Olive Garden has a lock on the “affordable Italian food” market. Or does it? Despite its popularity and 750 restaurants across the country, the chain has lost much of its metaphorical spice in recent years.

A buzzy article from the Chicago Tribune goes into the details. There are several problems the chain is struggling to address. The chain has posted disappointing sales figures for five quarters in a row.

[Darden's Olive Garden needs some spicing up.]

There's the regular method of cooking sausage and peppers (good), and then there's the super easy, super quick way to cook it that cuts out many of the laboriously long steps. Get it on the table faster with these great cooking tips and you'll have an authentic Italian feast on your hands in no time!

Make the tried and true Italian classic chicken parmigiana with less fat, less calories, and all the taste! Use fresh ingredients and make this all time Italian favorite tonight for dinner. Since its baked, it will have much less grease, oil, and be much healthier for you.