Side Dishes for Spaghetti: 10 Delicious Options and 5 Creative Ideas

Introduction

Spaghetti is one of the most popular dishes in the world. It’s easy to make, it tastes great, and it can be served with a variety of different side dishes. But finding the right side dish to serve with your spaghetti can be tricky. In this article, we’ll explore what side dishes go well with spaghetti and provide 10 delicious options and 5 creative ideas.

10 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Spaghetti

There are so many delicious side dishes that you can serve with your spaghetti. Here are 10 of our favorites:

Salads

A simple green salad is a great side dish for spaghetti. You can also try a Caesar salad or an antipasto salad. Salads are light and refreshing, and they provide a nice contrast to the heavier pasta dishes.

Vegetables

Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini are always a good choice. You can also roast or sauté your vegetables for a more flavorful side dish.

Cheesy Breads

Garlic bread, cheesy bread, or focaccia bread are all great choices for a side dish. They’re easy to make and they pair perfectly with spaghetti.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish for spaghetti. Make sure to brush the bread with plenty of garlic butter for maximum flavor.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a tasty addition to any spaghetti dinner. Stuff them with your favorite ingredients and bake until golden brown.

Roasted Veggies

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor. Try roasting carrots, squash, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes for a delicious side dish.

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a hearty side dish that goes well with spaghetti. Top them with sour cream, cheese, bacon, or your favorite toppings for an extra special treat.

Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with spaghetti. You can add herbs and spices for extra flavor, or top with toasted nuts for a crunchy texture.

French Fries

French fries are a classic side dish for spaghetti. You can make them at home or buy them frozen from the store. Serve them with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Garlic Toast

Garlic toast is a simple yet delicious side dish. Slice some Italian bread, brush with garlic butter, and bake until golden brown. Serve warm with your spaghetti.

The Perfect Sidekick: Spaghetti’s Best Friends

When choosing a side dish for spaghetti, it’s important to consider the type of sauce you’re using. Some sauces are richer and heavier than others, so you’ll want to choose sides that will balance out the flavors. Cheese, herbs and spices, nuts, olives, tomatoes, and onions are all great additions to any spaghetti dish. They provide flavor, texture, and color, making them the perfect sidekicks for your spaghetti.

5 Creative Sides to Go With Your Spaghetti

If you’re looking for something a little more creative, here are five delicious side dishes to try. All of these recipes can be made ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute preparation.

Crostini

Crostini are a great way to add crunch and flavor to your spaghetti dinner. Top slices of French baguette with ricotta cheese, pesto, or your favorite toppings for a delicious appetizer.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a healthy and flavorful side dish. Slice the zucchini into rounds, brush with olive oil, and grill until lightly charred. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for an extra special touch.

Portabella Mushrooms

Portabella mushrooms are a great vegetarian option for spaghetti. Marinate them in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then grill or bake until tender.

Kale Salad

Kale salads are full of vitamins and minerals, and they make a great side dish for spaghetti. Massage the kale with olive oil and lemon juice, then top with shredded cheese, roasted vegetables, and croutons.

Baked Mozzarella

This cheesy side dish is sure to be a hit. Dip cubes of mozzarella in egg, coat in breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

A Guide to the Best Side Dishes for Spaghetti

When choosing a side dish for spaghetti, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect side dish:

Consider the type of pasta sauce

Different types of sauces require different types of sides. For example, a rich tomato sauce pairs best with light and fresh sides like salads and steamed vegetables. A lighter sauce, such as pesto, would be better served with heartier sides like roasted vegetables or cheesy bread.

Think about flavor combinations

When pairing side dishes with spaghetti, it’s important to think about flavor combinations. Try to match your side dishes with the flavors in your sauce. For example, if your sauce has a lot of garlic and herbs, choose sides that will complement those flavors, such as roasted vegetables or garlic toast.

Be aware of portion sizes

It’s easy to get carried away when preparing side dishes for spaghetti. Try to keep portion sizes reasonable so that everyone can enjoy their meal without feeling overly full. If you’re serving a larger group, opt for smaller portions or multiple side dishes.

Look for complementary textures

Texture is an important part of any meal. Look for side dishes that will provide a contrast to the texture of your spaghetti. For example, if your spaghetti is creamy, choose a side dish with a crunchy texture, such as roasted vegetables or French fries.

Pairing Vegetables with Spaghetti Dinners

Vegetables are a great way to add flavor, color, and nutrition to your spaghetti dinner. Here are some of our favorite vegetables to serve with spaghetti:

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritious and tasty side dish for spaghetti. Steam or roast the florets for added flavor, then top with parmesan cheese or your favorite seasonings.

Carrots

Carrots are a great way to add sweetness and color to your plate. Roast or sauté them with garlic and herbs for a delicious side dish.

Spinach

Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that pairs perfectly with spaghetti. Sauté it with garlic and olive oil for a quick and easy side dish.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a great way to add umami flavor to your spaghetti dinner. Try stuffing them with your favorite ingredients and baking until golden brown.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers are a delicious and colorful addition to any meal. Roast them in the oven with olive oil and garlic for a flavorful side dish.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be served in a variety of ways. Grill or roast it for a smoky flavor, or slice it thin and fry for a crispy texture.

Complementary Flavors: What Goes Well With Spaghetti?

When pairing side dishes with spaghetti, it’s important to consider complementary flavors. Here are some ingredients that go well with spaghetti dishes:

Cheese

Cheese is always a welcome addition to any spaghetti dish. Grate some parmesan cheese over your pasta for an extra cheesy flavor, or top with mozzarella for a melty, gooey finish.

Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary. Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to your spaghetti sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

Nuts

Nuts are a great way to add crunch and flavor to any dish. Toast some pine nuts or walnuts and sprinkle over your spaghetti for a nutty twist.

Olives

Olives are a great way to add a salty, briny flavor to your spaghetti. Add black olives to your sauce for a Mediterranean flair, or use kalamata olives for a more intense flavor.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many spaghetti dishes. Use canned tomatoes for a quick and easy sauce, or roast fresh tomatoes for a more complex flavor.

Onions

Onions are a great way to add flavor to your spaghetti. Caramelize them for a sweet and savory flavor, or sauté them with garlic and herbs for a more subtle taste.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect side dish for your spaghetti dinner can be tricky. But by following these tips, you can find the perfect combination of flavors and textures to complement your favorite pasta dishes. From salads and vegetables to cheesy breads and roasted veggies, there are so many delicious side dishes to choose from that will take your spaghetti dinner to the next level.