Best Olive Garden Meals for Under $15

Everyone desires cheaper, higher-quality food so that everyone may enjoy their favourite Italian dishes on a smaller budge. Some Olive Garden menu items come in under $15 and still offer solid portion sizes. These include pasta dishes, soups, salads, and a few appetizers.

Many of them are listed on the lunch menu, but a few dinner options also stay within this range. For anyone trying to keep costs down without skipping a full meal, these selections are worth knowing. You can eat all your favourite Olive Garden meals without breaking the bank by reading this article, which details the best Olive Garden meals under $15.

Budget-Friendly Olive Garden Meals Under $15

If you are looking for a good meal without spending too much, Olive Garden has a few solid picks that hit the mark without going overboard on price. Below are some favorites that won’t empty your wallet—but still taste like something you’d sit down and enjoy without thinking, “This was the cheap one.

1. Chicken Alfredo (Lunch Portion)

One of the most beloved lunchtime dishes at Olive Garden is the Chicken Alfredo, a classic combination of fettuccine pasta, grilled chicken, and Alfredo sauce.This dish is absolutely loved by people of all ages. The chicken adds protein to the dish, which also features a silky, cream-based sauce prepared with butter and Parmesan. 

Even though it’s labelled as a lunch entrée, the generous serving size makes it suitable for a full dinner, particularly when paired with the complimentary breadsticks and salad. A decent appetite can be satisfied with this budget-friendly lunch entree. It is also one of the best and most sought-after meals if you want to eat for less than $15.

2. Cheese Ravioli with Marinara

This pasta dish includes several pieces of ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and topped with marinara sauce. It’s a vegetarian option and one of the simpler entrées on the Olive Garden menu. 

The serving is part of the under-$15 range and comes with breadsticks and either soup or salad. It doesn’t have added meats or specialty toppings, but the combination of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce makes it filling enough for a full lunch or light dinner.

3. Eggplant Parmigiana (V)

This dish includes breaded slices of eggplant, fried and layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s served on a bed of spaghetti, making it a complete vegetarian entrée. The eggplant is prepared with a firm outer coating and a soft interior, offering a contrast in texture.

 At under $15, it’s one of the more affordable meatless options on the Olive Garden menu. It comes with breadsticks and either soup or salad during lunch hours, which adds to its overall value. 

4. Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce

Spaghetti is often seen as the go-to budget choice, but Olive Garden does it with enough flair to feel more elevated. You can order it with classic marinara or meat sauce (at no extra cost in many locations), and either way, it arrives piping hot with a generous swirl of noodles and plenty of sauce to coat every bite.

If you want to make it a little heartier, ask for extra sauce — it’s usually free. Add in the salad and breadsticks, and it becomes a meal that’s filling, familiar, and easy on the wallet.

5. Meatballs Parmigiana

The big beef meatballs in this meal are smothered in marinara sauce and crowned with melting Italian cheeses. Braised until slightly brown, the meatballs absorb the sauce’s flavors as they simmer in the sauce. It’s not as filling as full entrées, but it’s versatile enough to serve as either a side or a light main course. With a combination of protein and classic flavor, it’s an affordable item (less than $15).

It’s often available on the lunch menu, but some locations offer it as a standalone dish anytime. Either way, it stays under $15 and pairs really well with a salad for a slightly lighter take on a comfort meal.

6. Lasagna Fritta

If you’re looking for a dish that’s a little bit decadent, crispy, and cheesy, this is it. Lasagna Fritta is essentially a deconstructed lasagna, breaded and fried, then topped with marinara and Alfredo sauces. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer, yet it is substantial enough to serve as a small meal by itself—particularly when paired with a side salad or soup.

The textures are what make this dish worth it: crunchy on the outside, creamy and soft inside, and packed with cheesy flavor in every bite. It’s not your traditional lasagna, but at under $15, it’s a fun and satisfying way to shake things up.

7. Zuppa Toscana (with Breadsticks)

If you’re after something warm and comforting, a bowl of Zuppa Toscana makes a surprisingly filling meal. It’s got spicy Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale in a rich, creamy broth — all served steaming hot. While it’s technically part of the soup lineup, the portion is enough to stand on its own, especially with breadsticks on the side.

You can also order the soup as part of Olive Garden’s famous “Soup, Salad & Breadsticks” combo, which easily falls under $15 and offers great value for anyone who wants variety on a budget.

8. Grilled Chicken with Rotini Pasta & Marinara (Kids’ Entrée)

This dish features grilled chicken breast, rotini pasta, and a mild tomato sauce. It may be priced lower for a lesser portion and is available to anyone, even though it’s labeled in the kids’ section. It’s one of the more budget-friendly protein options at Olive Garden, costing lower than other normal entrées. You may add variety without going over $15 by serving it with soup or salad.

Tips to Maximize Your Olive Garden Meal for Under $15

Here are some tips that can help you maximize your Olive Garden meal while staying under $15

Pair with Freebies: 

Order Lunch-Sized Favorites: 

Take Advantage of Promotions: 

Skip Add-Ons (If Needed): 

Kids’ Meals Aren’t Just for Kids: 

Final Thoughts:

At the end of the day, finding a satisfying Olive Garden meal under $15 isn’t just possible — it’s actually pretty easy if you know where to look. Whether you’re in the mood for something cheesy, hearty, or comforting, there’s something on the menu that hits the spot without emptying your wallet.

Dishes like the classic Spaghetti, rich Chicken Alfredo, and the crowd-favorite Zuppa Toscana prove that flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. And when you factor in the breadsticks and salad that come along for the ride? The value gets even better.

So next time you’re craving a warm plate of Italian-American comfort food, remember —you don’t need to spend a fortune to leave full and happy. Olive Garden delivers both taste and affordability, making it a go-to spot for budget-conscious diners who don’t want to compromise on flavor.