Do we all love a little twirl of spaghetti with cacio e pepe on top? Absolutely.
It's our ultimate comfort food, whispers of cheese and pepper tempting our palate with every bite (a Roman pasta of Pecorino Romano cheese and cracked black pepper).
We've been plenty cozy with this dish, and sometimes it just calls for a side that complements it perfectly. From crisp, fresh salads to rich, buttery bread, the options are fantastic.
Perhaps you remember enjoying cacio e pepe at home or in a small Italian eatery-it never fails to deliver joy. We're here to share our favorite pairings to make this delicious dish even better.
Grab a seat. We have loads to discuss, and by loads, we mean 13 of the very best.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Cacio e Pepe
Here are our top picks for what to serve with cacio e pepe:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Garlic Bread with Herbs | Bread, garlic, mixed herbs | Garlicky, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette | Arugula, lemon, olive oil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Roasted Cherry Tomatoes | Cherry tomatoes, olive oil | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus | Asparagus, prosciutto | Savory, salty | Medium | 20 mins |
| Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan | Zucchini, Parmesan, olive oil | Smoky, cheesy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Lemon Roasted Artichokes | Artichokes, lemon, olive oil | Tangy, earthy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Spicy Shrimp Skewers | Shrimp, chili flakes, garlic | Spicy, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
| Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze | Mozzarella, tomatoes, basil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Creamy Mushroom Risotto | Arborio rice, mushrooms, broth | Creamy, earthy | Hard | 30 mins |
| Roasted Bell Pepper Salad | Bell peppers, garlic, herbs | Smoky, savory | Easy | 20 mins |
| Fried Calamari with Marinara | Calamari, breading, marinara sauce | Crispy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Antipasto Platter | Cured meats, cheese, olives | Savory, varied | Easy | 15 mins |
| Braised Broccoli Rabe | Broccoli rabe, garlic, chili flakes | Bitter, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
These dishes provide a variety of flavors and textures that go with the rich and cheesy nature of Cacio e Pepe, improving the overall dining experience.
1 - Garlic Bread with Herbs
Curious about garlic bread with herbs? We get it.
It's like the classic garlic bread found a snazzy dance partner. We're talking buttery goodness, with sneaky bits of parsley or oregano (parsley, Petroselinum crispum, or oregano, Origanum vulgare).
This isn't just any bread, it's a solid sidekick for anything pasta, akin to focaccia bread pairing ideas.
Keep it simple. Let's make garlic your new favorite sidekick.
Pro tip: watch for crispy herb magic that leaves you wanting more. You've got this.
2 - Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Arugula brings a peppery zing that keeps your palate on their toes, similar to arugula salad side ideas for pasta.
Lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh twist, brightening things up with every bite (try a 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio).
We mix it up with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan. These add texture that's hard to ignore.
We keep it simple; it's quick and light.
This salad? It's our go-to when pasta needs a bit of pep.
3 - Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
We throw them in the oven, similar to roasted vegetable side pairings.
Roasting brings out their sweetness (concentrating sugars and intensifying umami). They pop with flavor.
Simple olive oil, salt, pepper. Nothing too fancy.
They're like tomato candy. Perfect with cacio e pepe.
Mix them with herbs for extra flair. Basil, maybe.
They add color to your plate. A feast for the eyes and the mouth.
Cherry tomatoes do their job well.
So easy, so good.
4 - Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is pure gold in side dish form (prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham). Crispy prosciutto hugs the asparagus, making us all feel a little cozy.
The salty capes balance with bright greens. Simple prep makes it our go-to when we're in a pinch.
A sprinkle of parmesan on top? You bet we're all in.
This combo's quick, plus it's a flavor banger. We pop it in the oven, let it do its thing.
Who knew asparagus could be so cool - and if you need swaps see asparagus substitutes for similar sides?
5 - Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan
Alright, so we're talking about grilled zucchini! It's all green stripes and tasty bites.
This veggie's grilled touch is tender yet firm. A mild earthiness adds depth (with a subtle sweetness and grassy notes).
Each slice grabs that smoky flavor.
Add parmesan and boom, you got a winner.
We slice 'em up, sprinkle salt, pepper, maybe a drizzle of olive oil too - or use butter swaps for grilled dishes.
Parmesan's the cherry on top. Some of us call it a sidekick hero, bringing fun to the plate.
6 - Lemon Roasted Artichokes
Lemon roasted artichokes are unmissable in our lineup. Tangy lemon zest hugs every bite.
Sprinkle some salt and pepper for zing.
We throw them in the oven, easy peasy. They emerge with crispy edges.
A simple bake does wonders.
Artichokes aren't just fancy. They bring a unique texture to meals.
Squeeze more lemon juice for extra flavor.
Steam them first; makes roasting quicker (steam about 10 minutes). Tastes great with parmesan shavings.
We're totally sold on this earthy treat.
7 - Spicy Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers bring a spicy twist. We toss them with paprika, lemon, and cayenne (use smoked paprika and about ¼ teaspoon cayenne per pound).
Quick grill for smoky flavor. They're fast to prep, leaving us extra time for chill vibes.
We relish the juicy bite each offers.
Pair them with a cold drink. Friends will notice the hint of zest.
Grilled skewers pop off the plate. They speak for themselves.
We came, we grilled, we devoured.
Enjoy the easy, fiery kick. Keep recipe simple and bold.
8 - Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese salad? A slice of joy!
We're talking fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and zingy basil (Genovese basil). Balsamic glaze drizzles its magic.
Adds a sweet, tangy pop. Tomatoes and basil?
What a fresh combo. Mozzarella hugs us with creamy bites.
Pro tip: use ripe tomatoes. This balances flavors.
It's a no-cook beauty. Ideal for lazy dinners or impromptu gatherings.
Simple and tasty. Straight from sunny Italy to our plates.
It's our chilled dish with great flavor.
9 - Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Grabbing risotto? Cheesy, creamy, kinda dreamy.
We stir arborio rice into this luscious side (a short-grain, high-starch rice). Mushrooms bring earthy notes, adding depth.
Keep broth warm; add slowly. This prevents clumping.
Stir often; it's a workout for us.
Parmesan adds umami. Fresh herbs, always a win.
Shortcuts? Pre-sliced mushrooms work great.
We taste-test for seasoning. Risotto thickens once off heat.
Serve warm, keep life easy. Boosts cacio e pepe like a pro side.
Risotto's not rocket science, it's simple satisfaction.
10 - Roasted Bell Pepper Salad
Roasted Bell Pepper Salad? Oh, this one's fun.
Ever tried roasting bell peppers (red or yellow)? It's ridiculously easy and adds smokiness.
We mix them up with chunks of feta and olives that bring their A-game. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of vinegar.
Easy-peasy. bright colors steal the show.
We get some crunch action from pine nuts. Make sure to toast them; a little goes a long way.
Simple and straight to the point, it's like a vacation on a plate.
11 - Fried Calamari with Marinara
Fried calamari? It's got crispy rings and tentacles (calamari is squid).
Dip these babies in marinara for the win. We like them golden and crunchy.
Squeeze lemon over it all.
Adds a tangy twist that seals the deal.
Our tip: Fry quickly. Keeps them tender inside.
Easy-peasy with frozen calamari too. Serve with lemon wedges.
Marinara sauce optional but recommended.
This side dish is uncomplicated. Fried calamari's a straightforward star.
Golden, crispy joy with every bite. Enjoy this irresistible seafood treat.
12 - Antipasto Platter
So, we're chillin' with an antipasto platter. Olives, cured meats, and cheeses make it a snack fiesta (think salami, prosciutto, and a variety of cheeses).
Mix in artichokes and roasted bell peppers for a veggie twist. We grab marinated mushrooms for that extra zing.
Easy assembly?
You bet!
It's light yet filling. Crackers or breadsticks on the side?
Totally! We add some nuts for crunch.
This platter's all about balance - salty, tangy, savory. Great for gatherings or a solo snack sesh.
It's all in the mix.
13 - Braised Broccoli Rabe
Whoa, braised broccoli rabe is like the rock star of greens. It's our sneaky sidekick with garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
The bitterness balances flavors (broccoli rabe, Brassica rapa). Simmer until tender but not mushy.
That way, its bright green stays intact. We can't always find it fresh, but frozen works too.
It's all about timing.
Keep oil and seasonings simple. Skip the fuss.
Quick steam saves time. Small dish, big impact.
Loving how it amps up a plate, no big fuss needed.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
