Texas Roadhouse built its reputation on hand-cut steaks and warm baskets of free rolls, but the chain's newest menu addition proves it's ready to go head-to-head with Olive Garden in the pasta aisle. The steakhouse is rolling out a brand-new Chicken Alfredo Pasta — penne noodles tossed in creamy Parmesan sauce and topped with grilled chicken and bacon — and it's already on the menu at more than 600 locations. Before you order, though, there's one detail every health-conscious diner needs to know: this single plate delivers roughly 1,200 calories and nearly a full day's worth of sodium.

What's Actually in Texas Roadhouse's New Pasta Dish

Officially listed as Chicken Alfredo Pasta (and Chicken Alfredo Penne on many regional menus), the new entree is exactly what it sounds like: al dente penne coated in a rich, cheesy Parmesan Alfredo sauce, layered with tender grilled chicken and crispy bacon crumbles, then served with your choice of one side. The company confirmed the recipe details to Fox News, describing the dish as "grilled chicken, bacon and creamy Parmesan cheese sauce over penne."

Early taste-testers have been vocal. On Reddit, one reviewer raved, "Damn the chicken Alfredo is so good," praising the "huge slices of white meat grilled juicy chicken." In video reviews, another noted, "The bacon bits are such a good touch," before adding "I love the" sauce. That enthusiasm helped the dish go viral on TikTok, where one menu-spotting clip racked up more than 1.2 million views.

The move is a strategic one. Texas Roadhouse has long dominated the casual steakhouse category, but this pasta is a direct challenge to Olive Garden's hold on creamy, indulgent Italian comfort food. The chain is also reportedly testing a slate of nonalcoholic beverages — including mocktails, dirty sodas, and "energizer" drinks — across all three of its brands: Texas Roadhouse, Bubba's 33, and Jaggers.

Timeline: How the Chicken Alfredo Rollout Unfolded

The pasta didn't appear overnight. Here's how the rollout has played out so far:

  • Early-to-mid 2026: Chicken Alfredo Penne debuts in select Texas Roadhouse locations as a limited test.
  • April–May 2026: The dish goes viral on TikTok, with reviews surpassing 1.2 million views.
  • Fall 2026: The chain quietly expands the pasta to more than 600 of its roughly 700 U.S. restaurants.
  • Early November 2026: Fox News reports the expansion, citing the company's dish description and drink-testing plans.
  • Nov. 14, 2026: The New York Post reports the rollout is "dividing customers," with some questioning whether pasta belongs on a steakhouse menu.
  • Spring 2027: Texas Roadhouse plans a full systemwide rollout, bringing the dish to its remaining locations.

The Nutrition Breakdown: Why This Dish Deserves a Second Look

Here's where the story gets important for anyone watching their diet. According to nutrition data from FatSecret and Nutritionix, a single 647-gram serving (about 1.4 pounds of food) of the Chicken Alfredo Penne clocks in at:

  • Calories: 1,200 (with about 400 of those from fat)
  • Total fat: 44 g (including roughly 25 g of saturated fat)
  • Carbohydrates: 90 g
  • Protein: 103 g
  • Sodium: 1,830–2,220 mg (depending on the source)
  • Cholesterol: 255 mg

To put those numbers in perspective, 1,200 calories is more than half the daily intake recommended for most adults. The saturated fat alone — around 25 grams — exceeds the American Heart Association's suggested daily ceiling of about 13 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet. And at up to 2,220 milligrams, the sodium content approaches 96% of the 2,300-milligram daily maximum, blowing well past the AHA's stricter "ideal" limit of 1,500 milligrams.

The 90 grams of carbohydrates come mostly from refined white penne, which digests quickly and can trigger a sharper blood-sugar response. The culprits driving most of the fat and sodium? The creamy Alfredo sauce and the bacon crumbles.

There is one bright spot for fitness-focused eaters: 103 grams of protein. For gym-goers tracking macros, that's a serious protein hit in a single sitting. But it arrives wrapped in heavy fat and sodium, which makes this a classic "occasional indulgence" rather than an everyday fuel choice.

It's also worth noting that some regional listings cite an even higher count — up to 1,650 calories — so the true number may shift depending on portion size and preparation.

How to Order It Smarter (If You're Still Craving It)

You don't have to skip the dish entirely to keep it from derailing your goals. A few simple tweaks can shave off hundreds of calories and a big chunk of fat and sodium:

  • Ask for light sauce or sauce on the side. The Alfredo is the single biggest source of fat and calories.
  • Hold the bacon. Skipping the crumbles cuts saturated fat and sodium without losing the grilled chicken protein.
  • Split the plate. Box half before you start — 600 calories and roughly 50 grams of protein is a far more reasonable meal.
  • Swap the side. Choose steamed broccoli or a side salad (dressing on the side) instead of fries or loaded mashed potatoes.
  • Skip the extras. Pass on the bread basket and the honey-cinnamon butter to save several hundred more calories.

Healthier Alternatives on the Texas Roadhouse Menu

If you'd rather skip the indulgence altogether, Texas Roadhouse still has plenty of leaner options that won't blow your daily budget:

  • 6-oz USDA Choice Sirloin: A leaner red-meat option that keeps protein high without the heavy cream sauce.
  • Herb Crusted Chicken: Listed around 260 calories with roughly 47 grams of protein, making it one of the menu's best protein-per-calorie values.
  • California Chicken Dinner: Clocking in near 490 calories for a lighter take on grilled chicken.
  • Grilled BBQ Chicken: A lean protein choice with barbecue sauce on the side.
  • Chicken Critters: About 480 calories, though note they're fried, so opt for grilled if you're watching fat.

Where Things Stand Now

As of mid-November 2026, the Chicken Alfredo Pasta is already available at more than 600 Texas Roadhouse locations across the country, with roughly 100 restaurants still to come. The company has confirmed it expects to complete the systemwide rollout by spring 2027.

At the same time, the chain is experimenting beyond the food menu. Texas Roadhouse is testing nonalcoholic "energizer" drinks, mocktails, and dirty sodas across its three brands — a sign the company is chasing younger, more health-curious customers even as it leans into indulgent comfort food.

What Happens Next for the New Pasta Dish

Looking ahead, expect the Chicken Alfredo Pasta to land on menus nationwide by spring 2027. Once it's fully rolled out, the chain will likely watch sales closely to decide whether it becomes a permanent fixture or a seasonal special. Prices currently range from about $16.99 to $18.74 depending on location, and those figures could shift as the dish goes national.

For diners, the practical takeaway is simple: if you're tracking calories, saturated fat, or sodium, treat this pasta as a special-occasion splurge — and use the ordering tweaks above to keep it in check. If you want the protein without the penalty, the grilled chicken and lean sirloin options remain the smarter everyday picks.

The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember

  • Texas Roadhouse's new Chicken Alfredo Pasta is now at 600+ locations, with a full rollout planned by spring 2027.
  • The dish is penne in creamy Parmesan sauce topped with grilled chicken and bacon, plus one side.
  • One serving: ~1,200 calories, 44 g fat (~25 g saturated), 90 g carbs, 103 g protein, and up to 2,220 mg sodium.
  • It's a high-protein option, but the saturated fat and sodium make it an occasional indulgence — not an everyday meal.
  • Smarter ordering: light sauce, no bacon, split the plate, and swap in a veggie side.