Easy Side Dishes for Pasta – From Salads to Bruschetta

“Mamma mia, this pasta side dish is sure to impress!”

Who knew that the classic Italian dish of pasta could be so versatile?

Whether cooking up a traditional marinara sauce, a tasty pesto, or something unique and inventive, no pasta meal is complete without some delicious side dishes! A good side dish is like a trusty sidekick to the pasta superhero.

The best part of having them is that you can mix and match according to your tastes – whether looking for something light or filling.

From yummy Italian favorites to simple, fresh veggies and everything in between, adding scrumptious sides to the pasta dish makes the meal even more memorable.

They can also provide additional flavors to an otherwise plain pasta meal, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored of the same old recipes!

The important thing is that whatever dishes you choose should look and taste delicious alongside the main course.

Not sure what to eat with pasta besides salad? Try one of the seven easy recipes we’ve listed!

Top Seven Easy Side Dishes for Pasta

You can’t go wrong with any of these dishes if you’re hunting for some mouth-watering accompaniments to add to the pasta-filled meal.

There’s something for everyone, from traditional Italian mainstays like garlic knots to lighter sides like caprese salad and roasted broccoli with Parmesan.

For meat-eaters, there are recipes for meatballs and even crab-stuffed mushrooms.

And for those looking for a little lighter, healthier, and the Best Veggie Sides with Pasta, we have options like classic tomato bruschetta.

These side dishes are the secret weapons in the pasta arsenal, ready to take on any flavor challenge.

#1. Homemade Garlic Knots

Homemade Garlic Knots are a classic favorite.

Not only are they delicious and kid-friendly, but they are also incredibly easy to make. So, if you’re wondering what to have with pasta and sauce, this can be the best option.

For Homemade Dough:

For Toppings:

Optional:

Instructions:

• Combine the Yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it rest for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
• Add in the salt, garlic powder/minced garlic and olive oil. Stir to combine.
• Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
• On a plane and floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a draft-free and warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Punch down the dough and divide into 12-14 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and tie it into a knot. Place them on a baking sheet.
• Mix the minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, melted butter, and salt in a small mixing bowl. Brush the mixture over the tops of the knots.
• Bake the garlic knots for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
• Optional: Once the garlic knots are out of the oven, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm, and enjoy!

When served with marinara sauce on the side, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser treat that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

#2. Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan

Roasted broccoli with Parmesan is a surprisingly luscious recipe to serve with pasta.

These healthy sides for pasta are wonderfully aromatic and full of flavor. In addition to the excellent taste profile, this is also packed with nutrition.

Instructions:

• Start by preheating an oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
• Add the broccoli florets to the bowl and coat with the lemon-garlic mixture.
• Spread the broccoli evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
• Roast them in the preheated oven for 13 minutes or until it is tender and starting to brown.
• Remove the broccoli from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese.
• Place the baking sheet again in the oven and roast for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
• Serve the roasted broccoli hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Not only do they make a tasty accompaniment, but also help to get the daily dose of vegetables as well!

#3. Meatballs

Meatballs are an iconic complement to pasta treats and easy to prepare. This is a perfect way to add protein and flavor to the meal because they can be made with beef and pork.

In fact, you should definitely try this recipe if you are looking for the best sources of Protein Foods for bodybuilding.

Instructions:

• Mix the Panko breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl. Allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
• In a large bowl, combine Add in the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, grated yellow onion, Worcestershire sauce, chopped Italian herbs, dried oregano, black pepper, sea salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
• Add the Panko breadcrumb mixture to the bowl and mix everything until well combined. Don’t overwork the mixture, or the meatballs will become tough.
• Preheat an oven to 375°F .
• Form the meat mixture into balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. Keep the meatballs on a previously prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes.
• Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce!

You can cook the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them until you’re ready to use them.

#4.Classic Caprese Salad

This is one of the best accompaniments for pasta dishes. The combination of sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella with fragrant basil is the perfect match for any pasta meal.

The cheese’s richness and the tomatoes’ acidity create an incredible flavor balance that many dishes lack.

Optional Additions:

• Drizzle of balsamic vinegar or reduced balsamic
• Dollops of pesto
• Peaches
• Mint leaves
• Avocado slices
• Strawberries

Instructions:

• Arrange the sliced tomatoes on a large serving platter.
• Place a mozzarella cheese slice on top of each tomato slice.
• Add a basil leaf on top of the mozzarella.
• Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil.
• Sprinkle sea salt and ground black pepper over the salad.
• If desired, drizzle balsamic vinegar or reduced balsamic over the salad.
• Add dollops of pesto, sliced peaches, mint leaves, avocado slices, or strawberries, as desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

The Preparing only takes a few minutes but adds color and flavor to any pasta recipe. Overall, the Caprese salad is one side dish no one wants to miss when having pasta!

#5. Panzanella Salad

Panzanella is a unique Italian bread salad with cubes of day-old bread and fresh vegetables.

This light pasta side dish is perfect for adding more veggies to a meal without making something complicated. It’s also great for summer when you want something cool and refreshing.

For the Vinaigrette Dressing:

Instructions:

• Toss the bread pieces with a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large bowl.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
• Whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette dressing.
• Combine the tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and red onion. Add toasted bread pieces to the tomato mixture.
• Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the top.
• Add the chopped basil leaves and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl, and toss all the ingredients gently to combine.
• Season the salad with black pepper and sea salt to taste.
• Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the bread to absorb the dressing and soften slightly.

For an extra burst of unique flavor, try adding some feta cheese or Parmesan to the mix. You can even switch up the dressing if you’d like—try a balsamic or honey-mustard vinaigrette!

#6. Tomato Bruschetta

People often wonder what to serve with pasta bake. Well, Tomato Bruschetta is the answer. This dish adds a burst of freshness to any pasta meal and can also be enjoyed as an appetizer.

The classic Tomato Bruschetta is also customizable; adding jalapenos or other vegetables gives great additional flavor.

For Serving

• 1 baguette
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic for toasting bread

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices.
• Place the pieces of bread on a baking sheet and brush each piece with olive oil. Toast for 5-7 minutes.
• Once the bread is toasted, take a garlic clove and rub it on the top of each slice. This will enhance the garlic flavor into the bread.
• In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Spoon the tomato mixture generously over each slice of bread.

Splashing some balsamic vinegar over the bruschetta before serving adds an extra kick of tangy flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly. Also, this dish is healthy with all its vegetables and herbs!

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#7. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

If you’re thinking about what to serve with pasta salad as main course, then try crab-stuffed mushrooms.

These succulent bites are a great way to turn a simple pasta into something special. The combination of creamy crab and earthy, umami-rich mushrooms make this an irresistible addition to any pasta night.

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Carefully wash the mushrooms and remove the stems, then place them upside down on a baking sheet.
• In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, crab meat, sliced green onions, oregano, thyme, savory, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
• Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps.
• Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the stuffed mushrooms.
• Dust with paprika to add a nice color to the dish.
• Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

Garnish the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with some fresh parsley or basil before serving them up alongside tasty pasta salads for an unforgettable experience that will have you coming back for more!

Accompany Your Pasta with These Seven Crowd-Pleasing Easy Side Dishes

You can make all these side dishes according to your taste with endless possibilities.

Pasta’s just the canvas, but these sides are the brushstrokes that make it a masterpiece. They offer an endless array of options that are both delicious and satisfying.

From classic favorites like garlic Knots and Panzanella Salad to more inventive options like roasted broccoli, there is no shortage of heavenly accompaniments to complement any pasta recipe.

With their versatile nature and ability to be customized to suit any taste preference or dietary restriction, these treats are a perfect addition to any meal.

So, why settle for a plain plate of pasta when you can have a flavor explosion with these sides?