When it comes to cooking up a delicious meal, pasta is always a great option. Whether you’re making a main dish or looking for a tasty side, there are countless ways to prepare this beloved ingredient. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering pasta side dish recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
From classic combinations like garlic parmesan and creamy spinach, to more adventurous options like sun-dried tomato and herb-infused mushroom, these recipes will add a burst of flavor to your next meal. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and discover new ways to enjoy this versatile pasta!
Garlic Parmesan Orzo
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of orzo with the richness of parmesan and the pungency of garlic, creating a delicious side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Drain the cooked orzo and stir in the garlic mixture, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Spinach Pasta Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads, this creamy spinach pasta salad combines the flavors of cooked pasta, wilted spinach, and a tangy dressing for a delicious and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bow-tie or penne work well)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of water over medium-high heat. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 30 seconds.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, wilted spinach, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Lemon Herb Pasta with Asparagus
This refreshing pasta dish combines the sweetness of asparagus, the brightness of lemon, and the earthiness of herbs for a perfect springtime meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add chopped herbs, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with the asparagus mixture. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Basil Pasta Skillet
A classic Italian-inspired skillet dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Fresh tomatoes and basil add a burst of flavor to this easy one-pot pasta recipe.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tsp. salt
– 1/2 tsp. black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
4. Add cooked pasta, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss to combine.
5. Stir in chopped basil leaves.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Medley
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Medley: A flavorful and colorful pasta dish packed with roasted vegetables, herbs, and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large yellow squash, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Toss cooked pasta with roasted vegetables, oregano, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A classic Italian-inspired dish gets a burst of flavor with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, combine pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
3. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the pesto mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Breadcrumbs
This classic comfort food recipe combines the richness of macaroni and cheese with the crunch of breadcrumbs, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a separate pot, combine milk, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir over medium heat until smooth and creamy.
4. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
6. Dot the top with butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A colorful and flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this pasta dish combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and sweet basil with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bowtie or penne)
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, and chopped basil.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top the salad with balsamic glaze and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Noodles with Parsley
Elevate your meals with this easy-to-make garlic butter noodles recipe, infused with the freshness of parsley. This classic comfort food is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp. (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add the cooked noodles to the saucepan and toss with the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
4. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Cajun Pasta with Sausage
Get ready for a bold and flavorful twist on classic pasta with this spicy Cajun-inspired dish featuring juicy sausage and a kick of heat. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little spice in their meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Add chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Combine cooked pasta with sausage and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Top with grated cheddar cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A bright and citrusy twist on classic pasta dishes, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. With succulent shrimp, tangy lemon, and aromatic garlic, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Add lemon juice, white wine (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Combine cooked pasta and shrimp in the skillet. Toss to coat with the lemon-garlic sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
This comforting pasta bake is a perfect combination of tender broccoli, gooey cheddar cheese, and al dente pasta. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add broccoli and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli mixture, and cheddar cheese. Stir in milk and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheddar cheese (if desired).
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the earthiness of spinach. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
5. Combine cooked pasta with tomato-spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed Mushroom Pasta with Thyme
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the brightness of fresh thyme and herbs, all wrapped up in a deliciously simple pasta dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in thyme leaves, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until herbs are fragrant.
5. Toss cooked pasta with mushroom mixture, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
This recipe is a perfect summer treat that combines the flavors of Italy with the simplicity of zucchini noodles. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler, create zucchini noodles from the medium zucchinis.
3. Cook the zucchini noodles for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
4. In a separate pan, heat the pesto over low heat.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan with the pesto and cook for an additional minute.
6. Combine the cooked zucchini noodles and pesto-tomato mixture in a serving dish.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with fresh tomatoes and basil adding a bright and herby note to the rich cream sauce. With only one pot to clean, this dish is a weeknight winner!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pasta of your choice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Add cooked pasta to the pot, tossing to combine with the creamy sauce.
7. Stir in chopped basil and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this aromatic and flavorful dish, featuring the bold flavors of roasted garlic and rosemary. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 4-6 cloves of garlic
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the top off each garlic clove, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
3. Roast the garlic for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
5. In a large skillet, combine chopped rosemary, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives
This refreshing pasta salad combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the creaminess of feta cheese and the savory taste of olives. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it’s also an excellent side dish for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie, penne)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your pasta game with these 18 delicious side dish recipes! From classic comfort foods like cheesy baked macaroni and creamy spinach pasta salad, to lighter options like lemon herb pasta with asparagus and roasted vegetable medley, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish for a special event, these recipes are sure to please. So go ahead, get creative, and make your next pasta night one to remember!