Pasta night is a classic, but sometimes you need a little something extra to round out the meal. Whether you're serving spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, the right side dish can elevate your dinner from simple to spectacular.
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This collection of sides is designed to complement any pasta dish, from light and fresh salads to hearty roasted vegetables and garlicky bread. Each recipe is quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to please the whole family.
So next time you're boiling a pot of pasta, don't forget to whip up one of these delicious sides. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 large head of garlic
Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor. Use fresh garlic for best results; pre-peeled cloves can be used but may roast faster.
1 (1-pound) loaf of crusty Italian bread
A sturdy loaf like ciabatta or sourdough works best. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free baguette.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Softened butter blends easily. You can substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated melts better and has more flavor. Pre-grated can be used but may not melt as smoothly.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Parsley adds color and freshness. Italian flat-leaf parsley is preferred; dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds extra garlic flavor. Use roasted garlic powder for a deeper taste.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Enhances the flavors. Adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Adds a subtle kick. Freshly ground is best.
2 cups (about 10 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
Sweet and juicy, they burst in your mouth. Use any variety; grape tomatoes also work.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
High-quality olive oil makes a difference. Use a good one for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Adds tangy sweetness. White balsamic is a milder option.
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Fresh basil is essential. If unavailable, use 1 teaspoon dried basil.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overmix the garlic butter
Overmixing can make it greasy. Stir just until combined.
Toast the bread until golden, not brown
Burned bread will be bitter. Keep an eye on it.
Use ripe tomatoes
Underripe tomatoes are too tart. Let them sit at room temperature to ripen.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting garlic and toasting bread.
2. Roast the Garlic
Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden. Let cool.
3. Make Garlic Butter
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a bowl. Mash with a fork, then mix in the softened butter, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Slice the Bread
Cut the bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides.
5. Toast the Bread
Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the butter is bubbling. Keep warm.
6. Make Tomato Salad
In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Let marinate for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Add Basil and Serve
Just before serving, toss the tomatoes with fresh basil. Slice the garlic bread into portions and serve alongside the tomato salad and your favorite pasta.
Delicious Variations
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Swap the cherry tomatoes for sliced heirloom tomatoes and add fresh mozzarella for a Caprese salad.
- Top the garlic bread with extra mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
How to Store Sides To Go With Pasta
Refrigerator
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tomato salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Freezer
Wrap the garlic bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat garlic bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy. The tomato salad should be served at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use regular butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid over-salting.
Q: What can I substitute for fresh basil?
You can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but fresh basil provides the best flavor. Alternatively, use fresh parsley or oregano.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter and roast the garlic up to 2 days ahead. Assemble and toast the bread just before serving for best texture.
Q: What pasta dishes go well with these sides?
These sides pair beautifully with spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, or any tomato-based pasta. The garlic bread is a classic with marinara sauces.
Ready to elevate your pasta night? Try these easy sides and let us know which one is your favorite! Share your creations with us on social media using #PastaSides.
Sides To Go With Pasta
Sides To Go With Pasta: discover 5 easy, flavorful side dishes that turn any pasta meal into a feast. Perfect for weeknights!
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large head of garlic
- 1 (1-pound) loaf of crusty Italian bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (about 10 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting garlic and toasting bread.
- 2Roast the Garlic — Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden. Let cool.
- 3Make Garlic Butter — Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a bowl. Mash with a fork, then mix in the softened butter, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 4Slice the Bread — Cut the bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides.
- 5Toast the Bread — Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the butter is bubbling. Keep warm.
- 6Make Tomato Salad — In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Let marinate for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 7Add Basil and Serve — Just before serving, toss the tomatoes with fresh basil. Slice the garlic bread into portions and serve alongside the tomato salad and your favorite pasta.
