10 Perfect Pasta Side Dishes for Every Meal

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Delightfully savory and incredibly simple, Garlic Butter Mushrooms make the perfect side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking method:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
2. Add the mushrooms in a single layer to the skillet, and cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes until they start to brown.
3. Stir the mushrooms, allowing them to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and tender.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Mushrooms as a delectable side dish or a satisfying snack!

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

This simple yet flavorful broccoli dish is the perfect companion to any pasta meal, offering a burst of umami and crunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Lemon Herb Asparagus

Brighten up your pasta dish with this refreshing and zesty asparagus side that’s both quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper before serving.

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

This classic Italian salad brings a fresh and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with any pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating between each.
2. Tuck basil leaves between the slices.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Elevate your pasta meal with this creamy, cheesy, and savory spinach and artichoke dip.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

This smoky and creamy hummus is a delightful dip to accompany your pasta entrees.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup roasted red peppers
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.
2. Season with salt to taste.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate before serving.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms with garlic butter offer a savory and earthy side dish for pasta lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley before serving.

Italian-Style Ratatouille

This vegetable-packed ratatouille is bursting with flavor and color, making it a perfect pasta accompaniment.

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic; sauté until tender.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and oregano; simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Zesty Arugula Salad

Add a peppery and refreshing side to your pasta with this quick arugula salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, toss together arugula and Parmesan.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Garlic Breadsticks

These homemade garlic breadsticks are the ultimate cozy side to mop up your pasta sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated breadstick dough
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the breadstick dough and arrange on a baking sheet.
3. Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
4. Brush the mixture over the breadsticks and sprinkle with salt.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.