Olive Garden’s Spicy New Menu Just Dropped—and It’s a Pasta Lover’s Dream

I took my family to Olive Garden last weekend, not really expecting anything new. We just wanted the usual big plates of pasta and endless breadsticks. But when I opened the menu, I noticed something exciting. Two bold new items. And if you love spicy food like I do, you’re going to want to hear about them.

Spicy Three-Meat Sauce: Heat Meets Comfort

The first new item that caught my eye was the Spicy Three-Meat Sauce. I added it to the Create Your Own Pasta option. You can pair it with any pasta you like, but trust me—go with the Bucatini (more on that next).

The sauce is a spicy mix of cherry peppers, red bell peppers, pepperoni, garlic, herbs, and red wine. It also has their classic homemade meat sauce blended in. And yes, it’s got a kick. The chili flakes give it the perfect amount of heat without being too much.

I loved how the flavor built with every bite. The pepperoni gives it that rich, salty flavor while the peppers bring in freshness and spice. It’s like comfort food with attitude.

Bucatini Is Back—and It’s Better Than Ever

This was honestly the biggest surprise. Olive Garden hasn’t added a new pasta shape in years, and Bucatini is finally here. It looks like spaghetti, but it’s thicker and has a hole running through the center. That hollow middle holds the spicy sauce so well.

It made every bite of my meal juicy and satisfying. I actually asked the server to confirm if it was new, and she smiled and said, “Yes, and everyone’s loving it.” Now I get why.

Add-Ons for Bigger Appetites

Feeling extra hungry? You can top your pasta with:

• Meatballs
• Italian sausage
• Crispy chicken fritta
• Grilled chicken
• Sautéed shrimp and broccoli

I went with crispy chicken fritta. It was golden and crunchy, and balanced the spicy sauce really well.

Coming Soon: Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini

Starting July 7, Olive Garden will also add a creamy twist to the Bucatini craze. It’s called the Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini. It features sirloin tips, shrimp, and pasta tossed in a spicy cream sauce with Calabrian chilis, garlic, white wine, butter, and spinach.

I haven’t tried this one yet, but I already put it on my list. The Calabrian chilis come from Italy’s Calabria region, and they’re known for having a smoky heat that isn’t overpowering.

Olive Garden Is Expanding Too

The new menu isn’t the only big news. Olive Garden is opening locations in several towns including Augusta, Georgia, and Pell City, Alabama. Local leaders are excited. In fact, Mayor Bill Pruitt said it’s “a major win for our community,” and I couldn’t agree more. New jobs, new food, and more places to get that Spicy Three-Meat Sauce.