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These side dishes for pasta offer a mix of warm, cozy, and refreshing options. They feature potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, bread, and more!
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Pasta on its own is already comforting and satisfying, but pairing it with the right side dish really brings out the flavors and makes the meal feel complete.
The good news is, there are tons of side dishes you can try, even if you’re not used to cooking a lot.
These recipes are simple to pull off and totally worth it!
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
These sausage balls are meaty, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors.
They’re made with just four simple ingredients in less than an hour.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Bacon lovers, this recipe is for you!
These smokies feature bold flavors that complement both creamy and tomato-based pastas.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Want a side that feels hearty but isn’t too heavy? These sliders are a great pick.
They’re quick to assemble and sure to disappear fast from the table.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
This side dish is made with just five simple ingredients, including mascarpone cheese and prosciutto.
It’s simple, but it looks and tastes like something from a restaurant.
Get The Recipe: Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
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Gluten Free Stuffed Mushrooms
Gluten-free side dishes are easy and full of flavor! These mushrooms should be your next go-to.
They include tomatoes, onions, walnuts, and herbs.
Get The Recipe: Gluten Free Stuffed Mushrooms
Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
These wraps are made with brown rice, chicken, cucumbers, peanut butter, and sesame oil.
It’s quick, customizable, and super satisfying, something you’ll love to have with your pasta again and again.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
French Baguettes
It’s time for a new baking project. This baguette recipe is one of the easiest ones you can make as a newbie baker.
Pair it with shrimp scampi pasta or creamy Alfredo linguine!
Get The Recipe: French Baguettes
Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
This pizza comes with layers of turkey bacon, chicken breast, BBQ sauce, mozzarella cheese, and onions.
You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken from last night.
Get The Recipe: Puff Pastry Breakfast Pizza
Accordion Potatoes
Here’s a fun twist on oven-roasted potatoes.
Feel free to experiment and use your favorite herbs and seasonings! This side pairs well with a delicious creamy mushroom pasta.
Get The Recipe: Accordion Potatoes
Herb and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
This mashed cauliflower is a lighter alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste.
It’s silky smooth with just the right amount of herbs and seasoning to make it shine as a pasta side.
Get The Recipe: Herb and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
No Egg Potato Salad
This potato salad skips the eggs but keeps all the classic creamy, tangy goodness.
It also includes potatoes, apple cider vinegar, vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, red onions, and sea salt.
Get The Recipe: No Egg Potato Salad
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Vegan Ratatouille
Explore this recipe and fall in love with vegan dishes.
This ratatouille is worth a try, with marinara sauce, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, and eggplant.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
Vegan Chicken Wings
If you like a bit of heat with your pasta, these wings are a good option.
You get crunch, spice, and satisfaction all in one bite. Pair them with spicy tomato penne or even buttery noodles!
Get The Recipe: Vegan Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers
The hearty and savory profile of this side dish pairs well with various pasta dishes.
You’ll also love its sauce, made with ale, molasses, cumin, red pepper flakes, and spicy brown mustard.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers
Oven Roasted Bell Peppers
Try this recipe for a colorful side that works with just about anything.
They’re sweet, tender, and a little smoky. They can lighten up creamy or cheesy pasta mains beautifully.
Get The Recipe: Oven Roasted Bell Peppers
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
In search of a new way to enjoy Brussels sprouts? This recipe results in a savory, slightly smoky, and totally addictive side dish.
Go ahead and include or swap in your favorite seasonings to make it even more flavorful.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Focaccia Bread With Asparagus and Onion (No-Knead)
Challenge yourself today and start a new baking project.
This recipe is easy to follow and even walks you through making the dough from scratch.
Get The Recipe: Focaccia Bread With Asparagus and Onion (No-Knead)
Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls are simple enough for weeknights but special enough for pasta night with guests.
Brush them with extra garlic butter right before serving.
Get The Recipe: Herby Garlic Dinner Rolls
Grilled Halloumi Salad
This salad is made with lots of wholesome ingredients like baby spinach, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and avocado.
Garnish it with fresh mint and then pair it with angel hair pasta.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Salad
Strawberry Spring Mix Salad
Got some extra strawberries? This salad offers a refreshing contrast to rich pasta dishes.
It has a dressing made with poppy seeds, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and pepper.
Get The Recipe: Strawberry Spring Mix Salad
Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Fries
Looking for a mouthwatering alternative to fries?
Even the kids will love this healthier zucchini version. You can make this either in the oven or air fryer.
Get The Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Fries
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Brown Butter Honey-Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots are always a hit, but the brown butter and honey combo here takes things to a whole new level.
Pair them with white wine mushroom pasta to balance the sweetness.
Get The Recipe: Brown Butter Honey-Glazed Carrots
Air Fryer Bread
Making fresh, warm bread doesn’t get easier than this air fryer recipe.
This one’s perfect for dipping or pairing with saucy pasta dishes. It comes together with olive oil, sugar, and salt.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Bread
Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad
This salad features the irresistible combo of goat cheese and blueberries. It’s sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor.
Aside from serving it as a pasta side dish, you can also turn it into a hearty sandwich—perfect for lunch on the go.
Get The Recipe: Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad
Burrata Caprese (Burrata Tomato Salad)
This salad is made with heirloom tomatoes, burrata, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, and sea salt.
You can make this in just 10 minutes, so it’s the perfect choice for spontaneous gatherings.
Get The Recipe: Burrata Caprese (Burrata Tomato Salad)
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Don’t settle for boring side dishes! There are so many easy ones out there that bring out the best in your favorite pasta.
Try experimenting with potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Your sides are sure to turn out delicious, no matter what your main dish is.
25 Cozy Side Dishes with Ham You’ll Want All Year Long
Add variety to your meals with these side dishes with ham. You’ll find cheesy, creamy, crunchy, and even sweet-savory combos. No complicated prep required!
Read it here: 25 Cozy Side Dishes with Ham You’ll Want All Year Long
25 Potato Side Dishes So Good, You’ll Put Them on Every Menu
These potato side dishes are so tasty and made with simple ingredients like eggs, herbs, and butter. They’re perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.
Read it here: 25 Potato Side Dishes So Good, You’ll Put Them on Every Menu
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Looking for more side dishes? These options can add flavor, texture, and color to your plate without a ton of extra work:
- 25 Side Dishes for Party Menus That Taste Like You Spent All Day Cooking (But Didn’t)
- 25 Side Dishes for Hamburgers That’ll Make You Forget Fries Exist
- 25 Vegetable Side Dishes That’ll Upgrade Any Meal
- 25 Surprisingly Easy Side Dishes for BBQ Even Kitchen Haters Can Handle
- 25 Pulled Pork Side Dishes You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Will Never Forget)