Does Olive Garden Serve Spicy Food?

Customers often wonder if Olive Garden offers spicy food options, given the range of flavorful and traditional Italian-American dishes it serves. While most Italian-American restaurants in the medium to lower price range tend to offer mild or moderately spicy dishes like fra diavolo, it's a common misconception that Olive Garden might include more fiery items on their menu.

Spicy Alfredo Chicken Tenders

Recently, Olive Garden introduced a new specialty: Spicy Alfredo Chicken Tenders. This dish features chicken tenders coated in a spicy Alfredo sauce, enhanced by the addition of diced hot cherry peppers. Additionally, diners can dip these tenders in the complimentary Alfredo sauce, enjoying a unique combination of creamy and spicy flavors that stand out from the usual mild dishes.

Understanding Fra Diavolo

For those unfamiliar, fra diavolo is a traditional Italian sauce that translates to 'brother of the devil.' This dish originated as an American interpretation of a classic spicy red Italian arrabiata sauce, typically served with seafood or pasta. Fra diavolo is known for its heat—the sauce is made with fiery red pepper flakes, giving it a robust and spicy kick that complements the flavors of seafood dishes, particularly shrimp and lobster.

No Spicy Offerings at Olive Garden

Despite the introduction of the Spicy Alfredo Chicken Tenders, it's important to note that Olive Garden doesn't generally offer more spicy options on its menu. This is in line with its brand positioning as a moderately priced casual dining restaurant. While the Spicy Alfredo Chicken Tenders can be a unique and exciting addition to a meal, they do not represent the restaurant's overall spice profile.

Alternative Spicy Dishes

For those seeking more spicy options, other Italian-American restaurants often have a broader range of spicy dishes. Traditional dishes like fra diavolo and arrabiata are more commonly offered and enjoyed in restaurants with a focus on more authentic Italian cuisine.

Home-Baked Breadsticks

While Olive Garden is known for its delicious and convenient breadsticks, they can also be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Following a basic breadstick recipe, customers can recreate the taste and texture they love from Olive Garden in the comfort of their own kitchen. This not only saves money but also allows for customization to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

Conclusion

While Olive Garden has introduced an exciting new option with the Spicy Alfredo Chicken Tenders, it does not offer a range of spicy dishes as might be expected in a more traditional Italian-American restaurant. The introduction of this dish is a unique and tasty addition to the menu, but for those seeking a broader range of spicy options, other restaurants may better fit the bill.