When you're here, you're family—spicy edition.
It’s a good time to be a fan of spicy food. Hot honey is being drizzled on everything, and chili crisp is finding its way into every pantry. It seems like more and more people are looking for meals that bring a little heat, and restaurants across the country have been responding by adding bolder flavors to menus as demand for spicy dishes continues to grow.
I have always been a bit of a spice beginner. I want to enjoy the heat without overdoing it. But Olive Garden just dropped some new menu items that have my mouth watering. It’s summer and I’m already sweaty, so what’s a little more heat? Here’s what to expect from the new menu.
What are the new spicy Olive Garden menu items?
According to Olive Garden, 95% of diners are seeking spicy selections on restaurant menus. The chain is answering the call with a lineup of dishes inspired by Italian Calabrian peppers.
Last year, the chain introduced guests to the sweet, smoky heat of the Southern Italian pepper by serving Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini, which combined sirloin tips and shrimp in a spicy Calabrian cream sauce with spinach and tomatoes. It’ll be back this summer along with two brand-new pasta entrees and an appetizer. They all sound absolutely delicious, and I feel like I need to go to Olive Garden with a group of friends who don’t mind sharing. Here’s what to expect:
Spicy Sausage and Peppers Rigatoni
This hearty dish combines sliced sausage, bell peppers and rigatoni in a spicy Calabrian cream sauce. It’s all finished with a blend of Italian cheeses.
Spicy Chicken and Peppers Rigatoni
Grilled chicken and bell peppers are tossed with rigatoni in the same creamy Calabrian sauce and Italian cheese blend.
Calabrian Hot Honey Chicken Bites
Crispy chicken are tossed in a sweet-and-spicy Calabrian hot honey sauce and served with ranch.
How long will the spicy menu items be available?
These fiery menu additions won’t be around forever. Olive Garden says the Calabrian-inspired dishes will be available now through July 19. The entrees start at $12.99, include never-ending soup or salad and breadsticks, and are available for dine-in, carry-out and delivery orders.
Whether you’re already a fan of Calabrian peppers or simply looking to add a little excitement to your next pasta night, these limited-time dishes might be worth a spot on your summer dining bucket list. I will be going to my local Olive Garden to get that hot honey appetizer soon—maybe even after I finish writing this story.
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