Pasta side dishes don’t have to be complicated! My favorite pasta sides are quick and easy to make, and so family friendly. Pasta is so affordable, fast and easy to make – it’s more than an entree, it’s a great side dish too! I’ve got 25 incredible pasta side dishes that you can’t skip.
You know my love for pasta runs deep. It’s my all-time favorite food, and I’d eat it for every meal if I could. My years in event planning and catering taught me that most people feel the same way!
While pasta can always be the main dish (see my favorite Italian sides here), it’s also a wonderful side dish. It’s filling, comforting, and so versatile. These incredible pasta sides are filled with flavor and sure to wow your family! No matter what protein you’re making for dinner, these are surefire success stories.
Tips from my Test Kitchen
- Learn how to make homemade pasta here. You won’t believe how simple it really is – homemade pasta could change your life!
- Learn How to Cook Pasta with all my favorite tips and tricks.
- Save a little of your pasta water to thin out your sauce if necessary. The starchy water is already warm and helps thin the sauce beautifully.
- Cook your pasta al dente! The perfect bite of pasta won’t happen if your pasta is overcooked.
- Want a chilled pasta side dish? Check out this complete guide to the Best Pasta Salad Recipes.
Cheesy Pasta Sides
Pasta with Veggies
Cherry Tomato Pasta
Pasta
Cherry Tomato Pasta
This is a light and refreshing cherry tomato pasta that comes together in minutes. This recipe has it all – and it’s beautifully balance with a little heat in every burst of sweet cherry tomatoes. Read More
15 mins
White Wine Pasta Sauce
This makes an excellent side or entree, and it’s one of my most popular recipes of all time!
Pasta
White Wine Sauce for Pasta – Perfect for Seafood and Chicken and Pasta Dishes
Bursting with flavor, this easy white wine sauce recipe is perfect for pasta, seafood and chicken. Make it tonight, start to finish in less than 15 minutes! Read More
6 mins
Mac and Cheese Sides
Arrabbiata
Sweet and spicy, one of the easiest tomato sauces to make from scratch! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner entree or side, and oh-so-popular.
Recipes
Arrabbiata
This is the simplest, most delectable recipe for Arrabbiata Sauce. It’s a spicy tomato sauce bursting with sweet San Marzano tomatoes, butter, garlic, flakes of crushed red pepper and parsley. Read More
17 mins
Creamy Pasta Side Dishes
Vodka Penne
This popular pasta serves beautifully with grilled chicken like my famous spiedini.
Pasta
Vodka Penne
This is the best penne alla vodka recipe you are ever going to make at home! It’s authentic and packed full of delicious, decadent flavor. Read More
30 mins
Lemon Pasta Sides
Light and Easy Pasta Sides
Ravioli and Gnocchi
Gigi Hadid Pasta
This viral recipe is another delicious vodka sauce, and it serves beautifully with meatballs, grilled chicken, eggplant and more.
Pasta
Gigi Hadid Pasta
This is one of those viral recipes that really lives up to the hype – a spicy vodka pasta that is too good to resist! Get the delicious Gigi Hadid pasta that has taken the internet by storm. Read More
15 mins
