Introduction
Did you know that Olive Garden’s Tour of Italy recipe is one of their most iconic and best-selling dishes? With a generous trio of Lasagna Classico, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Chicken Parmigiana, this platter brings authentic Italian-American comfort food straight to your table.
» As a chef who loves recreating restaurant classics dinner recipes at home, I can tell you this dish is not just about food—it’s about comfort, indulgence, and bringing family together around the table.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a copycat Olive Garden Tour of Italy Recipe in your own kitchen, complete with pro tips, ingredient swaps, and serving suggestions.
Let’s bring the Olive Garden experience home!
🇮🇹 What is Olive Garden’s Tour of Italy?
» The Tour of Italy at Olive Garden is a generous platter featuring three beloved Italian-American classics:
» Lasagna Classico – Layers of pasta, beef, ricotta, and mozzarella baked to perfection.
» Chicken Parmigiana – Crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
» Fettuccine Alfredo – Creamy, buttery pasta with Parmesan sauce.
» Why it’s so popular: It gives you a taste of everything—cheesy, creamy, and crispy—all on one plate.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
» Budget-friendly restaurant copycat
» Tastes just like Olive Garden at home
» Family-friendly & perfect for gatherings
» Easy to customize with swaps & healthier options
» Combines 3 classics in one meal (lasagna, chicken parm, Alfredo)
🛠️ Equipment Required For Olive This Copycat Recipe
To make the Olive Garden Tour of Italy Recipe at home, here’s the essential kitchen gear you’ll need:
» Saucepan – for preparing the Alfredo sauce
» Whisk – to blend Alfredo sauce smoothly
» Tongs & Spatula – for flipping and handling food easily
» Mixing Bowls – for breading station and cheese mixtures
» Large Baking Dish – for layering and baking the lasagna
» Nonstick Skillet / Frying Pan – to crisp up the chicken parmesan
» Measuring Cups & Spoons – for accuracy in sauces and seasonings
» Sharp Chef’s Knife – to prep vegetables, herbs, and slice chicken
» Oven Mitts – because you’ll be moving hot dishes in and out of the oven
Ingredients For Copycat Olive Garden Tour of Recipe
» Here’s what you’ll need for each part of the dish:
For Lasagna
♥ Lasagna noodles (12 sheets, cooked al dente)
♥ Ground beef (1 lb)
♥ Ricotta cheese (2 cups)
♥ Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded)
♥ Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
♥ Marinara sauce (3 cups)
♥ Fresh basil or parsley
» Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella and parmesan melt better and create a creamier texture, preventing clumping or graininess in lasagna and Alfredo sauce.
For Chicken Parmesan
♥ Chicken breasts (2 large, pounded thin)
♥ Italian breadcrumbs (1 cup)
♥ Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup)
♥ Eggs (2, beaten)
♥ All-purpose flour (½ cup)
♥ Olive oil (for frying)
♥ Marinara sauce (1 ½ cups)
♥ Mozzarella slices (4)
For Fettuccine Alfredo
♥ Fettuccine pasta (12 oz)
♥ Heavy cream (1 cup)
♥ Butter (½ cup)
♥ Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated)
♥ Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
♥ Salt & black pepper
♥ Pantry Staples
♥ Olive oil
Garlic powder
Fresh parsley
How to Make Olive Garden Tour of Italy Recipe 2025
⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour
🛑 Resting Time: 10 minutes (for lasagna to set)
⏰ Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
💲 Estimated Cost: $25–30 (for 6 servings, less than half the restaurant cost)
Step 1: 🍲 Prepare Lasagna Classico
Prep the noodles
♥ Now, take a large pot, add salted water & bring to a boil.
♥ Cook 12 lasagna noodles until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
♥ Drain the extra water and place on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
Prepare the meat sauce
♥ Now, take a skillet & heat the olive oil on a medium flame.
♥ Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any lumps.
♥ Stir in 3 cups of marinara sauce, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and simmer 10 minutes.
Mix the cheese filling
♥ In a bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup parmesan.
♥ Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and chopped parsley for flavor.
Assemble the lasagna
♥ Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
♥ Layer 3 noodles, half the cheese mixture, and a third of the meat sauce.
♥ Repeat layers: noodles → cheese → sauce. Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
Bake the Layers
♥ Now, cover with the foil paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for at least 25 minutes.
♥ Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
♥ Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its structure.
Step 2: 🍗 Chicken Parmesan
Prep the chicken
♥ Pound 2 large chicken breasts to an even thickness (½ inch) for uniform cooking.
♥ Season lightly with salt and pepper.
» Breading station
♥ Set up 3 shallow dishes:
♥ Flour (½ cup)
♥ Beaten eggs (2)
♥ Breadcrumbs + ¼ cup grated parmesan
Coat the chicken
♥ Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
♥ Press breadcrumbs firmly so they stick.
Fry the chicken
♥ Now, in a pan, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil on a medium flame.
♥ Fry the chicken pieces from both sides perfectly until you get a golden brownish tone.
♥ Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Bake with sauce & cheese
♥ Spoon ½ cup of marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
♥ Top with 2 slices of mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.
♥ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3: 🍝 Fettuccine Alfredo
Cook the pasta
♥ Boil 12 oz fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Prepare the sauce
♥ In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
♥ Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
♥ Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Add cheese & seasoning
♥ Reduce the heat to low and gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
♥ Add reserved pasta water, if required, to maintain thickness.
♥ Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine pasta & sauce
♥ Now, you can toss the cooked fettuccine in the sauce until it’s fully coated.
♥ Serve immediately while creamy and warm.
» How do I keep the Alfredo sauce creamy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan, low heat, and add a splash of reserved pasta water when reheating. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from separating.
🍽️ Plating & Serving Like Olive Garden
♥ Place one square of lasagna, one chicken parmesan breast, and a scoop of fettuccine Alfredo side by side on a large plate.
♥ Sprinkle chopped parsley over all three items.
♥ Add a small side of garlic breadsticks and garden salad for a complete Italian-American experience.
Optional: drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil over the Alfredo for shine and richness.
Best Sauces to Pair With Olive Garden Tour of Italy
» Classic marinara – Bright and tangy
» Creamy garlic alfredo – Rich and buttery
» Pesto drizzle – Adds a fresh, herby twist
» Bolognese sauce – Meaty alternative for lasagna layers
Tips for the Perfect Olive Garden Tour of Italy Recipe
» Prevent soggy lasagna → Drain noodles well and don’t over-sauce layers.
» Keep Alfredo creamy → Use freshly grated parmesan (not pre-shredded).
» Crispy chicken parm → Fry at medium-high heat so coating doesn’t absorb oil.
» Restaurant-style plating → Serve each portion with a piece of chicken parm, a lasagna square, and a scoop of fettuccine.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Lasagna
» Storage: In my opinion, you can store it in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
» Reheating: Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Chicken Parmesan
» Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
» Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 12–15 minutes to keep the coating crispy. Avoid microwaving—it makes the breading soggy.
Fettuccine Alfredo
» Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
» Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir constantly to prevent separation.
🧊 Freezing Tips
✅ Lasagna freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
✅ Chicken Parmesan can be frozen (before adding sauce/cheese) for up to 2 months.
❌ Alfredo sauce does not freeze well—it tends to separate.
Chef’s Tip: For best results, store each component separately in meal prep containers and reheat only what you need. This keeps the textures closest to restaurant-quality.
🌿 Garnish & Presentation Ideas
» Here are some Garnish & presentation ideas for the Olive Garden Tour of Italy Recipe that really elevate this dish and make it look restaurant-worthy.
» Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil
» Add parmesan shavings
» Drizzle with olive oil
» Serve with garlic breadsticks
» Add a small side salad for color
» Plate lasagna, chicken parm, and Alfredo side by side
Ingredient Substitutes for Olive Garden Tour of Recipe
| Ingredient | Substitute Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey or sausage | Lighter or richer flavor |
| Ricotta cheese | Cottage cheese | Creamier texture |
| Mozzarella cheese | Provolone or Fontina | For a different melt |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or evaporated milk | Lower fat |
| Chicken breasts | Eggplant slices (for vegetarian) | Still crispy & delicious |
| Fettuccine pasta | Gluten-free pasta | Celiac-friendly option |
What to Serve With Olive Garden Tour Of Italy Recipe
» Garlic breadsticks (Olive Garden style)
» Fresh salad with zesty Italian dressing
» Dessert ideas: Tiramisu, panna cotta, or cheesecake
» Wine pairings: Chianti, Pinot Grigio, or sparkling soda for a non-alcoholic option
Alternate Recipes You Can Try Today!
» Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Copycat
» Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno
» Homemade Eggplant Parmesan
» Italian Trio Pasta Bake
» Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
» Mediterranean Salmon Patties Recipe
» Garlic Butter Steak Noodles Recipe
» Steak Bites Creamy Alfredo Tortellini Recipe
Nutrition Facts (Homemade Version, per serving)
♥ Calories: ~1,180
♥ Protein: 65g
♥ Carbohydrates: 95g
♥ Fat: 58g
(Note: Restaurant version is often higher in calories)
Olive Garden Tour of Italy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare and bake lasagna.
- Bread, fry, and bake chicken parmesan with sauce and cheese.
- Make creamy Alfredo sauce and toss with fettuccine.
- Plate lasagna, chicken, and pasta side by side.
Notes
- Make lasagna ahead to save time.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best Alfredo.
- Store components separately for easier reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes to the marinara, a pinch of cayenne to Alfredo, or season the chicken with Italian spices for a mild kick.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta for lasagna and fettuccine, and gluten-free breadcrumbs for chicken parmesan. Ensure all sauces and seasonings are also gluten-free.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! Replace chicken parmesan with eggplant parmesan and use veggie-based marinara. You can also substitute meat in lasagna with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein.
What sides go well with this recipe?
Serve with garlic breadsticks, a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a light Italian dessert like tiramisu for a complete Olive Garden-style meal.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat lasagna and chicken parmesan in the oven at 350–375°F, covered with foil. Reheat Alfredo gently on low heat with a splash of milk or cream.
How long does the dish last in the fridge?
Lasagna and chicken parmesan last 3–4 days; Alfredo sauce lasts up to 3 days. Store each component in airtight containers for best freshness.
Can I make the Tour of Italy recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Lasagna and chicken parmesan can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Alfredo sauce is best made fresh for maximum creaminess.
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it—my Olive Garden Tour of Italy Recipe copycat that brings the restaurant experience right into your kitchen! From the bubbling cheese on the lasagna to the crispy chicken parmesan and silky Alfredo pasta, this dish is pure comfort food magic.
» As a chef, I can tell you that recreating restaurant favorites dinner recipes at home not only saves money but also lets you adjust flavors to your liking. So, next time you’re craving Olive Garden, skip the wait and take your very own Tour of Italy at home.
So, next time you’re craving Olive Garden but don’t feel like dining out, try this recipe instead. Trust me, your family (and taste buds!) will thank you. If you have any thoughts, then write to me in the comment section below! – I’d love to hear from you! Till then,
Buon appetito! 🍷🍝
