If you’re wondering how much Olive Garden catering costs, the average price is $10 to $14 per person, depending on the menu items and the size of your event. Most Olive Garden catering trays cost between $40 and $80 and feed about 8 to 10 people.
That means a small catering order for 20 guests might cost around $200 to $300, while a large event like a corporate lunch or graduation party for 100 people typically falls between $900 and $1,200.
Compared to many restaurant catering services, Olive Garden remains one of the more affordable options for large group meals. According to industry catering averages reported by the National Restaurant Association, restaurant catering often ranges from $20 to $50 per person, making Olive Garden significantly more budget-friendly for casual events.
But cost is only one part of the equation. People searching for Olive Garden catering prices also want to know:
- Does Olive Garden do catering everywhere?
- What does the Olive Garden catering menu include?
- How much is Olive Garden catering per person for large events?
- How big are Olive Garden catering pans?
- How far in advance should you order Olive Garden catering?
- Can Olive Garden cater weddings?
Let’s walk through each of these questions so you know exactly what to expect before placing a catering order.
Does Olive Garden Do Catering?
Yes, Olive Garden does catering, and the service is designed specifically for group meals and events. Instead of individual plated dishes, Olive Garden prepares large aluminum catering trays filled with their most popular menu items.
These trays are meant to be served buffet style, which makes them practical for events where guests serve themselves.
Olive Garden catering is commonly used for office meetings, birthday parties, graduations, rehearsal dinners, and family gatherings. Some couples even choose Olive Garden wedding catering for casual receptions or backyard celebrations.
Many locations also offer Olive Garden catering delivery, though availability depends on distance from the restaurant and order size. Delivery fees may apply, and large orders typically require advance notice.
One reason Olive Garden catering works well for group events is that the menu focuses on dishes that travel well and maintain quality over time. Baked pasta, chicken entrées, and salads can stay warm longer than many other restaurant foods, which makes them ideal for catering trays.
Olive Garden Catering Menu With Prices
The Olive Garden catering menu with prices is built around the same dishes that make the restaurant popular for family meals in the first place: hearty pasta, classic chicken entrées, fresh salad, and the well-known breadsticks. While prices can vary slightly depending on the location, the core catering menu stays fairly consistent across most Olive Garden restaurants in the United States.
For events, the catering menu is designed to feed groups efficiently. Most dishes come in large aluminum trays that typically serve 8 to 10 people, making it easy to estimate how much food you need for your guest count.
In general, Olive Garden catering orders are built from four main categories: pasta trays, chicken entrées, salads and breadsticks, and desserts. The total price of an order usually depends on how you combine those items.
Olive Garden Catering Menu Prices at a Glance
| Catering Item | Average Price Range | Typical Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | $42 – $50 | 8–10 people |
| Spaghetti with Marinara | $40 – $48 | 8–10 people |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | $45 – $55 | 8–10 people |
| Five Cheese Ziti al Forno | $45 – $55 | 8–10 people |
| Cheese Ravioli with Marinara | $45 – $55 | 8–10 people |
| Lasagna Classico | $55 – $70 | 8–10 people |
| Chicken Alfredo | $65 – $80 | 8–10 people |
| Chicken Parmigiana | $60 – $75 | 8–10 people |
| Chicken Marsala | $65 – $80 | 8–10 people |
| Chicken Scampi | $65 – $80 | 8–10 people |
| Large House Salad Bowl | $25 – $30 | 10–12 people |
| Breadsticks | $5 – $8 per dozen | 12 breadsticks |
| Dessert Trays | $35 – $55 | Varies |
This pricing structure helps answer the question many people search for: how much is catering from Olive Garden. Because trays serve multiple guests, the cost per person usually stays relatively low compared to traditional catering services.
Pasta Catering Trays
Pasta trays are typically the foundation of most Olive Garden catering orders because they offer the lowest cost per person and appeal to a wide range of guests. Popular options include Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Cheese Ravioli with Marinara, and Spaghetti with Marinara.
Most pasta trays cost between $42 and $55 and serve about 8 to 10 people. These dishes are easy to portion and travel well, which is one reason they are commonly ordered for office lunches, graduation parties, and large family gatherings.
For larger events, many hosts order two different pasta trays so guests can choose between a tomato-based dish and a cream-based option. This adds variety to the meal without increasing the catering cost too dramatically.
Chicken Entrées on the Catering Menu
Chicken entrées are usually the second part of a typical Olive Garden catering order. While pasta trays keep the cost per person lower, chicken dishes help make the meal feel more balanced and complete.
Popular chicken trays on the Olive Garden catering menu include Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Marsala, and Chicken Scampi. These options provide additional protein and are often included for events where guests expect a more substantial meal.
Most chicken catering trays range from $60 to $80 and typically serve 8 to 10 people. Because they are more filling, many hosts order one chicken tray for every two or three pasta trays when feeding a larger group.
Salad, Breadsticks, and Sides
The house salad and breadsticks are an essential part of the Olive Garden dining experience, and they are almost always included in catering orders. When people search what does Olive Garden catering include, these two items are usually at the top of the list.
A large house salad bowl generally costs $25 to $30 and serves about 10 to 12 people. Breadsticks are sold separately and usually cost $5 to $8 per dozen, depending on location.
For planning purposes, many catering hosts estimate at least one breadstick per guest. However, in real group settings guests often take two, especially when eating pasta dishes with rich sauces like Alfredo or marinara.
Salad and breadsticks also help balance the meal. The salad adds a lighter option alongside heavier pasta dishes, while breadsticks help guests round out their plates without significantly increasing the overall catering cost.
How to Build a Balanced Olive Garden Catering Order
The best way to use the Olive Garden catering menu with prices is to mix pasta trays, chicken entrées, and sides so the meal feels varied without pushing the cost too high.
For example, a typical order for a medium-size gathering might include two pasta trays, one chicken entrée, a large salad bowl, and several dozen breadsticks. This combination gives guests different flavors and textures while keeping the Olive Garden catering cost per person relatively affordable.
Because the menu is predictable and portion sizes are consistent, many hosts find it easy to scale their order up for larger events like office parties, reunions, or rehearsal dinners. This flexibility is one of the main reasons Olive Garden catering remains a popular choice for feeding large groups.
How Much Is Olive Garden Catering Per Person?
When people search “how much is Olive Garden catering per person,” they’re usually trying to estimate the cost for a specific event size.
The price per guest changes depending on how many trays you order and the mix of dishes you choose.
Here is a realistic breakdown based on typical catering orders.
| Event Size | Estimated Cost Per Person | Example Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10–20 guests | $12 – $15 | $150 – $300 |
| 30–50 guests | $10 – $13 | $400 – $650 |
| 75–100 guests | $9 – $12 | $800 – $1,200 |
| 150+ guests | $8 – $11 | $1,200 – $1,700 |
Larger events generally reduce the cost per person because multiple trays can serve many guests.
Compared to traditional catering companies, which often charge $25 to $70 per person depending on service style, Olive Garden catering remains a relatively economical option.
How Big Are Olive Garden Catering Pans?
Understanding how big Olive Garden catering pans are helps you plan how much food to order.
Most Olive Garden catering dishes come in half-size aluminum pans, which typically feed 8 to 10 people depending on portion size.
A half pan usually holds about 64 to 96 ounces of food. Heavier dishes like lasagna or baked ziti can be more filling, while spaghetti trays may stretch further if guests take smaller portions.
Event planners often use a simple rule: one catering tray for every 8 guests. This ensures there is enough food without dramatically overordering.
What Does Olive Garden Catering Include?
A common question hosts ask is what does Olive Garden catering include beyond the food trays.
Most Olive Garden catering orders come with basic serving supplies so the food can be served buffet style.
Typical catering orders include aluminum trays of food, large salad bowls, serving utensils, and packaged breadsticks. Some locations also provide disposable plates, napkins, and utensils if requested.
Certain restaurants offer optional chafing kits, which help keep food warm during longer events. These kits usually include warming racks and fuel cans.
The goal is to make the catering setup simple enough that hosts can serve large groups without needing additional catering equipment.
How Much Is Olive Garden Catering for 100 People?
If you’re planning a large event, the next logical question becomes how much is Olive Garden catering for 100 people.
A typical catering order for 100 guests might look like this:
| Item | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Alfredo trays | 4 | $280 |
| Five Cheese Ziti trays | 3 | $150 |
| Spaghetti with Meat Sauce trays | 3 | $150 |
| Large house salad bowls | 3 | $75 |
| Breadsticks | 100 pieces | $60 |
Estimated total: $715 – $900
Adding additional protein dishes or desserts may increase the total to around $1,000 to $1,200, which still keeps the cost per guest relatively low.
How Much Is Olive Garden Catering for a Wedding?
Although not traditional wedding catering, Olive Garden wedding catering has become a popular option for casual receptions and rehearsal dinners.
For couples trying to manage wedding costs, Olive Garden offers a familiar menu and predictable pricing.
Here is an example of a wedding catering order for 80 guests.
| Catering Item | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Parmigiana trays | 3 | $210 |
| Fettuccine Alfredo trays | 3 | $165 |
| Spaghetti with Marinara trays | 2 | $90 |
| House salad bowls | 3 | $75 |
| Breadsticks | 8 dozen | $60 |
| Dessert trays | 2 | $90 |
Estimated wedding catering cost: $690 – $900
Traditional wedding catering in the United States averages $40 to $70 per person, according to industry wedding planning reports. By comparison, Olive Garden catering can keep the cost closer to $10 to $14 per guest, making it a practical alternative for informal receptions.
Olive Garden Catering Delivery and Ordering
Many locations allow customers to order catering directly through the Olive Garden website. Olive Garden catering delivery is available in many areas, though fees vary depending on distance and order size.
Small catering orders can sometimes be placed with 24 hours notice, but larger events should ideally be scheduled two to three days in advance.
For weddings or large corporate gatherings, ordering about a week ahead helps ensure the restaurant can prepare the necessary quantity of food.
How to Heat Up Olive Garden Catering
If you’re picking up your catering order before the event, you may need to heat up Olive Garden catering trays before serving.
The best reheating method is using an oven set to 350°F. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and heat for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Cream-based pasta dishes should be stirred halfway through reheating to prevent uneven heating.
Avoid microwaving large catering trays, since it tends to heat the food unevenly and can affect the texture of pasta dishes.
FAQs About Olive Garden Catering
Does Olive Garden catering come with breadsticks?
Yes. Most catering orders include breadsticks, though the number may depend on the size of the order. Additional breadsticks can also be purchased by the dozen.
How far in advance should you order Olive Garden catering?
For small orders, 24 hours notice is usually sufficient. For larger events or weddings, ordering two to seven days in advance is recommended.
Does Olive Garden offer catering delivery?
Many locations offer Olive Garden catering delivery, but availability depends on the restaurant and distance from the store.
Can Olive Garden cater weddings?
Yes. While it’s not traditional full-service wedding catering, many couples choose Olive Garden for rehearsal dinners or casual wedding receptions.
What is the most popular Olive Garden catering item?
Chicken Alfredo and Five Cheese Ziti are among the most frequently ordered catering dishes because they serve large groups and are widely liked.
Is Olive Garden catering good for large corporate events?
Yes. It’s popular for office lunches because it’s affordable, filling, and easy to serve buffet-style.
Can I customize my Olive Garden catering order?
Yes. You can mix different pans and adjust quantities based on guest count.
Does Olive Garden catering include drinks?
Typically no. Beverages are usually ordered separately.
How much is Olive Garden catering for 50 people?
Expect around $600 to $1,000, depending on menu selection.
How much is Olive Garden catering delivery?
Delivery fees range from $25 to $75, depending on order size and distance.
Final Thoughts
For anyone planning a group meal, understanding how much Olive Garden catering costs makes it easier to budget ahead of time.
Most catering trays serve around 8 to 10 people, with prices ranging from $40 to $80 per tray. For most events, the final cost works out to roughly $10 to $14 per person, making it one of the more affordable restaurant catering options available.
Whether you’re hosting a corporate lunch, graduation party, or even a casual wedding reception, Olive Garden catering offers large portions of familiar Italian dishes that can feed a crowd without complicated planning.
Curated by Bites by Braxtons,
Flavorful beginnings, unforgettable endings.