The Olive Garden Dishes That Are Probably Just Reheated In A Microwave

Lots of restaurants use microwaves for specific tasks, such as defrosting meats and warming up bread rolls quickly. However, the use of these common cooking devices in dining establishments remains controversial. This is certainly true of Olive Garden, an establishment famous for providing a variety of Italian American comfort foods in large portions.

Newsweek reports on a former employee who made some bold claims about the establishment, particularly when it comes to microwave usage. Initially sharing insights via social media, the former employee claimed that vegetables — including potatoes, specific sauces, and meats — get microwaved before being served. While some agreed with the alleged claims, others cried foul. One commenter admitted to working at two different Olive Garden locations without ever seeing any of the practices described in the post. Accordingly, the debate rages on regarding the freshness of the dishes served up by the chain, particularly when it comes to one of its most famous menu offerings.

A Reddit thread initiated by a patron curious about the chain's microwave usage resulted in some surprising revelations when a former culinary manager for Olive Garden threw in their two cents. According to the commenter, sides of broccoli are typically microwaved, as opposed to being prepared using traditional cooking methods. Additionally, the commenter claimed that stuffed mushrooms get the microwave treatment, albeit before being cooked in the oven for about six minutes. The warm apple crostata is also microwaved, but the former employee claims that these three items account for the extent of Olive Garden's microwave usage when preparing food.

While pasta is another item that patrons might have assumed is reheated from frozen in the microwave, this is actually not the case. The same commenter states that Olive Garden pasta is cooked using conventional methods (i.e. boiling in water), but the noodles are removed and chilled after about 10 minutes. Pasta is then reheated via poaching when it's ordered. As for the pasta sauce, the chain concocts an Alfredo base consisting of heavy cream and butter, as well as salt, pepper, and additional seasonings. The parmesan cheese is added later as the Alfredo is being reheated for an order. According to the former staff member, this is done to ensure the sauce has a pleasing look and texture when served. Olive Garden is also said to prepare other items fresh, at least according to commenters.

A variety of Olive Garden employees have chimed in to offer claims that many of the restaurant's beloved menu items are actually made fresh each day at the establishment. Along with pasta sauces, the fresh-made designation supposedly applies to numerous appetizers and entrees. In addition to making these fresh each day, select menu items are also said to include fresh ingredients, like the restaurant's famous soups, which are often paired with never-ending breadsticks and salads.

Olive Garden's signature soups, which include Zuppa Toscana (aka Tuscan soup), minestrone, Pasta e Fagioli (aka pasta and beans), and chicken and gnocchi are all said to be from scratch each day. Additionally, these soups feature fresh ingredients, such as peppers and kale. This claim is backed up by Olive Garden itself, which states on its website that "soup and sauce masters create dishes by hand and from scratch" on a daily basis. Like most chain restaurants, it appears Olive Garden does use microwaves to reheat food while also cooking dishes from scratch in an effort to ensure both efficiency and quality.