Our Best Pasta Side Dishes

Pasta is a versatile and beloved meal that can be enjoyed in countless ways. From creamy macaroni and cheese to light orzo dishes, there’s a pasta for every occasion and taste preference.

While pasta often takes center stage on your plate, finding the perfect side dish can elevate your meal to new heights.

The right pasta side dish complements your main course without overpowering it, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re serving a rich lasagna or a simple spaghetti with marinara, choosing sides that contrast or enhance your pasta’s flavors will impress your family and guests. Some sides add freshness to heavy dishes, while others provide heartiness to lighter pasta options.

1. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic pasta companion that’s hard to beat. The buttery, garlicky goodness creates a perfect contrast to your pasta dish.

You can easily make garlic bread at home by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of salt. Spread this mixture on a sliced baguette or Italian bread and bake until golden.

Store-bought garlic bread works well too for busy nights. Either way, the aromatic, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture complements pasta perfectly.

For a variation, try adding cheese to your garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat alongside your pasta meal.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables make a perfect companion to pasta dishes. The caramelization that happens during roasting adds a deep, sweet flavor that complements the pasta’s starchy base.

Common choices include zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and eggplant.

Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until golden.

For an easy side, try roasting a mix of seasonal vegetables and serving them alongside your pasta. Or incorporate them directly into a pasta salad with a light vinaigrette.

The contrast between the hot pasta and the slightly charred vegetables creates a satisfying meal with varied textures and flavors.

3. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that works perfectly as a pasta side. This simple combination features ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves.

You can enjoy it as a traditional salad or transform it into a pasta version by adding rotini or another short pasta. The key is using quality ingredients – juicy tomatoes and real mozzarella make all the difference.

Drizzle your Caprese with olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Some versions include garlic-roasted cherry tomatoes for a savory twist.

Caprese pairs wonderfully with pasta main dishes, especially creamy options like Alfredo, creating a balanced meal with fresh and rich flavors.

4. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta. The crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to rich pasta dishes.

The tangy, garlic-forward dressing and salty parmesan cheese complement many pasta flavors. You can find pre-made Caesar dressing in stores or make your own with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

For the best experience, add crunchy croutons and freshly grated parmesan on top. Some variations include grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more substantial.

This salad provides a nice balance of textures and flavors that will elevate your pasta meal.

5. Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta side dishes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

You can serve a simple pasta salad with balsamic vinegar alongside your chicken for a light option.

Spinach pasta makes an excellent companion to grilled chicken, adding color and nutrients to your plate. Consider tossing pasta with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a Mediterranean-inspired side.

Pasta salads are particularly good choices because they can be made ahead of time. They’re perfect for summer cookouts when you’re serving grilled chicken to friends and family.

6. Meatballs

Meatballs make an excellent side dish for pasta, offering a hearty protein addition to your meal.

You can serve them directly on top of pasta or on the side for a more customizable dining experience.

Classic Italian meatballs simmered in marinara sauce pair wonderfully with simpler pasta dishes, adding richness and depth. They’re especially good alongside plain spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a basic garlic and oil pasta.

Beyond the traditional setup, consider creating a meatball buffet where guests can choose how many meatballs they want. This works well for family-style dinners or casual gatherings.

Meatballs can also be incorporated into other dishes like Italian wedding soup as a complementary side to your pasta main course.

7. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is not just a main dish but can be an excellent pasta side. This flavorful combination features tender shrimp in a sauce of garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs.

You can serve shrimp scampi with various pasta types. While linguine is traditional, angel hair pasta offers a lighter option for those who prefer a less filling meal.

For a complete dinner, pair your shrimp scampi pasta with salads, bread, or appetizers. Adding vegetables like asparagus brings color and nutrients to the plate.

This versatile dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something impressive but quick.

8. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, often called “zoodles,” offer a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. You can easily make them using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.

These versatile noodles pair well with many flavors.

Try them with turkey meatballs and marinara sauce for a classic taste. For something different, combine them with mushrooms, chickpeas, and colorful bell peppers.

Seafood options work beautifully too. Blackened tilapia or garlic salmon complement zucchini noodles perfectly. You can also toss them with shrimp and snap peas for a light meal.

For added flavor, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or dress with a light Italian dressing. They taste great both hot and cold.

9. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach makes a delicious pasta side dish that combines rich flavors with nutritious greens.

You can create this dish by mixing fresh spinach with a creamy sauce made of heavy cream, garlic, and onions.

For extra flavor, add Parmesan and provolone cheese to the mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg to enhance the taste profile.

You can also transform creamed spinach into a main dish by tossing it with pasta. The creamy spinach sauce coats the pasta perfectly, creating a satisfying meal in about 30 minutes.

For a unique twist, try using hollandaise sauce instead of cream, and serve with a poached egg on top.

10. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts roasted with balsamic vinegar make a perfect pasta side dish. The tangy, slightly sweet flavor complements many pasta dishes while adding a nutritious element to your meal.

To prepare them, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until crispy on the outside and tender inside, about 20-25 minutes.

For extra flavor, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or manchego cheese before serving. The nutty cheese pairs wonderfully with the caramelized, tangy sprouts.

You can also add pancetta or bacon for a savory twist that works especially well with creamy pasta dishes.

11. Parmesan Asparagus

Parmesan asparagus makes a delicious pasta side dish that balances freshness with rich flavors.

Simply roast fresh asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender-crisp.

Top the roasted asparagus with freshly grated Parmesan cheese while still hot so it melts slightly. The nutty flavor of the Parmesan complements the earthy taste of asparagus perfectly.

You can enhance this side dish by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of garlic powder before serving. This elegant yet simple side pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, especially creamy ones where the asparagus adds a welcome contrast.

12. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a delightful pasta side dish that brings earthy flavors to your meal. The savory filling complements pasta beautifully, especially creamy dishes like alfredo.

You can prepare stuffed mushrooms with various fillings such as cream cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and parmesan. They’re versatile enough to pair with almost any pasta, from spaghetti to penne.

For an interesting twist, consider serving stuffed mushrooms alongside pasta in a roasted garlic alfredo sauce. This combination creates a harmonious meal where the mushrooms enhance the pasta’s flavor profile.

These bite-sized treats are perfect for dinner parties or family meals when you want to elevate your pasta dish with something special.

13. Bruschetta

Bruschetta pasta combines the fresh flavors of tomato bruschetta with your favorite pasta. It’s a light, flavorful dish that works well as a side to many main courses.

You can make bruschetta pasta by tossing cooked pasta with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. This creates a bright, tangy flavor profile.

This side dish pairs especially well with chicken dishes, including Chicken Parmesan or grilled chicken. For a complete meal, consider serving bruschetta pasta alongside meatballs or soup.

You can easily adapt this versatile side dish to include other Mediterranean ingredients like mozzarella cheese or olives for extra flavor.

14. Pesto Potatoes

Pesto potatoes make a fantastic side dish to serve with pasta. The rich, herby flavor of pesto adds a delicious twist to regular roasted potatoes.

To make pesto potatoes, simply toss red or small potatoes with pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese before roasting them until golden and crispy. The entire dish takes only minutes to prepare.

These flavorful potatoes pair especially well with pasta dishes that also contain pesto. They create a cohesive meal while adding a different texture to your plate.

You can also include these potatoes in pasta dishes directly, following the traditional Ligurian style of combining pesto pasta with potatoes for a hearty meal.

15. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter makes a perfect side dish for pasta night. You can customize it with your favorite Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Try including prosciutto, coppa, or salami alongside aged cheeses like pecorino with truffle. Add pickled vegetables such as asparagus or artichokes for tangy contrast.

Fresh fruits like cherries or figs bring sweetness, while almonds or other nuts add crunch. Small bowls of olives and roasted peppers complete the presentation.

The beauty of an antipasto platter is its versatility. You can prepare it in advance and serve it at room temperature while your pasta cooks.

16. Feta and Olive Salad

Feta and olive salad is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that combines tangy feta cheese with briny olives. This refreshing side dish works perfectly for summer gatherings or as a light lunch option.

The salad features Kalamata olives which add a rich, salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crumbly feta cheese.

Fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes provide a satisfying crunch and bright colors.

You can easily customize this dish with chickpeas for extra protein or fresh herbs like oregano and dill for more flavor.

A simple lemon and olive oil dressing ties everything together.

This pasta salad can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potluck contributions.

17. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers make a colorful and satisfying side dish to accompany your pasta. You can fill them with a mixture of rice, ground beef, onions, and garlic for a hearty option.

Top your peppers with tomato sauce and cheese before baking until the peppers are tender. The melted cheese creates a delicious golden crust that pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.

For a lighter version, try using quinoa instead of rice or go meatless with a vegetable medley filling.

Stuffed peppers work especially well with simpler pasta dishes, creating a balanced meal with contrasting textures and flavors.

18. Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks make a surprisingly great pasta companion. These crispy, cheese-filled appetizers add a fun twist to your pasta night.

You can serve them alongside simpler pasta dishes like spaghetti with marinara or fettuccine alfredo.

The contrast between the creamy pasta and crunchy mozzarella sticks creates a satisfying textural experience.

For dipping, use the same marinara sauce that tops your pasta. This creates a cohesive flavor profile across your meal.

Mozzarella sticks also pair nicely with pasta salads for a casual gathering or family dinner. The Italian flavors complement each other perfectly.

19. Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan makes a hearty pasta side dish that complements many main courses. This Italian favorite features layers of breaded eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.

You can serve eggplant parmesan alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or penne. It also pairs well with Mediterranean pasta salad for a complete meal.

For a lighter option, serve it with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. The acidity helps balance the richness of the eggplant dish.

Remember that while traditionally a main course, smaller portions of eggplant parmesan work perfectly as a satisfying side dish to accompany your pasta dinner.

20. Tomato Basil Bruschetta

Tomato Basil Bruschetta pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, offering a bright contrast to rich sauces. This classic Italian appetizer features fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil on crispy bread.

You can serve bruschetta as a starter before your pasta main course. The fresh flavors help cleanse the palate between bites of creamy or hearty pasta.

For a creative twist, try a deconstructed approach by serving the tomato mixture in a bowl with toasted bread on the side. This allows guests to build their own bruschetta.

The same ingredients used in bruschetta can be tossed with hot pasta for a quick, light sauce that brings garden-fresh flavor to your meal.

21. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms make an excellent pasta side dish that adds earthy flavor to any meal. You can easily prepare them with just butter, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

For the best results, cook mushrooms until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Adding soy sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar enhances their natural umami flavor.

These versatile mushrooms pair wonderfully with steak, chicken, or can be mixed directly into pasta. Try them with a garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious combination.

You can serve sautéed mushrooms as a side dish or use them as a topping for your favorite pasta.

Complementary Ingredients

The right supporting ingredients can transform a good pasta dish into an unforgettable one. These flavor enhancers add depth, richness, and complexity to your pasta creations.

Cheeses to Enhance Flavor

Parmesan is the classic pasta cheese with its nutty, salty profile that melts beautifully into hot dishes. Freshly grated is always superior to pre-packaged options.

Ricotta adds creaminess without overpowering other flavors, making it perfect for stuffed pastas or stirred into sauces for added richness.

Mozzarella brings that stretchy, melty quality that works wonderfully in baked pasta dishes. Try fresh mozzarella torn into pieces for caprese-inspired pasta.

Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, more intense flavor than Parmesan and works particularly well with bold flavors like garlic and chili.

Goat cheese crumbled over pasta adds tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with vegetables like roasted red peppers or zucchini.

Herbs and Spices

Basil is pasta’s classic companion, especially with tomato-based sauces. Add fresh leaves at the end of cooking to preserve their aromatic qualities.

Garlic forms the flavor foundation of many pasta dishes. For a milder flavor, add whole cloves early; for stronger impact, use minced garlic added later.

Red pepper flakes bring customizable heat that enlivens cream and tomato sauces alike. Start with a pinch and adjust to your preference.

Oregano works well in both dried and fresh forms, adding an earthy Mediterranean note to your dishes.

Rosemary and thyme pair beautifully with mushroom or meat-based pasta sauces. Their woody, aromatic qualities add sophistication to simpler dishes.

Culinary Techniques

Mastering a few fundamental cooking methods will elevate your pasta side dishes from basic to extraordinary. These techniques ensure perfect pasta texture and balanced flavors every time.

Proper Pasta Cooking Methods

Always start with a large pot of water, using about 4 quarts for every pound of pasta. Salt the water generously—it should taste like seawater. This seasons the pasta from within as it cooks.

For al dente pasta, follow package directions but check it 1-2 minutes earlier. Pasta should offer slight resistance when bitten but shouldn’t be hard in the center.

Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps sauce cling to pasta and can adjust consistency if needed.

Never rinse pasta for hot dishes—the starch helps sauce adhere. For cold pasta salads, a quick rinse stops cooking and prevents sticking.

For baked pasta dishes like mac and cheese, undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Balancing Textures and Flavors

Create cntrast in your pasta sides by combining multiple textures.

Pair tender pasta with crunchy elements like toasted breadcrumbs, pine nuts, or crisp vegetables.

Consider the sauce-to-pasta ratio carefully.

Each pasta shape has ideal sauce pairings. Thinner sauces work with delicate pastas while chunky sauces need shapes with rdges or hollows to trap the goodness.

Balance flavors by including: