Pasta Side Dishes

While pasta is usually the star of the show, side dishes can elevate any meal. So, don't overlook the power of these delicious pasta side dishes! This complete list has everything you could possibly want in a pasta side dish - from simple salads to hearty breads and more.

Whether you're serving up chicken pasta casserole, lemon ricotta pasta, or pasta Primavera, a side dish can make all the difference. These pasta sides are not only delicious but also quick and easy to make!

Keep reading to discover your new favorite side dish of pasta.

Pasta Side Dishes to Elevate Your Meal

Italian Peas

This recipe is everything you want in a pasta side dish - fast, easy, and packed with flavor. It takes just 10 minutes to cook! The parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning would pair perfectly with any pasta dish.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

When you think of pasta and side dishes, you probably think of garlic bread. However, this cheesy garlic bread is a step above the rest. It uses Rhodes rolls to cut down on prep time! The result is an ooey gooey cheesy bread that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad

Crunchy lettuce, juicy chicken, and a zingy dressing - this is a side dish that can hold its own. You'll love how it pairs with creamy pasta dishes, as well as simple spaghetti and marinara. It's the perfect pasta side for the warmer months!

Butter Beans with Herbs

I'd serve these lemony, herb butter beans with just about any pasta dish! They're quick and easy to make, so there's no excuse not to try them. Plus, they store well in the fridge, meaning you can easily make them ahead.

Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes

These aren't just any veggies, they're sprinkled with parmesan cheese once roasted for an extra kick of flavor! The sweet tomatoes and tender asparagus are a perfect option for pasta and side dishes.

Easy Dinner Rolls

You need these dinner rolls to mop up all that delicious pasta sauce! And don't worry, there's no kneading involved. The honey adds a subtle sweetness and makes these rolls a standout side dish!

Frozen Corn

With this recipe in your back pocket, you'll never cook frozen corn the same way again. I've perfected this method to give the corn the best texture and flavor! It's a quick, easy, and delicious side for all your favorite pasta.

Homemade Garlic Knots

Use premade dough or make your own, either way, these homemade garlic knots are a hit. They're super soft and buttery, perfect for soaking up any leftover pasta sauce. They'll also make your kitchen smell amazing while baking!

Avocado and Corn Salad

Does your pasta have a little kick to it? This avocado and corn salad is the perfect way to balance out any heat. Make sure your avocado is perfectly ripe for maximum flavor - we don't want any mushy avocados ruining this delicious side dish!

Kale Apple Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

You're going to love how this fresh and crisp salad pairs with your meal. The crunch of the kale and apples, mixed with the tangy orange vinaigrette, is a perfect contrast to any hearty pasta! I use red apples in this recipe, but any crisp variety will work. 

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This is the BEST way to cook Brussels sprouts! Roasting them in the oven with a little olive oil, salt, dried cranberries, and pecans brings out their natural sweetness. Trust me, these are not your grandma's boiled brussel sprouts - they'll become a family favorite in no time.

Homemade Bread Stuffing

If you're feeding a crowd and need some good pasta side dishes, you can't go wrong with bread stuffing. It's filling, and flavorful and can easily be customized to suit any pasta dinner. 

Canned Green Beans with Bacon and Onion

This recipe gives canned green beans a major upgrade! Sautéing them with bacon and onion gives them a huge burst of flavor - something other green bean pasta and side dishes can lack. Whip this side up in less than 15 minutes for a quick and delicious addition to your pasta.

Bruschetta Caprese

This twist on classic bruschetta is the perfect pasta side dish for any Italian-inspired meal. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are piled onto a crostini and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Plus, it's quick and easy to make! 

Chopped Steak Salad

This steak salad has a little bit of everything - tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It's light enough to serve as a side dish but hearty enough to be a main course. Serve it with your pasta for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

Italian Herb and Cheese Bread

What's better than warm, cheesy bread to accompany your pasta dish? I mean, no pasta with side dishes is complete without some kind of delicious bread. I've perfected this recipe to be soft, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. You won't want to share!