Side of Meatballs at Olive Garden is an add-on option priced at $3.99 and delivering 520 calories with 42 grams of fat and 1,380 milligrams of sodium. The side includes a portion of the restaurant's housemade meatballs — the same beef meatballs prepared fresh daily with Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs that appear in the Spaghetti and Meatballs, Meatballs Parmigiana, and other dishes. Adding meatballs to a pasta order converts a solo protein-light pasta into a complete Italian-American plate.
At $3.99, this is the most economical way to add protein to any pasta dish at Olive Garden. The housemade meatballs are a consistent quality anchor across the menu — baked rather than pan-fried, they retain a moist interior while maintaining enough structural integrity to hold up during plating and saucing. Guests who order the lighter pasta dishes like Spaghetti with Marinara or the Create Your Own Pasta frequently use this add-on to increase the protein content without selecting an entirely different entrée.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
520Calories
42gTotal Fat
1380mgSodium
* Nutritional values are approximate and may vary. Last updated March 2026.
A Side of Meatballs is priced at $3.99. It is listed under Sides, Sauces and Extras and can be added to any pasta dish or ordered as a standalone protein.
The side contains 520 calories with 42 grams of fat and 1,380 milligrams of sodium. Adding this side to a lighter pasta like Spaghetti with Marinara brings the combined meal to approximately 860 calories.
Yes. Olive Garden's meatballs are made fresh daily at each restaurant location using seasoned ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs. They are not from a frozen or pre-made product.
The side typically includes two to three meatballs depending on the size. Exact count may vary slightly by location since the meatballs are handmade to a consistent weight rather than a fixed number.
Yes, the Side of Meatballs can be combined with any pasta entrée. It is a common add-on to Spaghetti with Marinara, Create Your Own Pasta, and the lighter lunch-sized pasta options to increase protein content.
