What Goes With Pasta? – 25 Delicious Side Dishes You Must Try

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

When you think of Italian food, what comes to mind? For most people, pasta is the first dish that comes to mind. There are so many delicious recipes to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to make.

But what goes with pasta? What are some delicious side dishes that will compliment your favorite Italian dish? In this article, we will explore some of the best side dishes for pasta lovers everywhere!

What Goes With Pasta

  1. Parmesan-Stuffed Mushrooms
  2. Cauliflower Parmesan
  3. Eggplant Parmesan
  4. Antipasto Salad
  5. Instant Pot Meatballs
  6. Roasted Broccoli Rabe
  7. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts With Onions
  8. Roasted Peppers And Zucchini
  9. Panzanella Salad
  10. Vegan Bruschetta

Parmesan-Stuffed Mushrooms

Parmesan-stuffed mushrooms make an excellent side dish for pasta. They are easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

Additionally, they add a lovely touch of elegance to any meal. The mushrooms can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, but I find that a simple mixture of Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and parsley works best.

When selecting mushrooms for this recipe, look for ones that are uniform in size and shape. This will ensure that they cook evenly. To stuff the mushrooms, simply remove the stems and stuff the caps with the filling mixture.

Then, bake in a preheated oven until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown. After which, serve it immediately. Parmesan-stuffed mushrooms make a great addition to any pasta dish, and I think they pair especially well with penne or fettuccine.

Cauliflower Parmesan

Cauliflower Parmesan is a great side dish for pasta. It’s full of flavor and has a nice crunch to it. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients.

Cauliflower is a great source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against cancer and other diseases. Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It’s also low in fat and calories.

This side dish is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. And it’s easy to make. Just roast cauliflower florets in a little olive oil until they’re crispy. Then top with Parmesan cheese and serve alongside your favorite pasta dish.

Cauliflower Parmesan is a great alternative to traditional breadcrumbs or other heavy side dishes. It adds flavor and texture to your meal without all the extra calories. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that are good for you.

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that goes well with a variety of pasta dishes. This hearty dish is packed with nutrients and is an excellent way to get your daily intake of vegetables.

Eggplant parmesan can be made in advance and reheated when needed, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Additionally, this dish can be customized to suit your taste buds – feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto salad is a common side dish served with pasta in Italy. It is typically made with chopped vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and olives, as well as cured meats and cheeses.

There are many advantages to serving antipasto salad as a side dish for pasta puttanesca.

  • First, it is a healthy way to add extra vegetables to your meal.
  • Second, the salad provides a contrast in texture and flavor to the pasta dish.
  • Third, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before serving.
  • Finally, antipasto salad pairs well with many different types of pasta dishes. For example, it can be served with a simple spaghetti Pomodoro or a more complex lasagna.

Instant Pot Meatballs

Instant Pot Meatballs are a great side dish for pasta. They are quick and easy to make, and they can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

The benefits of using Instant Pot Meatballs as a side dish for pasta puttanesca are that they are very versatile and can be used with many different types of pasta dishes. Additionally, they are a healthy option because they are low in fat and calories.

Another benefit of using Instant Pot Meatballs as a side dish for pasta is that they can help to stretch the meal and make it more filling. This is especially helpful if you are serving pasta as a main course. Finally, Instant Pot Meatballs add a delicious flavor to pasta dishes.

Roasted Broccoli Rabe

Roasted broccoli rabe is a fantastic side dish for pasta. The bitterness of the rabe is offset by the sweetness of the roasted garlic, and the Parmesan cheese adds a nice depth of flavor. This dish is also quite healthy, as broccoli is packed with nutrients.

Additionally, it is effortless to make. Simply roast the broccoli and garlic in a hot oven, then toss with some cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. This dish can also be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts With Onions

There are many reasons to love sauteed brussels sprouts with onions, not the least of which is its ease of preparation. This dish can easily be made ahead of time, and it reheats well, making it an ideal side dish for pasta.

In addition to being delicious, Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and K, and they are a good source of fiber. This dish is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as it contains no meat or dairy products.

Sauteed Brussels sprouts with onions is a versatile dish that can be used as a side dish for pasta, rice, or potatoes. It can also be served as a main course, accompanied by a salad and some crusty bread.

Roasted Peppers And Zucchini

Peppers and zucchini are classic side dishes that can be used in a variety of recipes. The benefits of using roasted peppers and zucchini as a side dish include the fact that they are low in calories and high in nutrients.

In addition, roasted peppers and zucchini add flavor and texture to a dish. Roasted peppers and zucchini are suitable to be used as a side dish for pasta, rice, or salad. They can also be used as a topping for pizza or breadsticks.

When choosing a recipe to pair with roasted peppers and zucchini, it is important to consider the other ingredients in the dish. For example, if the recipe includes heavy cream or cheese, the roasted peppers and zucchini will add a light and fresh flavor contrast. If the recipe includes strong spices, the roasted peppers and zucchini will help to balance the flavors.

Panzanella Salad

Panzanella Salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be used with a variety of pasta recipes. This salad is made with fresh bread cubes, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, and is flavored with a vinegar and oil dressing. The bread cubes help to absorb the flavors of the dressing, making this salad even more flavorful.

Panzanella Salad is a great way to add more vegetables to your diet, and it is also a good source of fiber. This salad pairs well with spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta recipes. It can also be served as a main course salad.

Vegan Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a healthy and delicious vegan dish that can be used as a side dish for pasta. There are many benefits to using bruschetta as a side dish, including the fact that it is high in fiber, low in calories, and packed with nutrients.

Moreover, bruschetta is incredibly versatile and can be used with a variety of pasta dishes such as pasta puttanesca. For example, it can be used as a topping for spaghetti or lasagna, or it can be served alongside penne or fettuccine.

Additionally, bruschetta makes an excellent pairing for both red and white sauces. And, because it is so healthy and flavorful, bruschetta is an ideal choice for those looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What Goes With Pasta

What are other options when choosing what goes with pasta?

  1. Caprese Salad With Avocado
  2. Baked Eggplant
  3. Stuffed Tomatoes
  4. Cheese And Cauliflower Breadsticks
  5. Crusty No-Knead Bread
  6. Roasted Whole Artichokes
  7. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
  8. Grilled Caesar Salad
  9. Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
  10. Italian Bruschetta Bar
  11. Brussels Sprouts Dill Salad
  12. Sauteed Zucchini
  13. Balsamic Bruschetta
  14. Cheesy Garlic Bread
  15. Pesto Caesar Salad

What are some tips when choosing what goes with pasta?

When choosing what goes with pasta, it is important to consider the other ingredients in the dish. This is because some recipes may be too heavy or too light to pair with certain side dishes.

For example, if the recipe includes heavy cream or cheese, it is important to choose a side dish that will add a light and fresh flavor contrast. If the recipe includes strong spices, it is important to choose a side dish that will help to balance the flavors.

Additionally, it is important to consider the texture of the dish when choosing what goes with pasta. For example, if the recipe includes a sauce, it is important to choose a side dish that will not make the dish too soggy.

Finally, it is important to consider what you and your guests will enjoy eating. This is because some side dishes may be more flavorful than others.

Conclusion

Pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of different side dishes.

In this article, we have listed some of our favorite recipes to go with pasta. We have also provided some tips on how to choose the perfect side dish for your recipe.

So, what are you waiting for? Start cooking up a storm and enjoy your delicious pasta dish with one of these fantastic side dishes.

Andrew

Chef