Let’s be real: fettuccine alfredo is like a warm hug on a plate. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, it’s the kind of dish that makes us feel like we’re living our best life, even if we just spilled some on our shirt.
What pairs well with this pasta dream? We’re talking garlic bread, grilled veggies, or even a fresh salad— the choices are endless! Remember the times we gobbled it down with friends, trying to see who could twirl the most pasta without causing a mess?
So, grab a fork, and let’s uncover the perfect side dishes that take fettuccine to the next level. It’s time to make our pasta night a little extra special!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Fettuccine Alfredo
Here are some awesome options to serve with fettuccine alfredo, depending on your mood and preferences:
1 – Lemon Herb Broccoli
This side dish is a breath of fresh air on our plates. We toss broccoli with lemon, garlic, and herbs. It becomes vibrant and zesty, elevating our meal.
The crunch of the broccoli is a perfect contrast to the creamy fettuccine. We’ve paired it countless times and never regretted it.
Ingredients include fresh broccoli, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a mix of herbs. Each bite gives us a burst of flavor.
We remember when we first tried this combo; it completely transformed our pasta night!
2 – Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are like a party on a stick! We pile fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil together for a refreshing bite.
Drizzle them with balsamic glaze for an extra zesty kick. We can’t help but devour these at summer barbecues!
Simple ingredients include mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic reduction.
They balance creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors exquisitely.
We remember nibbling these while soaking up the sun, wishing summer could last forever.
3 – Spinach Strawberry Salad
This salad is a refreshing twist on greens! We toss together baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and crumbled feta for a vibrant combo.
The ingredients are simple: fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette.
The sweetness of the strawberries with the saltiness of the feta creates a delightful contrast.
We remember enjoying this at picnics, where it stole the show every time!
4 – Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower bites are the perfect veggie alternative. They’re crispy, savory, and a wonderful sidekick to our fettuccine. We roast them until golden for a nutty flavor with a sprinkle of garlic powder and a touch of paprika.
These bites are made with cauliflower, olive oil, and spices. They’re great for adding crunch and can easily be dressed up with dips. We remember munching on these at gatherings, watching everyone fight over the last bite!
5 – Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is our go-to for a quick, delicious fix. It’s rich, savory, and complements fettuccine perfectly.
We toss our shrimp in butter, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest. Simple ingredients, right?
The shrimp gets crispy while soaking up all that buttery goodness. We love serving this dish with a sprinkle of parsley for color.
Each bite brings warmth and comfort, reminding us of cozy dinner nights with friends.
6 – Garlic Bread
We love garlic bread. It’s warm, toasty, and just the right amount of buttery.
The key ingredients are baguette or Italian bread, garlic, butter, and parsley.
Each bite offers a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy fettuccine alfredo.
Nothing beats tearing into a loaf with friends, slathering on that garlicky goodness.
It’s like the ultimate sidekick on our dinner plate, always making our meals more enjoyable.
7 – Antipasto Platter
Garlic butter shrimp is like a flavorful hug for fettuccine. We whip this up with shrimp, garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon. It’s rich and savory, perfectly complementing creamy pasta.
Big flavor and simple prep make it a winner. We once served this at a dinner party, and it vanished in minutes! Each bite features crispy shrimp that soak up buttery goodness.
8 – Crispy Green Beans
Crispy green beans bring a refreshing crunch to our table. They’re simple to prep: fresh green beans, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Either roasting or air frying makes them crispy without losing that vibrant green.
We remember the first time we tried them at a friend’s dinner party.
Everyone seemed surprised, and they vanished quickly!
The flavor is mild, with a hint of nuttiness from roasting.
They easily take the place of fries, making them a fun and healthy option.
9 – Citrus Arugula Salad
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Crisp, zesty, and refreshing, this salad brightens up any meal! Arugula adds a peppery twist, while the citrus brings a burst of sweetness.
We mix arugula with orange segments, thinly sliced red onion, and a light vinaigrette, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Ingredients include fresh arugula, oranges, red onion, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice.
The combination offers a perfect balance between spicy and sweet.
We remember serving this at summer barbecues, and it was gone in seconds!
10 – Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Tomato basil bruschetta is our go-to for a quick and tasty appetizer. Fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil come together on crispy toasted bread. The dish is vibrant and refreshing, balancing sweet and savory.
Ingredients are simple: ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and crusty bread. We’ve enjoyed it countless times while hosting summer gatherings, and it always steals the spotlight.
The brightness from the tomatoes with the aroma of basil kicks it up a notch. We remember pairing it with everything – from fettuccine to a glass of wine. It’s a classic we can’t get enough of!
11 – Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is our go-to for a healthy, tasty side. It’s tender with a slight char, bringing a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients include fresh zucchini, olive oil, salt, and pepper. We toss them on the grill until they’re perfectly caramelized.
The zucchini keeps its structure while absorbing all those delightful seasonings. We remember serving these at a summer cookout and watching them disappear faster than the burgers!
12 – Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is cozy and comforting. We use a mix of tiny meatballs, fresh greens, and tender pasta.
The broth is rich and savory, making it feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients are simple: ground beef or pork, garlic, spinach, carrots, and ditalini pasta. The flavors blend perfectly for a hearty experience.
We remember slurping this down on chilly evenings, it always hits the spot!
13 – Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
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Pesto stuffed mushrooms are a flavour-packed bite that’s hard to resist. These mushrooms are juicy and juicy, filled with a delicious blend of creamy cheese and zesty pesto.
Ingredients include large mushrooms, pesto sauce, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella.
We’ve whipped these up for movie nights, and they flew off the platter faster than popcorn. Their rich, savory goodness complements any gathering effortlessly.
With every bite, you’re met with a perfect balance of herbaceous and cheesy goodness that just works.
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.