Level Up Your Pasta Night: 24 Best and Unique Pasta Side Dishes
Introduction
Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of millions throughout the world. Whether it's a creamy carbonara, a tangy marinara, or a cheesy Alfredo, this dish's worldwide appeal is undeniable. But what about its dependable sidekicks? In the realm of culinary delights, pasta side dishes frequently serve as unseen heroes, quietly complimenting the main act while bringing their own unique flavor to the dinner. In this blog, we'll highlight these hidden heroes and look at a range of simple yet delicious pasta side dishes that will enrich your dining experience.
24 Best and Simple Pasta Side Dishes
Pasta is certainly one of the most adaptable and popular foods across the world. Whether it's creamy Alfredo, tangy marinara, or a meaty Bolognese, pasta never fails to fulfill our needs. But don't forget about its great partners: side dishes! While pasta may shine on its own, combining it with the appropriate sides can take your dinner to the next level of taste. If you want to spice up your pasta supper, here are some basic yet unique side dishes you could try.
1. Caesar Salad: This traditional salad provides a crisp bite to any pasta meal. Crisp romaine lettuce, mixed in a creamy Caesar dressing with Parmesan cheese and crispy croutons, pairs nicely with the richness of spaghetti. It's also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for hectic weeknights.
2. Garlic Bread: Is there anything more pleasant than the fragrance of freshly made garlic bread in the kitchen? This simple yet tempting side dish works perfectly with pasta, providing a buttery, garlicky richness that's difficult to resist. Serve warm for an additional cozy feel.
3. Roasted Asparagus: For a healthful and tasty side dish, try roasted asparagus. Roasted asparagus, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, adds a lovely earthiness to your pasta dish. Its supple yet somewhat crunchy texture provides a delightful contrast to the softness of the pasta.
4. Tomato Salad: The ideal tomato salad combines fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and a splash of balsamic sauce. This colorful side dish is packed with flavor and offers a blast of freshness to any pasta dish. It's an excellent way to use up luscious summer tomatoes while they're still in season
5. Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad: Try adding roasted Brussels sprouts to the classic Caesar salad for a unique spin. When roasted, these little cruciferous vegetables caramelize and become crispy, giving a delicious crunch to your salad. Tossed with Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese, it's a creative twist on a classic.
6. Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula provides a spicy bite to your pasta meal. Tossed in a simple vinaigrette and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and cherry tomatoes, arugula salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of pasta.
Also Read: A Guide to Types of Italian Pastas
7. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: Embrace the tastes of Italy with a traditional Caprese salad. Fresh mozzarella cheese, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze make a simple yet beautiful side dish that goes well with any pasta meal, particularly ones with marinara or pesto sauce.
8. Caprese Salad: If you enjoy Brussels sprouts, you'll adore them caramelized! Simply sautéed with a touch of honey or maple syrup until golden brown and crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts have a sweet and salty flavor that matches the richness of pasta well.
9. Green Beans: Serve with steamed or sautéed green beans. Green beans, seasoned with garlic, lemon zest, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, bring color and freshness to your spaghetti supper.
10. Bruschetta: Use crusty bread to create a delicious topping. Fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil combine to provide a colorful topping that goes well with pasta. Serve it as an appetizer or with your main dish to get a flavor of Italy.
11. Sautéed Zucchini: Lightly sautéed zucchini pairs well with pasta. Simply slice the zucchini into rounds and cook in a heated skillet with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until golden brown and soft. It's a simple approach to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
12. Baked Eggplant: Turn ordinary eggplants into gourmet masterpieces by baking them till tender and caramelized. Drizzle with olive oil, then top with herbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown. Serve with your favorite spaghetti for a full and hearty meal.
13. Italian Chopped Salad: Begin your pasta feast with a fresh Italian chopped salad. This vivid combination, which includes crisp lettuce, acidic tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and savory salami, offers a blast of taste and color to your dish.
14. Burrata Salad: The combination of creamy burrata cheese, luscious tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of balsamic sauce is just divine. This simple yet exquisite salad lends a touch of elegance to any pasta meal.
15. No-Knead Bread: Better than pasta? Pasta served with freshly baked bread, of course! Make a batch of no-knead bread with a few basic ingredients and enjoy the delicious scent as it bakes to golden perfection. Tear off a chunk and dip it in your favorite spaghetti sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.
16. Panzanella Salad: This traditional Italian bread salad is an excellent way to use up stale bread. Tossed with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil, then drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, it's a refreshing and filling side dish that goes great with spaghetti.
17. Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollowed-out tomatoes stuffed with a savory blend of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese form an outstanding and delectable side dish. Bake until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture is golden brown for a delicious pasta accompaniment.
18. Chopped Mediterranean Salad: This colorful and tasty salad will transport your taste senses to the Mediterranean. It's a delicious complement to any pasta meal, thanks to its olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
19. Cucumber Salad: A cool, crisp cucumber salad is the ideal palette cleanser in between mouthfuls of spaghetti. To make a refreshing and hydrating side dish, just slice cucumbers thinly, mix with a mild vinaigrette, and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
20. Garlic Knots: A pasta feast is incomplete without garlic knots! These delectable pieces, made from soft and airy dough twisted into knots and coated with garlic butter, are the perfect comfort food accompaniment to your favorite pasta recipes.
21. Italian Filled Artichokes: Impress your visitors with these gorgeous and delectable filled artichokes. They're a stunning accent to any pasta dish, filled with a delicious blend of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
22. Meatballs: The classic spaghetti and meatballs combo is hard to surpass. Whether you like beef, pig, or turkey, handmade meatballs cooked in a thick tomato sauce are a filling and delicious addition to any spaghetti dish.
23. Roasted Beets: Roasting beets accentuates their inherent sweetness and earthy taste. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until soft. Serve with spaghetti for a colorful and healthful side dish.
24. Roasted Broccoli: Tender-crisp roasted broccoli florets make a delightful and healthful complement to any pasta dish. Tossed with garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, they add flavor and texture to your meal.
Don't Stop at Pasta: Experiment with Flavorful Pairings!
So you've got your favorite pasta dish simmering away, promising a tasty supper. But, wait! Before you dig in, consider the power of a great side dish. It may transform your pasta experience from decent to extraordinary. Consider brilliant green salads overflowing with freshness, creamy cheeses that offer a touch of luxury, or roasted veggies that provide a pleasant textural contrast. With the appropriate combinations, you can create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Speaking of perfect pairings, look no further than Suparossa! Suparossa is a wonderful example of a perfect match. We don't only serve delicious pasta; we're also your one-stop shop for show-stopping sides. From spicy to creamy, light to robust, our menu offers a delectable assortment waiting to be discovered. So why delay? Visit our website to browse our menu and order online now. Allow Suparossa to demonstrate how the appropriate side dish may elevate your next pasta night into a gastronomic experience!
