Side dishes for pasta dinners can range from the classic crusty loaf of bread for sopping up sauces to light and healthy salads to balance the carbs from your meal.
Whatever you choose, round out your dinner with one of these proven winners.
Set the stage with proven pastas that feature simple but bold flavors. A classic fettuccine alfredo is always at the top of my list!
Or try something meaty and hearty like this baked ziti with meat sauce. The leftovers are perfect rewarmed the next day.
Who doesn’t love a good buttery piece of bread with their pasta? I find it especially nice with broth-based pastas like linguine with clams. But you can absolutely enjoy your bread with any pasta recipe.
Make any of these recipes even more garlic worthy with homemade garlic butter to slather on.
If you have time, make a loaf of sourdough focaccia with your starter. The no knead crusty bread can be made a day in advance, and if you’re short on time go for something faster like the cheesy pull apart bread that utilizes a store bought loaf.
No Knead Dutch Oven Bread
Almost completely hands off, this no knead dutch oven bread is a fun beginner recipe with a long slow rise and fun bake in a cast iron dutch oven so it’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
Nutrient-packed cauliflower forms the base of this low-carb, gluten-free bread that’s topped with cheesy goodness. It's the perfect guilt-free alternative to breadsticks.
Cheesy garlic pull apart bread is like the best garlic bread you’ve ever had. You can pull cheesy chunks of bread out of a sourdough loaf and dip them in marinara for a fun snack, appetizer or side dish to your favorite pasta meal.
This spicy garlic bread recipe yields creamy butter, garlic-flavored and crispy outside and soft inside bread. It super heavenly when served with hot soup, salads and with any light meal.
Homemade breadsticks are a delicious homemade bread made extra delicious with a touch of butter and garlic. These homemade breadsticks are perfect served with pasta.
This delicious homemade Baguette Bread Recipe is so easy to make and so yummy! Perfectly crusty, yet soft on the inside it is the perfect side for pasta.
Salads as a side dish for pasta dinners helps balance all the heavy carbs of your meal and may even slow down a coma later in the evening.
The bright dressing on a Greek cucumber salad is nice when you don’t want to eat lettuce, and the charred caesar is a truly unique, smoky flavor for the meal. Your guests will be amazed!
You can’t go wrong with a classic caprese shining with bright basil, or the unique blend of beets and goat’s cheese. There’s truly something here for everyone.
Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
This Greek cucumber tomato salad is easy, fast and brings the best of summer’s flavors to your table.
Insalata Caprese or Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Salad
Insalata Caprese or Tomato Basil and Mozzarella salad is a quintessential Italian salad that is hugely popular. Make it for a party, picnic or just lunch!
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese with Goat Cheese & Citrus Vinaigrette
This refreshing roasted beet salad has goat cheese, arugula, pistachios, and grapefruits drizzled with a refreshing citrus vinaigrette. Perfect side for a pasta!
ry this easy alternative to the classic Caesar Salad – this Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad recipe is made with a light Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing and is the perfect healthy salad!
This quick and easy Shaved Brussels Sprouts side dish is tender and crunchy at the same time. Tossed with a lemon honey dressing that brings everything together perfectly!
A Grilled Peach Salad with berries is a great way to accompany your favorite pasta. These are grilled until perfectly caramelized, and served with greens, berries, cheese, candied pecans and an amazing balsamic dressing.
Take things from cold salad to hot vegetables shining with flavor. Indulge in parmesan crusted broccoli, or tender Delicata squash. Give your family knives and forks for these side dishes!
Roasted Romanesco with Parmesan Panko
Transform the humble Romanesco with a combination of parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs for an irresistible side dish that is sure to please.
Asiago Bruschetta Roasted Asparagus, with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and asiago cheese, makes a healthy gourmet side dish for a weeknight or holiday dinner.
Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables are that picture perfect side dish to go alongside any main entrée. Loaded with flavor, even those who swear they don’t like vegetables will love it!
If you’re looking for a savory, crispy and delicious side dish, then this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is perfect. Plus, if you’re trying to convinced your loved ones just how delicious Brussels sprouts are, then this recipe will work.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables are bursting with the sweet flavors that happen when you roast vegetables. The rainbow of vegetables are seasoned with oregano, thyme and a squeeze of lemon juice.
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