What to Serve with Fettuccine Alfredo – 10 Delicious Ideas to Try

There are so many delicious options to choose from when it comes to pasta. But what do you serve as a side dish? If you’re serving fettuccine alfredo, you need something that will complement the creamy sauce and rich flavors.

I was just like you a few days ago when I was all set to make my fettuccine alfredo for my dinner party, then I realized that I was missing a key ingredient…

The side dish!

I had no idea what to make, so I started flipping through my cookbooks. I finally decided on a simple side dish of steamed broccoli. Unfortunately, when I went to the grocery store, they were all out of broccoli.

I was so frustrated!

That’s when I decided to ask my friends for their favorite side dishes to serve with Fettuccine Alfredo.

Each dish is easy to prepare and tastes great with this Italian classic, so read on to discover the best side dishes for your next dinner party.

Here are their top picks:

 Best Side Dishes for Fettuccine Alfredo

1. Sauteed Greens
2. Garlic Roasted Potatoes
3. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
4. Garlic Bread
5. Creamed Spinach
6. Scalloped Potatoes
7. Herb-Buttered Rice Pilaf
8. Stuffed Mushrooms
9. Pan-Seared Asparagus
10. Cornbread Stuffing with Pecans and Bacon Bits

Sauteed Greens

I’m often asked why sauteed greens go so well as a side dish for Fettucine Alfredo.

And my answer is always the same… because I say so. I’m the chef, I know best.

But if you insist on a more detailed explanation, I’ll tell you that it’s all about balance. The rich, creamy sauce of the Alfredo can be heavy, so the lightness of the greens is a nice contrast. And the bitterness of the greens helps to cut through the richness of the sauce.

As for preparation, I like to keep things simple. I just wash the greens and remove any tough stems. Then I chop them into bite-sized pieces and saute them in a little olive oil.

That’s it!

Once they’re wilted and tender, they’re ready to be served alongside my delicious Fettucine Alfredo.

Quick Recipe: Sauteed Greens

• Ingredients: Greens of your choice (e.g., spinach, kale), olive oil, garlic
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Wash and chop the greens.
  2. Saute in olive oil with minced garlic until wilted.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

I love garlic. I love potatoes. I love pasta. So, it only makes sense that I would put them all together and create this masterpiece of a side dish.

Not only does the garlic add a lovely flavor to the potatoes, but it also helps to keep them nice and moist.

Plus, the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making them the perfect complement to the rich creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.

In terms of preparation, I like to keep things simple. I start by roasting some diced potatoes in a bit of olive oil and garlic. I then toss them with some fresh herbs (I usually go for rosemary or thyme) and a bit of salt and pepper.

Once they’re out of the oven, I top them with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.

Quick Recipe: Garlic Roasted Potatoes

• Ingredients: Diced potatoes, olive oil, garlic, rosemary or thyme
• Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Toss diced potatoes in olive oil and minced garlic.
  2. Roast in a preheated oven, tossing occasionally.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

From one potato dish to another, we welcome buttermilk mashed potatoes.

I’ve been making this dish for years, and I can tell you from experience that it’s the perfect side for fettuccine alfredo. The buttermilk mashed potatoes have a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the Alfredo sauce.

And the best part is preparation is a breeze. Just follow my recipe below and you’ll have a delicious side dish that your guests will love.

To make the buttermilk mashed potatoes, start by boiling two pounds of potatoes in salted water. I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes because they have a creamy texture.

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and add them to a large bowl. Then, add 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/4 cup of sour cream. I also like to add a little bit of butter for flavor.

Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they’re smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the buttermilk mashed potatoes alongside the fettuccine alfredo and enjoy.

Quick Recipe: Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

• Ingredients: Yukon Gold potatoes, buttermilk, sour cream, butter, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
  2. Drain and mash with buttermilk, sour cream, and butter.

Garlic Bread

I also love garlic bread as a side dish for my Fettuccine Alfredo. I mean, what’s not to love?

The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy, garlicky bread and the bread is nice and fluffy so it doesn’t get soggy. Plus, it’s just so darn easy to prepare. All you need is a loaf of Italian bread and some butter.

I like to add a little garlic powder and dried parsley to the butter, but you can really use any herbs you like. Just spread the butter on the bread, pop it in the oven, and voila!

You’ve got yourself a delicious side dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. In addition, it makes my house smell

aaaammmaazing.

Quick Recipe: Garlic Bread

• Ingredients: Italian bread, butter, garlic powder, dried parsley
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Slice the bread and spread butter mixed with garlic powder and dried parsley.
  2. Bake until crispy.

Creamed Spinach

Next on our list is creamed spinach simply because it’s delicious! But seriously, there are a few reasons why I think these two dishes were made for each other.

First of all, they both have a rich, creamy texture that is simply irresistible. The acidity of the tomato sauce in the fettuccine alfredo helps to balance out the richness of the creamed spinach, making for a truly heavenly combo.

And secondly, they both take on whatever flavor profile you want to give them. Whether you’re looking for a classic Italian flavor or something a little more adventurous, these two dishes can easily be customized to suit your taste.

So if you’re ever in doubt about what side dish to serve with your fettuccine alfredo, just remember: creamed spinach is always a good idea.

Quick Recipe: Creamed Spinach

• Ingredients: Fresh spinach, cream, garlic, nutmeg
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Saute spinach and garlic in a pan.
  2. Add cream and a pinch of nutmeg, simmer until thickened.

Scalloped Potatoes

Another possibility is using scalloped potatoes as a side dish for Fettuccine Alfredo. They go so well together because the potatoes provide a creamy and starchy contrast to the rich sauce.

I prefer to use Yukon Gold potatoes because they have a great flavor and hold their shape well when cooked. I also add a little bit of Parmesan cheese to the dish for extra flavor.

To prepare the scalloped potatoes, I first peel and slice the potatoes thinly. I then toss them with some olive oil and seasonings.

I usually bake them in the oven, but you could also microwave them if you’re short on time. Either way, they make a delicious and easy side dish that is sure to please any Alfredo lover.

Quick Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

• Ingredients: Sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, cream, Parmesan cheese
• Average Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Layer sliced potatoes in a baking dish.
  2. Pour over cream and sprinkle with Parmesan.
  3. Bake until tender and golden.

Herb-Buttered Rice Pilaf

All things considered, I love Fettuccine Alfredo. I mean, who doesn’t? It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s everything you could want in a pasta dish.

But sometimes, I like to mix things up and serve it with a delicious side of herb-buttered rice pilaf.

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking “Why mess with perfection?”

But trust me on this one.

The rice pilaf compliments the alfredo perfectly. The buttery, herb flavor pairs perfectly with the rich creaminess of the sauce. Plus, it’s super quick. Just throw some rice in a pot with some chicken broth, butter, and herbs, and you’re good to go.

Quick Recipe: Herb-Buttered Rice Pilaf

• Ingredients: Rice, chicken broth, butter, herbs of your choice
• Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cook rice in chicken broth.
  2. Stir in melted herb-butter.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Next on the list is stuffed mushrooms. I visited a restaurant the other day and I was so disappointed when I was presented with a boring ol’ side of steamed broccoli that many restaurants seem to think is a good idea.

No, thank you. I much prefer something with a little more flavor. And that’s where stuffed mushrooms come in.

These bad boys are loaded with all the good stuff: garlic, herb, and lots of cheese.

Likewise, they’re the perfect complement to the rich pasta dish, and they couldn’t be easier to prepare. To prepare the side dish, simply stuff some mushrooms with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Then, pop them in the oven while the Alfredo is cooking and you’re all set!

So don’t be afraid to ditch the steamed veggies for something a little more exciting.

Quick Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

• Ingredients: Mushrooms, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, tomato
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Remove stems from mushrooms and fill with a mixture of breadcrumbs, tomato, Parmesan, and parsley.
  2. Bake until mushrooms are tender.

Pan-Seared Asparagus

I love asparagus. I could eat it every day. I especially love it when it’s pan-seared and served with fettuccine alfredo. I think it goes so well as a side dish because it has a similar texture to pasta, and it’s a good way to get your vegetables in without feeling like you’re eating rabbit food.

I also believe the flavors complement each other really well. The asparagus is earthy and slightly sweet, while the sauce is rich and creamy.

Quick Recipe: Pan-Seared Asparagus

• Ingredients: Asparagus spears, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Trim asparagus and cut into thirds.
  2. Pan-sear in olive oil until tender.

Cornbread Stuffing with Pecans and Bacon Bits

Finally, while I’m known for my Fettuccine Alfredo, I’ll let you in on a little secret. The real star of the show is the side dish.

I like to keep things interesting by switching up my sides, but one of my all-time favorites is Cornbread Stuffing with Pecans and Bacon Bits.

The sweetness of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the rich creaminess of the Alfredo, and the bacon bits add a nice salty crunch to the smooth pasta.

And, as an added bonus, preparation is simplicity at its best. All you need to do is mix everything together and bake it in the oven.

Quick Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing with Pecans and Bacon Bits

• Ingredients: Cornbread, pecans, bacon bits, chicken broth
• Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Crumble cornbread and mix with pecans and bacon bits.
  2. Moisten with chicken broth and bake.

FAQ

What vegetable goes with fettuccine alfredo?

Most vegetables go well with fettuccine alfredo. Some of our favorites include asparagus, broccoli, and mushrooms.

Can I make fettuccine alfredo ahead of time?

Yes! Fettuccine Alfredo can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve it.

What is the best way to reheat fettuccine alfredo?

The best way to reheat fettuccine alfredo is in a skillet over low heat. Be sure to stir it frequently so it doesn’t stick to the pan and burn.

The Bottom Line

Fettucine alfredo is a classic dish that can be made even better with the right side dish. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

So now that you know some of my favorite side dishes, be sure to discover yours.

There are a lot of great options out there, so have fun and enjoy!