16 Pasta Side Dishes In 7 Categories to Elevate Your Pasta Game

Diana Barkley (Senior Editor)

Sometimes, your side dish is actually what takes your meal to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or something more sophisticated, our pasta side dishes won’t disappoint you. So, are you ready for outstanding recipes that will definitely leave you craving for more?

Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish to pair with pork, chicken, salmon, vegetables, or steak, pasta will always be a good option.

Some of our pasta dishes are so quick that you can literally prepare them within minutes as you get the table ready, while others might take a little bit more work. In both cases, the result is saucy and creamy and tastes absolutely divine.

Best Easy Pasta Side Dishes

Best Easy Pasta Side Dishes

On a busy day, these fantastic and easy pasta side dishes will save the day. They’re elegant, tasty, rich, and take a breeze to prepare.

At the same time, they won’t steal the thunder from your main dish, so your everyday pasta meal will become an impressive feast.

Cheesy White Sauce Pasta – A Must-Try Classic With a Twist

Cheesy White Sauce Pasta – A Must-Try Classic With a Twist

A basic cream sauce is something that probably comes to your mind when you imagine a pasta dish. As a matter of fact, the simple yet rich sauce makes this the perfect side dish to go with different protein and vegetable dishes.

But that’s not all; you can literally get it ready in a few minutes, so it will be a life savior on busy weekdays.

As you leave the Rigatoni or Penne pasta to boil to become al dente, melt the butter and add the grated garlic to cook until it’s golden. Add the flour and whisk, but be careful not to burn it, or the sauce will taste bitter.

Start adding the milk gradually and keep whisking. The sauce might feel a little lumpy, but as you whisk your way through, it will become smoother and thicker.

Reduce the heat until the sauce thickens, and then add the secret ingredient: parmesan cheese. Drain the pasta and mix it with the sauce, adding some pasta water to loosen it.

This basic creamy pasta is so versatile that you can elevate it by adding some wilted spinach, kale, or bell peppers before adding the cheese. You can also transform it into seafood pasta by adding some cooked shrimp and crabs.

Mac and Cheese – A Hearty Classic For Cold Nights

Mac and Cheese – A Hearty Classic For Cold Nights

Everyone’s got their traditional Mac and cheese recipe, but this one is easy, fast, rich, and packed with different cheese flavors.

Now, as you might have thought, the most essential ingredient of this recipe is the cheese. All cheese tastes good, but not all cheese melts well or works for this recipe.

Gruyère is an excellent choice for this pasta dish as it adds creaminess and richness. For an extra edge, we recommend adding sharp cheddar. They both melt to a heavenly creaminess but don’t leave an oily residue.

Prepare a basic bechamel sauce by mixing the butter and flour and whisking milk and cream until the sauce is thick. Once ready, add the cheese, salt, pepper, and some nutmeg to add warmth.

In a pan, mix boiled pasta with the sauce until coated, then top with tomatoes, bacon bits, or mushrooms. Top the pasta with some buttered breadcrumbs or panko and bake it until the cheese is bubbling. This hearty pasta dish works beautifully with steak and some grilled veggies.

Pasta Side Dishes for Chicken

Pasta Side Dishes for Chicken

The suitable pasta side dish brings a kick to the simplest chicken recipes. You don’t want your pasta to be overpowering, as you still need your family and friends to focus on your tasty poultry recipe.

Yet, the right pasta plate will add an explosion of colors, flavors, and textures to your dinner table.

Rigatoni Chard Toss – An Explosion of Colors and Flavors

Rigatoni Chard Toss – An Explosion of Colors and Flavors

There’s nothing we don’t like about this dish. It’s packed with different flavors, easy to prepare, and you can literally change and swap the ingredients for whatever you have in your kitchen. But what’s really amazing is that this is a great way to get your kids to eat more veggies.

You’ll start by cooking your Rigatoni pasta while sautéing your chopped Swiss chard, onions, and garlic. Once cooked, stir in the chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, salt, pepper, fennel, and pepper flakes.

Now it’s time to add the boiled pasta and toss it in the skillet for a few minutes until all ingredients have combined. Once ready, top it with some grated parmesan cheese and serve it next to your grilled or fried chicken. You can also prepare this pasta using spinach, kale, or any other greens.

Creamy Mozzarella Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Tortellini

Creamy Mozzarella Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Tortellini

This creamy mozzarella and sun-dried tomato tortellini is a beautiful dish that offers a burst of Italian-inspired flavors and a delightful creamy texture. Indulging in this rich pasta dish allows you to experience the richest Italian flavor in a harmonious mix that won’t disappoint you.

Ideally, choosing large pasta allows the sauce to soak in, so you can taste the richness in every bite. Even better, the recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

You’ll start by sautéing the sun-dried tomatoes with minced garlic, then add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts. To prepare the delicious sauce, add the milk and parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese, and reduce to a simmer.

Now, it’s time to season, using salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg, which pairs perfectly with the spinach. After cooking the Tortellini according to the package instructions, drain and add to the sauce.

Add the boiled pasta and some of the pasta water, and stir until it’s fully coated.

This is the best pasta to serve with pan-seared or fried chicken, and you can use other veggies like snap beans, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Pasta Side Dishes for Steak

Pasta Side Dishes for Steak

Potatoes and steak represent an iconic culinary combo that never goes wrong, but why not try something different, like one of these amazing pasta side dishes? The rich and hearty flavors of steak call in for a pasta plate that stands up to its deliciousness.

Roasted Veggie Orzo – A Colorful Partner to Your Steak

Roasted Veggie Orzo – A Colorful Partner to Your Steak

You might have always served steak with roasted veggies, but adding this pasta will make your weekday dinners richer and more delicious.

What makes this recipe unique is that you can add all the vegetables you want, so it’s an excellent dish if you wish to use the veggies in your fridge before they go bad.

Chop your mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, sweet yellow pepper, sweet red pepper, green bell pepper, asparagus, and onions, and add them all to a baking tray.

Drizzle the veggies with olive oil and season them using salt, pepper, and dried oregano, and then bake them in the oven for 20 minutes.

By now, it’s time to start boiling your orzo pasta according to the package’s instructions and drain. Put the pasta in a serving bowl and mix in the roasted vegetables. You can serve this pasta topped with crumbled feta or parmesan cheese.

Pasta Alla Vodka – An Old And Tried Italian Staple With One Secret Ingredient

Pasta Alla Vodka – An Old And Tried Italian Staple With One Secret Ingredient

As you might have guessed, the secret ingredient in this dish isn’t that secret after all. Vodka adds brightness and heat while bringing out the taste of tomatoes in this delicious recipe. Even better, the alcohol evaporates while you’re cooking, so you won’t get drunk.

The vodka sauce may sound complicated, but this recipe takes less than 30 minutes to be ready. You can use Penne or, even better, Rigatoni, as the middle catches more sauce when you take a bite.

Start by cooking the shallots and garlic in butter until softened, and then add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes and stir until perfectly mixed. You can also use crushed tomatoes for some extra sweetness. Now, add the vodka, mixing well until the sauce thickens.

Once ready, add the heavy cream, one cup of pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Then turn off the heat and mix in the boiled pasta, topping it with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Of course, you can toss in any veggies you prefer, like mushrooms, green beans, or broccoli, and you can use some pan-seared prosciutto, but it will taste divine when prepared according to this classic recipe.

Salmon Pasta Side Dishes

Salmon Pasta Side Dishes

Pasta paired with salmon can be a real treat. It provides the needed carbs that combine with the minerals, vitamins, and proteins in your salmon plates for a balanced meal.

Luckily, there are several options to explore, and all will complement the creaminess of the salmon so you can enjoy the perfect dinner.

Lemon Pasta – Zesty and Creamy Pasta To Elevate Your Salmon Recipe

Lemon Pasta – Zesty and Creamy Pasta To Elevate Your Salmon Recipe

The acid from the lemon balances the richness of the salmon, making it the perfect side dish to serve with your salmon dinner. Moreover, the creaminess of the sauce and the crispiness of your pan-seared salmon will be a delicious combo that no one will resist.

While getting your Spaghetti to boil in salted water, prepare the sauce using the same pan you’ve used to pan-sear your salmon. You can also use fresh butter to cook shallots until softened, followed by the garlic until fragrant.

Now it’s time for one unique ingredient: white wine. Use it to scrape any browning in the pan, then stir in lemon juice and zest and mix. Pour in the heavy cream, add the parsley, then season with salt and pepper.

Add the pasta water to thicken the sauce, followed by the pasta. Toss it around until it’s fully saturated with the sauce, and serve with lemon wedges and your cooked salmon.

Tuscan Pasta Salad – A Tangy Salad To Accompany Your Creamy Salmon

Tuscan Pasta Salad – A Tangy Salad To Accompany Your Creamy Salmon

Instead of choosing between pasta and salad to serve as a side dish with your salmon, why not have the two? This rich salad is a great side to serve with your steak or chicken or as a tasty lunch on a busy day. And the best thing is that you can mix in whatever you like.

The original recipe calls for mixing boiled Tagliatelle pasta with sundried tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, olives, basil, and parmesan cheese. But you can add chopped and boiled or stir-fried artichoke hearts to the mix.

For the zesty dressing, whisk olive oil with some water, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and garlic or garlic powder. Drizzle the dressing and sprinkle some fresh basil on top before serving it.

Italian Side Dishes for Pasta

Italian Side Dishes for Pasta

With the right ingredients, pasta can be a main dish on its own. Still, you need a tasty plate that captures the essence of Italian cuisine to serve with pasta.

Luckily, there are endless possibilities to try, and you can mix and match to turn every pasta dinner into something special.

Learn here more about the Italian cuisine.

Oven-Baked Asparagus – Add Crunchiness to Your Rich Pasta Plates

Oven-Baked Asparagus – Add Crunchiness to Your Rich Pasta Plates

Not only will this delicious Italian dish work with your creamy and red sauce pasta, but it can also be the perfect side dish to serve with chicken and steak.

All you need is to trim fresh asparagus, put it in a baking tray, and toss it with some olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and garlic. Don’t forget to add some parmesan cheese to the mix and grill in the oven until tender. You can also grill your asparagus directly on the grill or in foil packets.

Although the recipe uses asparagus, you can also prepare it using colored bell peppers or carrots. The crunchiness of the asparagus combines with your creamy pasta to make the perfect meal.

Stuffed Tomatoes – Baked Tomatoes With a Crunch of Pine Nuts and Breadcrumbs

Stuffed Tomatoes – Baked Tomatoes With a Crunch of Pine Nuts and Breadcrumbs

There are several stuffed tomato recipes to try, but this one is unique because the crunchiness from the pine nuts balances the creaminess of the baked tomatoes. You can use other nuts or some peas to make a special version of the filling, and it will take only a few minutes to prepare.

Start with slicing off the top of the tomatoes, and use a spoon to scoop out the pulp. In a separate bowl, mash the pulp, season with salt and pepper, and keep it aside.

You can use breadcrumbs for this recipe or chop stale bread in the food processor until smooth. In a skillet, sauté the olive oil and anchovies, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.

Once cooked, add the breadcrumbs and toast until golden. Then, follow with the capers and pine nuts and toast for a few more minutes. Finally, add the lemon zest and parsley.

Sprinkle the inside of every tomato with some sea salt and fill with breadcrumbs and tomato pulp. Place the tomatoes in a baking tray, covering them with the tops, and fill the tray with some water or wine, baking the tomatoes until they’re soft.

You can sprinkle them with breadcrumbs leftovers or with some fresh parsley.

Healthy Sides for Pasta

Healthy Sides for Pasta

When it’s time to prepare dinner, you want a healthy side dish that complements the nutrients in your pasta dish. Choosing healthy food won’t compromise the taste, as there are amazing options to choose from. These dishes will have you enjoying every bite of your delicious pasta guilt-free.

Broccoli with Peanut Sauce – An Asian Twist to a Healthy and Tasty Vegetable Dish

Broccoli with Peanut Sauce – An Asian Twist to a Healthy and Tasty Vegetable Dish

This dairy-free, low-carb, and vegetarian side is an excellent dinner choice because it combines the rich flavors of the tamari with the peanut butter to create the base of this crunchy vegetable dish.

Start by steaming the broccoli florets or boiling them until they’re slightly tender. At the same time, add the sesame oil to a pan and cook some onions, bell peppers, and garlic until all the veggies are soft.

Once ready, you can add the steamed broccoli and stir all the veggies for a few minutes.

You’ll now prepare the sauce using a rich ingredient, tamari. Mix the tamari with some peanut butter, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth, and add to the vegetables. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens, and sprinkle the vegetables with some toasted sesame seeds.

Sautéed Zucchini and Onions with Chive Butter

Sautéed Zucchini and Onions with Chive Butter

Although pasta isn’t always diet-friendly, this healthy side dish will be both delicious and nutritious. And as a plus, it takes only 10 minutes to prepare.

Heat some olive oil in a pan and some half-mooned zucchini and sliced onions, but don’t forget to season them. While they get tender, mash some soft butter with some minced fresh chives. You can also use other fresh herbs like basil or dill.

Remove the pan from heat, and stir in some lemon juice for an extra edge. Then, serve with the chive butter on top. If you have some boiled carrots, you can also add them to the pan with the zucchini.

Vegetable Pasta Sides

Vegetable Pasta Sides

The freshness and vibrancy of vegetables make them the perfect side for your pasta plates. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with serving a fresh salad alongside your pasta, but you can also try one of these fantastic vegetable dishes to make your pasta dinner more tasty.

Pickled Eggplants – Pickled Hearty Veggies to Serve with Your Rich Pasta

Pickled Eggplants – Pickled Hearty Veggies to Serve with Your Rich Pasta

Not only does this recipe take only a few minutes to prepare once you’ve salted the eggplants, but you can also keep it in the pantry for up to six months. Once you open it, you can keep it in the fridge for a week, but we’re sure it will be gone before this.

Start by peeling and slicing your eggplants. After you cut it crosswise, add some salt and cover them to remove the water. Let the eggplants sit for eight hours and drain, but don’t rinse them.

Prepare the vinaigrette by boiling water with white wine vinegar, then add the eggplants and cook until tender but not mushy. Now, drain the eggplants and toss them with minced garlic, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and hot pepper flakes.

Store the eggplants in an airtight container and top with some olive oil. Press down the eggplants to remove all the air before topping them with more oil. You can serve this delicious side dish after 24 hours, but the more you let it sit, the better.

Sweet Jamaican Cabbage – A Colorful Combo, Loaded With Tasty Flavors

Sweet Jamaican Cabbage – A Colorful Combo, Loaded With Tasty Flavors

This colorful dish is a breeze to prepare and is a low-carb option to serve with your cooked pasta if you don’t want to add more calories to your dinner. It’s also tasty and combines sweet and savory flavors in one bite.

You’ll start by cooking onions and thyme in coconut oil until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Now, it’s time to add your shredded white or green cabbage, as they can both work for this recipe.

Follow in with some sliced carrots for sweetness, some sliced peppers, some vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Now, cover the vegetable mix and reduce until your veggies are ready.

You can add some chili on top if you like spicy food, or sprinkle some fresh parsley before serving this delicious dish.

Tasty Appetizers Before Serving Pasta

Tasty Appetizers Before Serving Pasta

Do you want to give your pasta a big entrance? The perfect appetizer will set the stage for your pasta, giving your whole meal a kickstart.

Cheesy Garlic Bread – A Quick Italian Favorite For Creamy Pasta Dishes

Cheesy Garlic Bread – A Quick Italian Favorite For Creamy Pasta Dishes

Do you want to scoop the delicious sauce from your pasta plate? Nothing will work better than this cheesy garlic bread recipe.

It will be your go-to appetizer, not just for pasta but for creamy chicken recipes, grilled vegetables, and almost any dinner you serve. As a matter of fact, it’s a party favorite when served on its own.

Any kind of bread will work for this recipe, but our favorite ones are Italian and French bread.

Start by blending the soft butter with garlic, some Italian dressing, and garlic. Now, cut the bread lengthwise and spread the buttery mix on top, followed by your favorite shredded cheese. We prefer a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, sharp cheddar, and gruyère cheese.

You’ll bake this uncovered until the cheese bubbles. Top with some fresh parsley and enjoy with your rich marinara or alfredo pasta.

Antipasto Platter – A Crowd Pleaser For Pasta Night Dinners

Antipasto Platter – A Crowd Pleaser For Pasta Night Dinners

When everyone is waiting for your rich pasta to take over, you can dazzle them with some mouth-watering ingredients in this platter.

Although it’s just as good with the simple ingredients suggested, you can add anything you like to a vegetarian or seafood version, depending on what you have in your fridge.

Mix some drained pepperoncini or bacon, sliced pepperoni, halved fresh mushrooms, drained garbanzo beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and pitted ripe olives in a bowl.

Once you’ve mixed all of them together, drizzle the ingredients with a vinaigrette and keep in the fridge overnight until all the flavors soak in. You can mix some cubed provolone cheese before serving this platter and serve on a bed of lettuce leaves.

Tips on How to Serve Pasta Sides

Tips on How to Serve Pasta Sides

Managing your time when you’re preparing and serving pasta is everything. You want to follow the proper steps and give every step the right time to make your pasta dinner unforgettable. Here are some of the best tips to serve your pasta.

Prepare Your Sauce First

Prepare Your Sauce First

The sauce usually takes more time to prepare, so start by putting its ingredients together, and when it’s halfway done, you can start boiling the pasta. Lower the heat to let the sauce simmer and thicken. If it comes out too thick, you can use pasta water to loosen it up a bit.

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta

Unless you’ll serve your pasta without sauce, you need to cook it al dente, where it will have a little bit of bite. This is probably one minute less than the cooking time stated on the package. The pasta will cook a little bit more in the sauce, so you don’t want it to be soggy once served.

Don’t Let the Pasta Sit

Don’t Let the Pasta Sit

As you let your pasta drain to remove the excess water, you shouldn’t let it sit too long. When it sits, the starch will make the pasta stick together, and the sauce won’t be able to coat it.

Don’t Wash Your Pasta

Don’t Wash Your Pasta

Once cooked, you shouldn’t rinse your pasta. The only time you can rinse pasta is when you’re using it in a cold salad. Other than that, rising it will remove the starch that helps the sauce coat it perfectly.

Don’t Use Too Much Sauce

Don’t Use Too Much Sauce

Although there’s no wrong and right when it comes to serving your pasta, Italian pasta doesn’t use much sauce. The classic recipe calls for one and a half cups of sauce for every pound of pasta. But you can definitely go overboard with the sauce if that’s your thing.

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