Best Arrabbiata Pasta Side Dishes (15+ Sides You’ll Love)
There’s something about arrabbiata pasta that just begs for a side dish. And not just any side dish, but a really good one. You can’t just serve up some steamed broccoli or boiled carrots with arrabbiata pasta. No, sir. You need something special to go with it.
Luckily, I’ve got a lot of options for that! I’ve tried out all sorts of recipes that pair perfectly with arrabbiata, and now I am here to share my favorites with you. Whether you’re looking for something simple or complex, I’ve got you covered.
Keep reading for some of my favorite arrabbiata pasta side dish recipes!
Side Dishes to Serve with Arrabbiata Pasta
- Roasted Asparagus
- Sauteed Zucchini and Tomatoes
- Rice Pilaf
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Broccoli Salad
- Tomato Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans with Herbs
- Jersey Salad
- Caeser Salad
- Arugula Salad
- Spinach Salad
- Grilled Zucchini Salad
- Stovetop Spinach
Roasted Asparagus
When it comes to side dishes, roasted asparagus is a great option for arrabbiata pasta. This vegetable is packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and it has several health benefits. For example, asparagus is known to promote gut health, improve heart health, and boost immunity.
In addition, this side dish is relatively easy to prepare. Simply roast the asparagus in the oven with a bit of olive oil and salt, and then add it to the pasta. For a complete meal, pair the dish with a green salad and some crusty bread.
There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing roasted asparagus. First of all, it’s important not to overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but not mushy. Furthermore, make sure to season the asparagus well so that it complements the flavor of the pasta sauce.
Lastly, keep an eye on the vegetables while they’re roasting so that they don’t burn. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a delicious and healthy side dish that will complement any pasta dish perfectly.
Sauteed Zucchini and Tomatoes
Sauteed zucchini and tomatoes are a classic Italian side dish that can be served with a variety of pasta dishes. The vegetables are cooked in olive oil until they are tender, and then seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper.
When served with arrabbiata pasta, the zucchini and tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy sauce. However, this dish can also be quite oily, so it is important to drain the excess oil before serving.
Also, there is a risk of the vegetables sticking to the pan if not cooked properly. To avoid this, be sure to use a non-stick pan and cook the vegetables over medium heat. With a little practice, you can easily master this simple but delicious side dish.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main course dishes. In particular, it pairs well with arrabbiata pasta. The rice provides a neutral counterpoint to the spicy sauce, and the fluffy texture contrasts nicely with the al dente pasta.
However, rice can be tricky to cook, and it is sometimes difficult to achieve the perfect balance of fluffy and moist. For this reason, many people prefer to leave the rice to the experts and order it from a restaurant. Regardless of how it is prepared, rice pilaf is an excellent side dish that offers both flavor and nutrition.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread is the perfect complement to arrabbiata pasta, as the strong flavors of the pasta complement the lightness of the bread. The bread is coated in rich garlic butter and topped with mozzarella cheese and when baked, the cheese melts and becomes bubbly, creating a delicious crust that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce of the pasta.
There are some drawbacks to using cheesy garlic bread as a side dish for arrabbiata pasta. The cheese can make the dish quite heavy and filling. Also, if the bread isn’t properly coated in garlic butter, it can become soggy from the tomato sauce. However, if you avoid these common pitfalls, you can easily overcome these challenges and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes incredibly well with arrabbiata pasta. The pasta will provide a hearty base for the broccoli salad, while the salad will add a fresh and crunchy element to the pasta. The broccoli is a good source of vitamins C and K, and the tomatoes are a good source of lycopene.
The salad is only made with fresh broccoli, diced tomatoes, onions, and a light dressing, so broccoli salad is a great option for a healthy and flavorful side dish that is also super easy to make.
Tomato Salad
A simple tomato salad is the perfect side dish for arrabbiata pasta. The acidity of the tomatoes helps to cut through the richness of the pasta, and the freshness of the herbs brightens up the flavors.
To make a tomato salad, start by chopping up some fresh tomatoes. Add in some chopped onion, garlic, and basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together, and then drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, before serving it alongside your favorite arrabbiata pasta recipe.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
When it comes to pairing pasta with the perfect side dish, my go-to is always a creamy cucumber salad. The cool, refreshing flavors of the cucumber work perfectly with the spice of the arrabbiata sauce, and the creaminess of the salad helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Plus, it’s an incredibly easy dish to whip up – simply toss some cucumbers, red onions, and dill in a bowl with a cup of Greek yogurt and you’re good to go. So if you’re ever feeling stuck in a pasta rut, give this dish a try – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main courses. The starchiness of the potatoes helps to balance out the heat of the sauce, and the creamy texture provides a lovely contrast to the chewy pasta.
Also, mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be easily made ahead of time. I like to top my mashed potato and arrabbiata combo with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra bit of flavor. So if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy arrabbiata pasta, give mashed potatoes a try. You might just find that it’s the perfect match.
Green Beans with Herbs
Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. They pair well with both savory and sweet flavors, making them an all-rounder side dish. For a healthy and flavorful option, try green beans with herbs.
This dish is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Simply blanch the green beans in boiling water for two minutes, then remove them from the heat and stir in your favorite herbs. I like to use basil, oregano, and thyme, but you can use any combination that you like.
You can serve it at both room temperature or cold, making it perfect for summer potlucks or picnics. Plus, green beans are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. So not only is this dish delicious, it’s also healthy for you!
Jersey Salad
A simple Jersey salad is a delicious and healthy way to round out a meal of arrabbiata pasta. Jersey salads are made with fresh ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
The vegetables are chopped into small pieces and then tossed with a light dressing of olive oil and vinegar. This type of salad is especially good with arrabbiata pasta because the acidity of the vinegar helps to offset the spiciness of the pasta sauce.
In addition, the Jersey salad provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta. As a result, this dish makes an ideal side dish for arrabbiata pasta.
Caeser Salad
While there are many delicious pasta dishes, arrabbiata pasta is a classic favorite. One of the best things about arrabbiata pasta is that it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad is always a good option, but for something a little heartier, caesar salad makes an excellent choice. The rich flavors of the caesar dressing pair perfectly with the spiciness of the arrabbiata pasta, making for a truly delicious meal.
Arugula Salad
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your arrabbiata pasta, why not try adding an arugula salad to the mix? The peppery flavor of the arugula pairs perfectly with the spicy tomato sauce, and the addition of some fresh vegetables will give the dish an extra boost of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to get your greens in! So if you’re making arrabbiata pasta, be sure to give this dish a try. Bon appetit!
Spinach Salad
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious side dish to serve with your arrabbiata pasta, look no further than this spinach salad. Tender baby spinach leaves are the perfect base for the zesty tomato and garlic sauce, and the addition of a few fresh herbs gives it an extra boost of flavor. Plus, this salad is packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about serving it to your family. Go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Grilled Zucchini Salad
Grilled zucchini salad is the perfect side dish for arrabbiata pasta, where the zucchini is grilled to perfection and then tossed with a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. The result is a colorful and nutritious salad that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. And best of all, it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. So for a healthy and delicious side dish that won’t take all night to make, look no further than grilled zucchini salad. Bon appetit!
Stovetop Spinach
To make my arrabbiata pasta even more delicious, I like to add a side of stovetop spinach. The spinach only takes a few minutes to cook, and it really elevates the dish. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra greens into your diet.
Spinach is a great way to add some extra nutrients to your diet. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, so if you’re looking for a way to boost your health, adding stovetop spinach to your arrabbiata pasta is a great option.
Other Options
- Garlic Broccolini
- Slow Cooked Kale
- Sauteed Brussel Sprouts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good arrabbiata pasta toppings?
Some delicious arrabbiata pasta toppings include grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How do I make arrabbiata pasta?
Arrabiata pasta is really easy to make! Just cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water according to package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the arrabbiata sauce by sauteing garlic in a pan with olive oil. Then, add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the arrabbiata sauce. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and heated through. Serve with your favorite side dish and toppings.
What is an arrabbiata sauce made of?
Arrabiata sauce is made of garlic, olive oil, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a really simple sauce that packs a flavorful punch!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of delicious arrabbiata pasta side dishes to choose from. So next time you’re making this classic Italian dish, be sure to try out one (or all!) of these recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!