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Olive Garden'S Penne Romana
RestaurantDinnerHealthy Eating

Olive Garden'S Penne Romana

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.8 (42 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Olive Garden'S Penne Romana offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 37g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 515 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Olive Garden'S Penne Romana offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Olive Garden'S Penne Romana to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Olive Garden'S Penne Romana, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • Romana Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup yellow onion, chopped in 1/4−inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 cups white wine
  • 2 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Pasta:
  • 2 cups green beans, blanched
  • 1 cup tomato, diced
  • 4 cups penne pasta, cooked
  • 3 tablespoons Romano cheese
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • To make sauce, heat oil in small saucepan at medium−high heat.

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Add onions and crushed red pepper

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Cook until soft, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Whisk in wine, rosemary, parsley and salt

Step 5: Technique & Execution

In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch and chicken broth

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Add mixture to sauce and stir well

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories515 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein37gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates35gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat15gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Olive Garden'S Penne Romana

This chef-curated Olive Garden'S Penne Romana offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.8 from 42 votes
Olive Garden'S Penne Romana
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories26% DV
515 kcal
Protein74% DV
37g
Fat19% DV
15g
Carbs13% DV
35g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Romana Sauce

Pasta

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Add onions and crushed red pepper

2

Technique & Execution: Cook until soft, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently

5:00
3

Technique & Execution: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute

1:00
4

Technique & Execution: Whisk in wine, rosemary, parsley and salt

5

Technique & Execution: In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch and chicken broth

6

Technique & Execution: Add mixture to sauce and stir well

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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