Discover Olive Garden’s Hidden High-Protein Gem That’s Not on the Menu!

Olive Garden is famous for its delicious Italian dishes and those “unlimited” breadsticks that actually come with some rules. While you might love the tasty food, you may also be curious about its nutritional value—especially protein options. Protein is crucial for building muscle and keeping cravings at bay, but it can be tricky to hit your protein goals when dining out. Luckily, Olive Garden’s menu offers ways to keep your meals high in protein.

One of the best strategies is to create your own pasta dish. This option allows you to mix and match ingredients, making it easier to achieve your protein goals.

Crafting Your Ideal Pasta

At Olive Garden, you can choose from various pasta options, including chicken Alfredo, carbonara, and lasagna. While they’re flavorful, they might not help you get the nutrition you need. Instead, go for the “Create Your Own Pasta” route.

For a protein-packed choice, consider these two popular combinations:

1. Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

   • Rigatoni: 14 grams of protein
   • Meat Sauce: 17 grams
   • Steamed Broccoli: 4 grams
   • Total Protein: 35 grams
   • Total Calories: About 840

2. Spaghetti with Sautéed Shrimp

   • Spaghetti: 12 grams of protein
   • Sautéed Shrimp: 33 grams
   • Marinara Sauce: 4 grams
   • Total Protein: 49 grams
   • Total Calories: Only 660

These combinations give you an excellent protein boost. The “Create Your Own Pasta” menu lets you customize even further, whether you’re dining in, ordering delivery, or getting takeout.

The Larger Picture

Recently, many people are embracing higher protein diets due to their benefits. Surveys show that about 45% of individuals focus on protein intake while eating out, highlighting a growing trend in health-conscious dining. This focus aligns with advice from nutrition experts. According to registered dietitian Sarah Anderson, “Being mindful of protein while eating out can help you maintain your energy levels and support muscle growth.”

In Conclusion

Next time you’re at Olive Garden, don’t hesitate to explore the “Create Your Own Pasta” option. With simple tweaks, you can enjoy your meal while meeting your protein goals. So, dig in and savor that bowl of pasta guilt-free!

For more information on healthy dining, check out the original article on Chowhound.

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