When ordering chicken alfredo at Olive Garden, one of the first questions that may come to mind is “how many servings will this provide?” Knowing serving sizes can help with planning portions for a meal. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore this question in detail.
What is Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo dish?
Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo consists of fettuccine pasta and grilled chicken breast tossed in a rich, creamy alfredo sauce. It is one of Olive Garden’s classic Italian chicken dishes. The alfredo sauce is made with Parmesan cheese, cream, and butter for a smooth, decadent flavor.
Key ingredients
The main ingredients in Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo are:
- Fettuccine pasta
- Grilled chicken breast
- Creamy alfredo sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Cream
- Seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper
Customization options
Olive Garden offers some customization options with their chicken alfredo dish, including:
- Choice of pasta: fettuccine, angel hair, or gluten-free rotini
- Sauce options: alfredo, marinara, or five cheese marinara
- Add-on proteins: grilled or crispy chicken, grilled shrimp, or grilled salmon
- Vegetable sides like broccoli or crispy zucchini fritters
What is the serving size of Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo?
The standard serving size for Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo is one entree portion. This consists of:
- About 2 cups of fettuccine pasta
- 3 oz grilled chicken breast (about half a chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup alfredo sauce
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
The total weight of one chicken alfredo entree serving is approximately 400 grams or 14 oz. This provides one average adult serving size.
Nutrition information per serving
Here are the basic nutrition facts for a standard serving of Olive Garden chicken alfredo:
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 800 |
| Total Fat | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 40g |
How many calories in Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo?
A single serving of Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo contains approximately 800 calories. This is based on the standard portion size and nutrition information provided by Olive Garden.
The high calorie count is mainly due to the alfredo sauce, which is very rich and made with cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. The fettuccine pasta and chicken also contribute to the total calorie content per serving.
Ways to reduce calories
Some ways Olive Garden customers can reduce the calories in a chicken alfredo order include:
- Requesting light alfredo sauce instead of regular
- Opting for angel hair pasta instead of fettuccine
- Choosing grilled shrimp instead of chicken
- Splitting one entree between two people
- Taking half the portion home for leftovers
Nutrition tips
Despite the high calorie count, Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation alongside nutritious sides like salad and vegetables.
Some tips to keep in mind when dining at Olive Garden:
- Balance it out by also ordering a low-cal salad as an appetizer or side.
- Ask for dressing and cheese on the side to control portions.
- Share an appetizer or dessert to avoid overeating.
- Sip water frequently to feel full faster.
- Take leftovers home to divide into multiple portions.
How many Weight Watchers points in Olive Garden chicken alfredo?
If you are following the Weight Watchers plan, Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo comes to around 16-20 points per serving, depending on the specific ingredients and options chosen.
Here is a point estimate breakdown:
- 2 cups fettuccine pasta = 7 points
- 1⁄2 cup alfredo sauce = 8 points
- 3 oz grilled chicken = 2 points
- 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese = 1 point
The total points can range from 16-20 points for the full entree serving. The actual points can vary depending on if you choose different pasta, sauce, or protein options when customizing your order.
Tips for reducing points
Some ways to reduce the Weight Watchers points in this dish include:
- Opt for marinara sauce instead of alfredo to save points
- Choose angel hair over fettuccine pasta
- Order grilled shrimp instead of chicken
- Request light sauce and cheese on the side
- Share the entree with someone
- Take half home for leftovers
How many carbs in Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo?
There are approximately 60g of net carbs in one full serving of Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo.
This carbohydrate count comes mostly from the fettuccine pasta. A 2 cup serving of fettuccine contains around 50-55g of carbs by itself. The alfredo sauce contributes a small amount as well.
Tips for reducing carbs
Some suggestions for reducing carbs in this dish include:
- Ask for a lower carb pasta like angel hair or gluten-free rotini
- Order just 1 cup of pasta instead of 2
- Substitute zucchini noodles for half the pasta
- Replace the pasta completely with sauteed vegetables
- Order a side salad instead of pasta
Does Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo have gluten?
Olive Garden’s regular chicken alfredo is not gluten-free because it contains wheat-based pasta and thickening agents that contain gluten.
By default, the dish is served with fettuccine pasta, which is made from wheat flour containing gluten. The alfredo sauce also typically contains flour or starch-based thickeners that may have traces of gluten.
Gluten-free options
However, Olive Garden does offer some gluten-free options and customizations, including:
- Gluten-free rotini pasta instead of regular pasta
- Zucchini noodles instead of pasta
- Alfredo sauce made without wheat flour thickening agents
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should specify gluten-free options when ordering. Olive Garden cannot guarantee 100% gluten-free preparation, so there is still a risk of cross-contamination.
Does Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo have dairy?
Yes, Olive Garden’s traditional chicken alfredo contains multiple dairy ingredients including cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and Alfredo sauce.
The alfredo sauce is made from a creamy blend of butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and often Romano cheese or cream cheese as well. This gives the sauce a rich, silky texture.
Dairy-free options
Olive Garden cannot guarantee a 100% dairy-free chicken alfredo dish due to potential cross-contamination. However, those avoiding dairy can request the following modifications:
- Substitute marinara sauce for the alfredo
- Hold the Parmesan cheese topping
- Request sauce made without butter, cream, or cheese
- Use coconut milk or nut milk instead of dairy cream (if available)
Olive Garden chefs will do their best to accommodate dairy-free requests, but cannot guarantee the complete absence of dairy residues during preparation and cooking.
Does Olive Garden offer low-carb chicken alfredo options?
Olive Garden can customize their chicken alfredo to be lower in carbs upon request. Some ways to reduce carbs include:
- Ordering angel hair pasta or gluten-free rotini instead of regular fettuccine
- Replacing half or all of the pasta with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini noodles
- Asking for less pasta overall
- Subbing in a vegetable side dish instead of pasta
Ordering grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken will also reduce carbs. Avoiding thick, starchy sauces like alfredo and asking for lighter marinara will also minimize carbs.
Keto diet tips
For an extra low-carb keto diet option, request the following swaps:
- Zucchini noodles instead of pasta
- Grilled chicken
- Side salad with vinaigrette instead of pasta
- Marinara sauce instead of alfredo
- No Parmesan cheese
This very low-carb version removes the main sources of carbs – pasta, thick sauces, and cheese coatings.
Does Olive Garden have vegan chicken alfredo options?
Currently, Olive Garden does not offer a ready-made vegan chicken alfredo option on their menu. However, diners can request modifications to make a vegan version.
To make the dish vegan, Ordering the Marinara sauce is key, since traditional alfredo contains dairy. Other alterations include:
- Hold the cheese topping
- Ask for sauce to be prepared without butter or cream
- Request gluten-free or rice pasta to avoid egg-based pasta
- Substitute grilled vegetables for chicken
Olive Garden chefs will do their best to accommodate vegan requests. But there is always a risk of trace dairy or egg residues from the common kitchen. Overall, with the right substitutions, it’s possible to enjoy a plant-based chicken alfredo-style pasta.
Conclusion
Olive Garden’s chicken alfredo provides one regular serving per order, containing 800 calories, 60g carbs, and 40g fat. Customizations allow you to lower calories, carbs, and allergens. While the classic version is indulgent, with smart substitutions and portion control, it can work into a varied diet.
Remember to balance heavier pasta dishes with nutritious choices like salad, veggies, and protein. Pair your Olive Garden favorites with water instead of sugary drinks. Leftovers can provide a second meal, allowing you to split one entree into multiple portions.
With the right considerations for your diet, Olive Garden can offer tasty Italian fare that you can feel good about eating when dining out.
