Markets 
It’s time to carbo-load.
Pasta lovers will soon be able to scarf down any Olive Garden favorite as the popular chain is bringing back the Never-Ending Pasta Pass after a six-year hiatus. The Italian fast-casual spot will hand out passes to lucky winners who are able to secure the card.
For just $100, each pass will offer customers unlimited pasta, homemade sauces, protein toppings — plus boundless soup or salad and breadsticks.
The Never-Ending Pasta Pass — which actually does end after 13 weeks — will be available on July 16 at 2 p.m. ET at PastaPass.com. The catch? Only 10,000 will be up for grabs.
Olive Garden first dropped the pass back in 2014, when eager eaters scooped them up within minutes. The passes were only offered until 2019 — always selling out — and fans have begged for its return since then.
“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 who have kept it top of mind all these years, while celebrating what they love most about Olive Garden – abundance and incredible value – all wrapped into one experience,” Bunker added.
Those longing for linguini can’t eat their pasta at home, as the deal doesn’t cover takeout or delivery. All winners must dine in to secure the plate.
And don’t even bother with niceties, because sharing isn’t allowed. Passholders will have their name printed on the card, and they must present a photo ID with their pass when ordering.
While customers can’t share food, make sure you share with your server because gratuity is not included. Drinks are not built in either, so leave a tip when you pay for your beverage.
Passholders will also get early access to the iconic Never-Ending Pasta Bowl starting August 24, a full week before the promotion officially begins on August 31. The fan-favorite promo will be back nationwide from August 31 to November 22.
The pasta bowl starts at $14.99 and allows diners to “craft their perfect pasta combinations with unlimited refills, all served with never-ending soup or salad and freshly baked breadsticks,” according to the press release.
Olive Garden’s lineup of pastas, sauces and toppings offers 120 possible combinations where folks can customize their meals. This year, the chain is adding two new menu items, the Spicy Alfredo sauce and Crispy Shrimp Fritta as a protein topping.
Fans freaked after hearing that the Never Ending Pasta Pass has officially returned after a long six-year hiatus. One customer wrote on X, “I went 33 times / 63 days during the 2019 pass promo — please bring back the lifetime pass!! I can’t wait another 6 years for my next pasta pass!”
Another wrote, “Unlimited pasta for 13 weeks, all for 100 bucks! Nostalgia is back on the menu.”
“It’s like reconnecting with an old friend @olivegarden Never Ending Pasta Pass has returned in 2026! #PastaPass,” a third wrote on X.
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