If you’re a big pasta lover, you know it goes great not only as a main dish, but also an easy side.
That’s why we compiled this great collection of Pasta Side Dishes from GypsyPlate and around the internet.
Whatever you’re pairing your pasta with, there’s something here for you. From light and fresh to creamy and cheesy, this Pasta Side Dishes list has it all.
Cook your way through all of these delicious pasta side dishes, they’re all sure to be a hit!
The Best Pasta Side Dishes:
1. Mediterranean Pasta
We’re starting this list of pasta side dishes with our Mediterranean Pasta. It’s light and refreshing, with great ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives and artichoke hearts. So good!
2. Rainbow Pasta Salad
This Rainbow Pasta Salad is quick, easy, and very colorful. Take it to your next pot-luck, or make a big batch and have easy side dishes for days!
3. Sicilian Pasta
If you’ve been on the lookout for a tasty new pasta side dish recipe, here it is! This Sicilian Pasta is bursting with flavor.
It’s great alongside grilled chicken or seafood.
4. Gigi Hadid Pasta
What is Gigi Hadid Pasta? Simple… Pasta made by Gigi Hadid, which broke the internet when it went viral on instagram and tiktok.
It’s creamy, cheesy and a little bit spicy!
5. Israeli Couscous Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
This gorgeous Israeli Couscous Salad is light and fresh, yet at the same time oh so satisfying.
Pearled couscous are tossed with tons of veggies, feta cheese, Kalamata olives and a refreshing dressing. Great potluck contender!
6. Mushroom Stroganoff
This easy Mushroom Stroganoff is a lighter and healthier take on your traditional beef stroganoff. It’s also super quick, and super tasty!
With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can have this easy pasta side dish on the table in no time.
7. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is another one of the staple sides for fried fish.
This version is extra creamy and extra tangy. Make a big batch, and enjoy the leftovers for days!
8. Pesto Pasta
Pesto is one of the classic Italian sauces. Toss it with pasta and you have a winner of a side dish.
It goes especially good with chicken or seafood.
9. Fettuccine Alfredo
This Fettuccine Alfredo is the BEST, hands down! It’s pure creamy Italian bliss that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Forget the jarred stuff, this homemade alfredo is super quick and easy to make with basic ingredients. And it tastes even better than any restaurant.
10. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Aglio e Olio, or garlic and oil, is a classic pasta that could not get much simpler.
Toss it with spaghetti for a side to your favorite protein.
Get the Recipe @ themediterraneandish
11. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is one of the most popular foods in the world, so you better make sure you have a good recipe for it!
This mac is super creamy and super cheesy, so it’s sure to impress. One of the most classic pasta side dishes!
12. Creamy Orzo Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash
Simple pasta taken up notch with a simple fall favorite ingredient… butternut squash.
This creamy orzo pasta gets mixed in with roasted butternut squash, kale, parmesan cheese and fresh sage.
13. Brown Butter Lemon Pasta
Sometimes, simple is best. This sauce requires only four ingredients: butter, salt, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese.
It’s so easy, but makes for a special pasta side dish.
Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven
14. Pesto Pasta Salad
This Pesto Pasta Salad recipe is summer in a bowl! It’s bursting with pillowy cheese tortellini (or you can use any of your favorite pasta), sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, crunchy bell peppers, charred, caramelized sweet corn, red onions, bright, meaty salami and buttery pearls of fresh mozzarella.
All is doused in a bright herby, garlicky pesto vinaigrette. How good is all that?
Get the Recipe @ carlsbadcravings
15. Baked Feta Pasta
If you haven’t tried the mega viral Baked Fate Pasta from TikTok, it’s about time you do!
It’s a unique and easy kitchen hack that results in a creamy and delicious feta pasta sauce that you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen
16. Avocado Bacon Orzo
Avocado Bacon Orzo is a great new pasta side dish. The avocado and bacon combination is so flavorful, and combines great with orzo, peas and feta cheese.
This pasta side dish can be served hot or cold.
17. Garlicky Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata and Basil
This Garlicky Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata and Basil will become your new favorite pasta side dish!
Absolutely delicious and easy to make, this fresh and comforting pasta side dish is perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven
18. Antipasto Pasta Salad
Antipasto Pasta Salad with Herby Parmesan Vinaigrette… If you’re searching for a delicious pasta salad, look no further.
This is the perfect quick fix salad that’s mayo-free, almost no-cook, comes together in minutes, and is great for warm weather picnics and BBQ’s.
Get the Recipe @ halfbakedharvest
19. Spanakopita Mac and Cheese
If you’re craving Greek food, or something similar to a spinach pie, why not try this Spanakopita Mac and Cheese?
It’s definitely more sophisticated than traditional mac and cheese, but the authentic Greek flavors will have you falling in love with it!
Get the Recipe @ lemonsforlulu
20. Checca Sauce with Spaghetti
Checca Sauce is an uncooked tomato sauce, also featuring olive oil, basil and fresh mozzarella cheese.
It’s a great summer recipe when the heirloom tomatoes are in season.
Get the Recipe @ pinchandswirl
21. Cacio e Pepe
Now you can’t get more simple than this Italian classic, Cacio e Pepe. Tender noodles tossed with parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper in a light sauce.
So easy, yet so tasty. Perfect side for a variety of mains.
22. Penne alla Vodka
Penne alla vodka has a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce that you’ll keep coming back to. It’s an easy comfort food dish your whole family will love!
Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo
23. Broccoli Pasta
How about combining your starch and veggie into one simple side dish? That’s this broccoli pasta for you.
It only takes about 20 minutes to put this pasta side together.
Get the Recipe @ pinchandswirl
24. Tuscan Pasta Salad
Tuscan Pasta Salad is an easy recipe with sun dried tomatoes, peppers, spinach and olives tossed in a tangy dressing.
This pasta salad recipe is perfect for your next potluck or get together.
Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic
25. Cheesy Orzo
Here’s your mac and cheese with a twist! Cheesy orzo is a great side dish that will keep even your pickiest eaters happy, and it only takes about 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe @ saltandlavender
26. Tortellini with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes
This Tortellini Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes pasta salad is easy to make and full of bright flavors.
It’s packed full of fresh ingredients with an amazing homemade vinaigrette and makes an absolutely delicious pasta side dish.
Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven
27. Couscous Pilaf with Sautéed Mushrooms
This Couscous Pilaf with Sautéed Mushrooms recipe is one of our favorite new side dishes.
It’s beautifully flavored and goes great with a variety of meats and seafoods.
28. Creamy Goat Cheese Penne
Give your penne pasta a unique twist with goat cheese! This pasta side dish is both simple and delicious, so give it a try tonight!
29. Garlic Butter Pasta
Here’s another pasta side that takes next to no effort, and has simple ingredients. It’s super versatile in its simplicity, pairing well with a wide variety of mains.
Get the Recipe @ littlesunnykitchen
30. Bruschetta Pasta
We’re wrapping up this list of pasta sides with one of our favorites: bruschetta pasta. The simple combination of tomato, basil and parmesan creates beautiful flavors.
There you have it, thirty delicious and easy pasta side dishes! Pin or bookmark this collection of great dishes so you always know where to find it.
Check out these other recipe collections!
Pasta Recipes
Italian Recipes
Pasta Salad Recipes
Mac and Cheese Recipes
Healthy Side Dishes
30 BEST Pasta Side Dishes
This collection of easy Pasta Side Dishes includes a variety of flavors that will pair with the main of your choice. We love this easy pasta salad:
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 1 lb pasta such as rotini, penne or farfalle
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
- 1 cup garbanzo beans
- 8 oz crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1 tsp pepper or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp parsley fresh, chopped
- 2 Tbsp oregano fresh, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried oregano)
- 2 Tbsp basil fresh, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Add salt to your water, at least 2 tbsp of salt. After draining your pasta add a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
- In a small bowl or jar add all the dressing ingredients together and whisk well. If using a jar, put the lid on and close it, then shake well.
- Toss all salad ingredients together, mix in dressing. Chill before serving.
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