Olive Garden's Never-Ending Pasta Pass Returns After Six-Year Absence

Olive Garden is bringing back its highly anticipated Never-Ending Pasta Pass, a promotion that offers unlimited pasta, homemade sauces, protein toppings, and endless soup or salad with breadsticks for $100. This marks the return of the popular deal after a six-year hiatus. The passes will be available for purchase on July 16 at 2 p.m. ET on PastaPass.com, but only 10,000 will be released.

The Never-Ending Pasta Pass, which is valid for 13 weeks, was first introduced in 2014 and was offered annually until 2019. Since its discontinuation, fans have frequently expressed a desire for its return. "Even years later, guests still ask us about Never-Ending Pasta Pass, which speaks to the lasting enthusiasm and connection our fans have for it," said Jaime Bunker, Olive Garden’s senior vice president of marketing. "Bringing it back felt like the right way to recognize the loyalty of so many guests."

The promotion requires passholders to dine in, as it does not cover takeout or delivery orders. Sharing is also not permitted; each pass will have the holder's name printed on it, and a photo ID will be necessary when ordering. Gratuity and beverages are not included in the pass price.

Passholders will also receive early access to the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl, beginning August 24, a full week before the general public promotion starts on August 31. The nationwide Pasta Bowl promotion will run from August 31 to November 22. This in-restaurant special starts at $14.99 and includes unlimited refills of pasta combinations, served with soup or salad and breadsticks.

Olive Garden's menu offers 120 possible pasta combinations, with the addition of Spicy Alfredo sauce and Crispy Shrimp Fritta as new protein topping options for the upcoming promotion. Customers on social media have reacted with enthusiasm to the news of the pass's return, with many sharing nostalgic memories of the promotion's previous runs.