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What to Serve with Cacio e Pepe? 13 Best Side Dishes

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 tantalizing our taste buds with every bite.

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:

DishMain IngredientsFlavorDifficultyTime
Garlic Bread with HerbsBread, garlic, mixed herbsGarlicky, savoryEasy15 mins
Arugula Salad with Lemon VinaigretteArugula, lemon, olive oilFresh, tangyEasy10 mins
Roasted Cherry TomatoesCherry tomatoes, olive oilSweet, tangyEasy20 mins
Prosciutto-Wrapped AsparagusAsparagus, prosciuttoSavory, saltyMedium20 mins
Grilled Zucchini with ParmesanZucchini, Parmesan, olive oilSmoky, cheesyEasy15 mins
Lemon Roasted ArtichokesArtichokes, lemon, olive oilTangy, earthyMedium30 mins
Spicy Shrimp SkewersShrimp, chili flakes, garlicSpicy, savoryMedium25 mins
Caprese Salad with Balsamic GlazeMozzarella, tomatoes, basilFresh, tangyEasy15 mins
Creamy Mushroom RisottoArborio rice, mushrooms, brothCreamy, earthyHard30 mins
Roasted Bell Pepper SaladBell peppers, garlic, herbsSmoky, savoryEasy20 mins
Fried Calamari with MarinaraCalamari, breading, marinara sauceCrispy, savoryMedium30 mins
Antipasto PlatterCured meats, cheese, olivesSavory, variedEasy15 mins
Braised Broccoli RabeBroccoli rabe, garlic, chili flakesBitter, savoryMedium25 mins

These dishes provide a variety of flavors and textures that complement the rich and cheesy nature of Cacio e Pepe, enhancing 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.

This isn’t just any bread, it’s a solid sidekick for anything pasta. Some say toast it to golden heaven; we totally agree. 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

Okay, we know salads can be boring, but not this one! Arugula brings a peppery zing that keeps your taste buds on their toes. Lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh twist, brightening things up with every bite.

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

No one expected cherry tomatoes to be this cool. We throw them in the oven. Roasting brings out their sweetness. 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. Crispy prosciutto hugs the asparagus, making us all feel a little cozy.

The salty capes balance with vibrant 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. Easy wins every time. Who knew asparagus could be so cool?

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. 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. It’s simple yet flavorful. 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. 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. 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. 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 a burst of flavor.

9 – Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Grabbing risotto? Cheesy, creamy, kinda dreamy. We stir arborio rice into this luscious side. 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? 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. Vibrant 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. 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. 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. Simmer until tender but not mushy.

That way, its vibrant 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.

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