18 Easy Sides That You Can Serve With Pasta

Roasted broccoli is celebrated as an easy and versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, thanks to its simple preparation and delightful flavor. The process involves tossing broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasting them until they achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a satisfying crunch.

This quick cooking method not only preserves the vegetable's nutrients but also allows it to complement the richness of pasta dishes perfectly.

Spinach's relationship with pasta is undeniable, and when sauteed to perfection, it becomes a match made in culinary heaven. This green leafy vegetable is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, transforming into a delightful side dish that accompanies the heartiness of pasta dishes.

The process of sauteing spinach involves quickly cooking it in a pan with a touch of olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt, resulting in tender leaves that retain their vibrant color and flavor. Also, the simplicity of this dish allows the spinach to seamlessly integrate with various pasta sauces, from creamy Alfredo to zesty marinara.

This salad combines fresh arugula with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice, often topped with shaved Parmesan cheese, creating a refreshing contrast to the richness of pasta dishes. Its lightness helps balance heavier meals, making it a perfect complement to creamy or hearty sauces.

Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. The vibrant greens not only add a pop of color to the plate but also provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

In addition to the pasta side dishes, cucumber salads have refreshing qualities that perfectly balance the richness of pasta. Made with fresh cucumbers, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and a sprinkle of herbs like dill or mint, this salad offers a cool and spicy contrast that brightens up any meal.

Its light texture and hydrating nature make it a great palate cleanser, especially when paired with heavier sauces or cheesy pastas. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, just chop, mix, and serve, which makes it a convenient option for busy cooks.

Feel the thrill of warm, crusty bread slathered with a rich mixture of butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs, baked to golden perfection. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a burst of savory flavor that complements the comforting taste of pasta beautifully.

Likewise, the aromatic garlic enhances the overall meal, making every forkful of pasta or penne even more satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate, ensuring that not a drop goes to waste.

One of the good side dishes for pasta, ratatouille brings together a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, all cooked to create a warm, comforting dish. This rustic French vegetable combination is bursting with flavor from herbs like basil and thyme, making it a perfect companion to pasta.

The light, savory taste of ratatouille complements the heartiness of pasta without overpowering it, adding a touch of sweetness and freshness to your meal. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy more veggies and celebrate the flavors of summer.

When you roast these unique vegetables, they become tender and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural nuttiness and earthy taste. To make this dish, drizzle the artichokes with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt, and roast them until golden. When served warm, the artichokes can be enjoyed by pulling off the leaves and dipping them in a zesty sauce or simply squeezing fresh lemon juice over them.

Their vibrant flavor completes the richness of pasta dishes, whether it’s a creamy fettuccine or a tangy marinara, creating a beautiful balance on your plate.

Another suggestion for what to serve with pasta is a green bean salad. Your mood will dazzled by seeing the crisp, tender green beans tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, crunchy toasted almonds, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. 

Further, the vibrant green color of the beans adds a pop of freshness to your plate, while the combination of textures keeps every bite interesting. It's the kind of side dish that makes you feel good about what you're eating, with the bonus of being incredibly easy to prepare. Just blanch the beans, mix in the dressing, and you're ready to go.

A beloved side dish for pasta because it brings a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying texture that beautifully complements a variety of pasta dishes. When you roast eggplant, it becomes soft and a bit sweet, with a smoky flavor that goes great with tomato sauces or creamy alfredo.

You can slice and layer it in dishes like pasta alla Norma or serve it with spaghetti, making your meal more elegant. Roasted eggplant adds a hearty, almost meaty texture, and it's nutritious too, making your pasta dinner wholesome and balanced.

Counted as the favorite and good side dishes for pasta because they add a burst of color, flavor, and nutrition to your meal. When roasted, these vegetables become tender and caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a deliciously smoky taste. The vibrant red, yellow, and green peppers, along with the mild, creamy zucchini brighten up your plate and provide a wonderful contrast to the richness of pasta dishes.

Whether tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting or served simply with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, this combination enhances the overall dining experience. 

The refreshing crispness and complementary flavors of Caesar salad enhance the dining experience with perfect pasta. The creamy and tangy dressing, along with the crunchy romaine lettuce, creates a nice contrast to the rich textures of pasta dishes.

The savory Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic make the meal even better without being too strong. Plus, the lightness of the salad helps balance out the carbs in the pasta, making it a great addition to any Italian dinner.

Crusty No-Knead Bread is a fun and tasty side dish for pasta. It's really easy to make, with just a few ingredients and a little effort. Despite being simple, it has a deliciously crispy crust and a soft, chewy inside that's perfect for tearing off pieces and dipping into pasta sauce.

Whether it's marinara or creamy Alfredo, this bread soaks it up wonderfully, adding a cozy, rustic feel to your meal. The smell of fresh bread baking in the kitchen makes the whole experience even better, perfectly complementing the warmth of a pasta dish.

Because of the tenderness and flavorfullness oven-roasted asparagus pairs well with the pasta's texture and savors. The asparagus is tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted in the oven until lightly browned and softened but still slightly crisp. 

The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness and nutty flavors of the delicious asparagus. Likewise, the tender roasted asparagus spears can be tossed with the cooked pasta, along with garlic butter, cheese, and herbs to create a delicious and satisfying meal. 

Like others, this dish also brings a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that complement the dish beautifully. The heirloom tomatoes are sliced and soaked in a marinade of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs, allowing them to absorb these rich flavors. This process enhances their natural sweetness and adds a tangy kick, making them a refreshing contrast to the heart pasta.

When you serve this tasty dish alongside or mixed into pasta, the marinated tomatoes not only add color and texture but also create a light and zesty balance that elevates the overall meal experience. 

This is a refreshing and vibrant Italian bread salad that pairs wonderfully as a side dish for pasta. Made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and crusty bread, this salad absorbs the juices and flavors of its ingredients, creating a deliciously tangy and satisfying dish.

Similarly, the crunchy bread adds texture, while the fresh herbs like basil enhance the overall flavor profile. Serving Panzanella alongside pasta complements the meal with its lightness and freshness, which makes it a perfect choice for a well-rounded dining experience. 

A delightful and colorful side dish for pasta, warm beet salad brings a touch of sweetness and earthiness to your plate. You'll be attracted by the tender roasted beets combined with tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty vinaigrette, all served warm to enhance the flavors.

The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing, while the natural sweetness of the beets perfectly balances the savory notes of your pasta dish. Also, the creamy goat cheese adds a delicious richness that ties everything together. 

A perfect combination of fresh, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, Caprese salad creates a burst of vibrant flavors that complete the taste of pasta. The soft textures of the tomatoes and mozzarella contrast beautifully with the chewy pasta, adding interest to the meal.

Additionally, this salad lightens up heavier pasta dishes, providing a refreshing balance that enhances the overall dining experience. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal accompaniment to various pasta styles, ensuring a delicious and satisfying combination.  

This side dish to pasta offers a deliciously cheesy and comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of pasta dishes. Made by roasting or steaming cauliflower florets and then layering them with marinara sauce and melted parmesan cheese, this dish adds a rich, savory element to the meal. 

Besides, the creamy, cheesy topping contrasts nicely with the pasta's texture, while the cauliflower provides a nutritious boost. Its hearty yet light nature makes it an ideal complement to pasta, enhancing the overall dining experience with its satisfying flavors and textures. 

Choosing the right sauce for your pasta can elevate your dish to new heights, and some classic pairings work beautifully together, let's have a look:

• Light sauces for thin pasta: For long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine, lighter sauces such as garlic and olive oil or a simple tomato sauce are ideal. These sauces coat the strands evenly without weighing them down, allowing the pasta's texture to shine through.
• Creamy and rich sauces for ribbon pasta: Ribbon pasta, like fettuccine and tagliatelle, pairs wonderfully with rich, creamy sauces like Alfredo or carbonara. The flat shape of this pasta holds onto the sauce, creating a satisfying and indulgent experience.
• Hearty sauces for tubular pasta: For tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni, thicker sauces work best. These kinds of pasta can trap chunky sauces, whether meat-based or vegetable-rich, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Versatile pairings for shells and stuffed pasta: Shells and stuffed pasta, like ravioli, are incredibly versatile. They can be paired with everything from light olive oil to hearty meat sauces, making them a great choice for various flavor profiles. 

By understanding these pairings, you can create pasta dishes that are not only delicious but also perfectly balanced in texture and flavor.