15 Best Side Dishes for Pasta

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Wondering what to serve with pasta? From traditional options to surprising pairings, these 15 recipes are the perfect sides for your pasta dinner.

Pasta dinners are typically heavy and filling, so good sides for pasta tend to be on the lighter side. Some of the best side dishes for pasta, and my personal favorites, are vegetable dishes but there are a ton of options.

If you have some pasta recipes that you’re dying to make, but you’re wondering what the best sides would be to serve with them, I’ve got a list of great ideas that will make everyone happy, even the picky eaters! Plus these easy sides are all really simple to make!

1. Garlic Knots

Soft, doughy knots brushed with garlic butter – the perfect combination with your favorite pasta dish. This is a great addition to any Italian cuisine! Take these to the next level by adding mozzarella cheese.

2. Caesar Salad

A crunchy Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of pasta. This is a really easy recipe with simple ingredients. 

3. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze is a light and delightful side that complements pasta beautifully. The fresh herbs and other cold ingredients are a great addition of fresh flavor without being too heavy. Try caprese skewers as a grab-and-go variation.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Mixing a medley of roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes adds a burst of flavor and color to your pasta dinner. You can even roast frozen vegetables to make it easy!

5. Antipasto Platter

A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates a fantastic grazing option before diving into your pasta.

6. Green Beans 

Sautéed green beans add a vibrant and nutritious element to your pasta spread. Top these with parmesan cheese before serving to make them extra special.

7. Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of bacon and brown sugar have a savory and slightly sweet flavor to contrast your rich pasta recipe.

8. Cheesy Garlic Bread

Take garlic bread up a notch by adding a generous layer of melted cheese to golden brown bread for an extra indulgent treat. If you don’t want the cheese, make it classic garlic bread or pesto garlic bread with butter or olive oil.

9. Side Salad

If you’re looking for healthy recipes to serve with pasta, a classic side salad with a mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing adds a light and refreshing touch to your pasta meal. Try our poppy seed dressing, homemade ranch, or Greek salad dressing.

10. Soup

A hot, creamy soup is a great choice for a pasta dish side. Tomato basil or french onion soups make the perfect sides or give our copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup a try.

11. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Sauteed garlic butter mushrooms made with fresh garlic add a ton of flavor and make a complete delicious meal. 

12. Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of sausage and cheese, baked to perfection, create a savory and satisfying side dish.

13. Cucumber and Feta Salad

Refreshing cucumber slices tossed with crumbled feta, red onions, and a light vinaigrette make for a crisp and cooling side. This refreshing salad is great for a weeknight dinner when you don’t have a lot of time. 

14. Crispy Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Wrap asparagus spears in prosciutto and bake or cook in the air fryer until crispy. This makes a great combination of textures and flavors. 

15. Italian Broccoli

Broccoli tossed sautéd with herbs provides a flavorful side with a little spice and the perfect choice if you want to serve something nutritious with your bowl of pasta. You could also serve it with our cheese sauce for broccoli (always a hit with the kids!)