Fall 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting time for Olive Garden enthusiasts. Just weeks after the Italian restaurant chain announced the return of its famous Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion, fans are now getting even more good news. Two beloved dishes, long missed by loyal customers, will soon make their way back to Olive Garden menus.
During a quarterly earnings call on September 19, Rick Cardenas, CEO of Olive Garden’s parent company Darden Restaurants, revealed the surprise.
He announced the impending return of Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala, two items that were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Cardenas did not provide an exact date for when these items will be reintroduced, urging customers to stay tuned for further updates as the fall season progresses.
This announcement comes as a welcome surprise to many Olive Garden fans who have been yearning for these dishes to return to the menu for years.
The Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo: A Legendary Favorite
One of the two returning dishes, Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo, became a hit for its rich, indulgent flavors. The dish featured a combination of fettuccine alfredo, topped with crumbles of tangy gorgonzola cheese and slices of perfectly grilled steak. The final touch was a drizzle of balsamic glaze, which added a slightly sweet and tangy finish to the creamy, cheesy dish.
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This particular dish had earned a loyal following over the years, with customers raving about its unique flavor profile. The creamy alfredo sauce paired perfectly with the savory steak and sharp gorgonzola cheese, creating a truly satisfying meal. Many diners found themselves visiting Olive Garden specifically for the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo.
Unfortunately, like many other items, this dish was removed from the menu during the COVID-19 pandemic as restaurants struggled with supply chain issues and had to streamline their offerings. Since its discontinuation, fans have continued to lament its loss, expressing disappointment over its absence from the menu.
On Reddit, customers shared their frustration, with one fan recently posting, “It was by far the best dish they had. I don’t go to Olive Garden often anymore, but the last time I went I was so disappointed with the menu.”
Now, with its comeback on the horizon, Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo lovers can finally rejoice.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala: A Classic That’s Missed
Another highly anticipated return is the Stuffed Chicken Marsala, a dish that also gained a cult following among Olive Garden regulars.
The chicken breast, stuffed with a rich blend of cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, was served in a savory Marsala wine sauce with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The flavors of the dish—earthy, tangy, and slightly sweet—made it a standout among the restaurant’s chicken offerings.
Fans have long called for this dish to return, especially those who appreciated the sophisticated flavors and the hearty, comforting feel of the meal. The Stuffed Chicken Marsala was a perfect balance between savory and rich, thanks to the robust Marsala sauce that complemented the stuffed chicken breast.
Customers’ passion for the Stuffed Chicken Marsala has not waned since it disappeared from Olive Garden’s menu. One fan dramatically declared on Reddit, “Olive Garden no longer exists to me as long as the Stuffed Chicken Marsala is off the menu… That is all.” Another fan chimed in, recalling it as one of the best dishes Olive Garden ever offered.
The dish’s absence over the last few years left many regulars missing their favorite meal, but this upcoming reintroduction is expected to bring those fans back to the restaurant with renewed enthusiasm.
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The Decision to Bring These Dishes Back
During the earnings call where the news was revealed, Cardenas explained that Olive Garden’s team has been hard at work on ways to elevate the dining experience. By bringing back these nostalgic, fan-favorite items, the chain hopes to give guests more reasons to return to their restaurants as they navigate the latter half of the fiscal year.
Cardenas didn’t give a specific timeline for the re-release of the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala, leaving many customers eagerly awaiting further updates. But the CEO’s announcement was enough to spark excitement, signaling that Olive Garden is committed to reconnecting with its loyal fanbase by offering the dishes they’ve missed the most.
The news follows another big announcement from Olive Garden earlier this fall: the revival of the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion. This deal allows diners to enjoy unlimited servings of their favorite pasta dishes, making it one of the restaurant’s most popular promotions.
Conclusion
As Olive Garden works to bring back some of its classic, fan-favorite menu items, customers can look forward to tasting the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala once again.
These two dishes, beloved by many, are making their return after being discontinued during the pandemic, giving longtime fans another reason to visit Olive Garden this fall.
While the exact date for the return has yet to be announced, the excitement is already building, and loyal diners are eagerly waiting to dig into their favorite meals once again. Stay tuned for more updates from Olive Garden as these cherished dishes make their comeback.