How Many Calories Are in Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo? A Closer Look at This Classic Italian Dish

Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian comfort food dish featuring fettuccine pasta and a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s a menu staple at many Italian-American restaurants, including the popular chain Olive Garden. But is this filling pasta dish a nutritional nightmare, or is it possible to enjoy it guilt-free? Let’s take a closer look at Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo to find out.

What Exactly is Chicken Alfredo?

Alfredo sauce forms the base of any Chicken Alfredo dish. It’s made from butter cream or milk, parmesan cheese and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. This blend creates a smooth, rich, and decadent sauce that coats each strand of pasta. Sautéed chicken breast is added on top to create the complete Chicken Alfredo dish.

The origins of Alfredo sauce can be traced back to 1914 in Rome Italy. Restaurant owner Alfredo di Lelio supposedly invented it by tossing freshly made fettuccine pasta with butter and parmesan cheese. It became popular with American tourists visiting Rome, and di Lelio even named the dish after himself – “Fettuccine Alfredo.”

When Italian immigrants brought Alfredo sauce to America, it evolved into the creamier, cheesier version we know today The luxurious sauce pairs perfectly with tender, juicy chicken breast for a comforting meal

Olive Garden’s Take on Chicken Alfredo

At Italian chain restaurant Olive Garden, Chicken Alfredo is served with fettuccine noodles, Alfredo sauce, grilled chicken breast, and parsley. The Alfredo sauce is made fresh in house, featuring a blend of cream, parmesan cheese, and butter. Olive Garden prides itself on serving authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming environment.

Customers love this dish for its simple, satisfying flavors. The smooth, creamy sauce wraps around each noodle, while the chicken provides a boost of protein. It’s the ultimate comfort food! Olive Garden offers several portion sizes to suit different appetites:

• Regular Chicken Alfredo: Starts at 680 calories
• Lunch Portion Chicken Alfredo: Starts at 490 calories
• Create Your Own Chicken Alfredo: Starts at 800 calories
• Tour of Italy (featuring Chicken Alfredo and two other pastas): Starts at 1110 calories

So how many calories are actually in Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo? Let’s break it down.

Nutrition Facts: Calories and More

The nutrition facts can vary slightly depending on the exact portion size ordered. Here are the averages for a regular size Chicken Alfredo from Olive Garden:

• Calories: 880
• Total Fat: 49g
• Saturated Fat: 28g
• Trans Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 1280mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 64g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 47g

As you can see, a regular serving packs nearly 900 calories and about half of those come from fat. The saturated fat and sodium levels are quite high as well, due to all of the cheese, cream, and butter in the Alfredo sauce.

However, this dish does provide a hefty dose of protein from the grilled chicken breast. There are also some beneficial nutrients from the pasta, dairy ingredients, and vegetables.

Tips for Lightening Up Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is traditionally a high-calorie, high-fat indulgence. But a few simple substitutions and smart choices can significantly lighten up this pasta dish:

• Request whole wheat pasta: Olive Garden offers whole grain fusilli pasta instead of regular fettuccine. This adds fiber and cuts calories.

• Choose a smaller portion: Opt for the lunch size or half portion to slash calories and fat. The lighter sauce will allow the flavors to shine through.

• Load up on veggies: Ask for extra grilled veggies like zucchini, broccoli, and tomatoes to boost nutrition without adding many calories.

• Say no to extras: Stick to the standard Chicken Alfredo, skipping add-ons like fried chicken tenders which drive up calories and fat.

• Use light Alfredo sauce: Make it at home with lower-fat milk, lean cream cheese, and just a touch of parmesan.

• Flavor with herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, and other fresh herbs amp up flavor without the extra calories.

• Watch your portion sizes: Stick to a 1 1/2 cup serving of pasta with 3-4 oz chicken breast. This satisfies without overdoing calories.

The Verdict: Enjoy Occasionally as a Treat

Olive Garden’s iconic Chicken Alfredo is a delicious, indulgent treat. But with nearly 900 calories and almost 50g of fat in a regular portion, it should be enjoyed occasionally rather than frequently. Selecting a smaller portion, adding veggies, and choosing whole grain options can make this pasta dish more nutritious.

Ultimately, Chicken Alfredo is high in calories, fat, and sodium, yet it does provide protein, carbs, and some nutrients. If you follow a balanced diet full of healthier fare at most meals, enjoying Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo as an occasional splurge is perfectly fine. Savor every creamy, dreamy bite of this Italian classic!

A Chicken Alfredo from Olive Garden contains 1,570 calories.

The healthiest options at Olive Garden are generally grilled chicken or salmon entrees with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad. Specific dishes include Herb-Grilled Salmon, Grilled Chicken Margherita, and Shrimp Scampi.