Italy: This combines three classic dishes on one plate and offers a total of 72 grams of protein.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala: A non-pasta entree choice that still delivers a robust 72 grams of protein per serving.
Gluten-Sensitive Grilled Chicken Parmigiana with Rotini: For those with dietary restrictions, this meal still packs in a hefty 75 grams of protein.

Strategic Menu Customization for Peak Protein

Beyond the standard menu, the key to truly maximizing your protein lies in customization and clever ordering.

Create Your Own Pasta: This option is a powerful tool for macro-conscious diners. For instance, pairing spaghetti (12g protein) with sautéed shrimp (33g protein) and marinara sauce (4g protein) results in 49 grams of protein for a lower calorie count of 660. This approach gives you control over your meal's nutritional profile.

Double the Protein: Many entrees allow you to double the meat portion for an extra charge. For example, doubling the chicken on a Chicken Tortellini Alfredo would result in even more protein.

Add Protein Sides: Incorporating additional protein sources as side dishes is another effective strategy:

Grilled chicken side: Adds 26 grams of protein.
Italian sausage side: Adds 27 grams of protein.
Side of three meatballs: Adds 24 grams of protein.
6-ounce Tuscan Sirloin: Adds a powerful 46 grams of protein.

High-Protein Appetizers: Don't forget about appetizers as part of your total protein intake. The Meatballs Parmigiana appetizer alone contains 51 grams of protein, while the Shrimp Fritto Misto offers 41 grams. Combining one of these with a high-protein entree creates a truly massive protein meal.

Comparison of High-Protein Olive Garden Entrees


Entree	Protein (g)	Calories	High Fat/Sodium Note	Customization Option
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo	112	High	Yes	Double chicken for more protein.
Calabrian Steak & Shrimp Bucatini	78	High	Yes	N/A
Gluten-Sensitive Grilled Chicken Parmigiana	75	High	N/A	Add a 6-ounce sirloin side.
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo	74	High	Yes	N/A
Stuffed Chicken Marsala	72	High	N/A	N/A
Herb-Grilled Salmon	45	Lower relative to pasta	Yes	Order with steamed broccoli instead of other sides.
Create Your Own Pasta (Spaghetti/Shrimp)	49 (example)	Lower relative to Alfredo	Depends on sauce	Endless combinations of pasta, sauce, and toppings.

Making a Smarter Choice

While maximizing protein at Olive Garden is achievable, it often comes with a trade-off in calories, fat, and sodium. The unlimited soup or salad is a valuable part of the Olive Garden dining experience and can be used strategically. For example, swapping croutons for grilled chicken or focusing on the broth-based Minestrone soup (5g protein per serving) can supplement your meal without adding excessive calories. Remember that many of the highest protein dishes rely on creamy sauces and large portions, so splitting an entree or planning leftovers is a smart approach for those managing their caloric intake. Consulting Olive Garden's official nutrition information is always recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date data, as menu items and recipes can change over time.

Conclusion

For diners with a primary goal of maximizing protein, the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is the single highest-protein meal at Olive Garden, boasting 112 grams per serving. However, those prioritizing a better balance of macros or lower calorie options have several other excellent choices. Strategic menu customization, including building your own pasta or adding extra protein sides, empowers guests to create a high-protein meal tailored to their specific dietary needs. By combining this knowledge with smart choices like utilizing the unlimited salad and broth-based soups, you can navigate the menu to achieve your protein goals successfully.

For the most current nutritional information directly from the restaurant, visit Olive Garden's official website: Nutrition Information - Olive Garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

The single highest protein meal at Olive Garden is the Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, which contains 112 grams of protein per serving.

Yes. While higher protein meals often have more calories, you can opt for the Herb-Grilled Salmon (45g protein) or customize a 'Create Your Own Pasta' dish with lighter ingredients, like shrimp and marinara sauce.

You can boost your protein by adding a side of grilled chicken (26g), Italian sausage (27g), or three meatballs (24g) to your entree. The unlimited salad also provides some protein, especially if you add chicken.

The appetizer with the most protein is the Meatballs Parmigiana, which provides 51 grams of protein per order.

The Gluten-Sensitive Grilled Chicken Parmigiana with rotini and marinara is a great option, offering a substantial 75 grams of protein.

The Herb-Grilled Salmon is a strong candidate for a balanced, high-protein option at Olive Garden. It provides 45 grams of protein and is generally considered a healthier choice compared to rich pasta dishes.

Yes, using the 'Create Your Own Pasta' option allows for significant protein customization. For example, ordering spaghetti with sautéed shrimp and marinara will give you 49 grams of protein.