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Float on fettuccine: Olive Garden unveils line of pasta-themed pool noodles
If you've ever wanted to float on pasta noodles while relaxing in a pool, now is your time to shine.
Olive Garden announced on June 23 it is debuting first-ever line of pasta-themed pool noodles. The collection features items such as Floatin' Fettuccine, Takin' It Easy Tortelloni and Relaxin' Rigatoni, according to the Italian restaurant chain, making them the "perfect accessory for any summer pool party."
To celebrate the chain's never-ending breadsticks and soup or salad that accompany every meal, each pool noodle purchase comes with a free "first course" inspired summer item. Customers can choose between a Breadsticks Bucket Hat, Soup-er Summer Vibes Tote Bag or Lettuce Chill Floating Drink Holder, according to a news release.
The pool noodles will be available for purchase online at starting Monday, June 30 at 2 p.m. ET, with a limited amount available for eClub members beginning Thursday, June 26 at 10 a.m. ET.
According to Olive Garden, each pool noodle and its accompanying "first course" item will be sold for $40 each with free shipping while supplies last.
"Olive Garden has always been known for going big — big portions, big value, and never-ending first courses," said Jaime Bunker, Senior Vice President of Marketing, in a news release. "This summer, we're bringing that same spirit of abundance to the pool. Our pasta-inspired floats are a larger-than-life way to celebrate the dishes our guests love, and just like in our restaurants, every order starts with a first course."
Olive Garden adds spicy new menu items for the summer
Olive Garden now has a Spicy Three-Meat Sauce on its Create Your Own Pasta menu, in addition to a newly-added Bucatini, which the company describes as a "thick spaghetti with a hollow center" that allows the pasta to soak up sauce.
Starting July 7, customers can get Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini featuring grilled sirloin tips, shrimp and bucatini pasta tossed in a spicy Calabrian cream sauce with spinach and tomatoes.
According to the chain, the sauce blends spicy Calabrian chilis with butter, garlic, white wine, cream and Olive Garden's marinara sauce.
The new items will be available until Aug. 25 in-restaurant, to-go and via delivery, the company said.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@
