What to Serve with Manicotti? 13 Best Side Dishes

Manicotti is like that best friend who always knows how to make a party fun! We all remember those cheesy, stuffed pasta tubes (a large tubular pasta often stuffed with ricotta or ricotta-spinach filling and baked in tomato sauce) from family dinners, right?

There's something comforting about digging into a dish with gooey cheese and a rich sauce.

But what do we serve with manicotti? We could go classic with garlic bread, or mix it up with a fresh salad.

We've got a list of side dishes that'll make your meal pop. So, whether you're into crunchy veggies or heartwarming sides, there's something for everyone.

Let's dig in and take your dining experience up a notch!

Save for Later!

Top 13 Side Dishes for Manicotti

Here are some delicious and easy side dishes for manicotti that will make your next pasta night even better:

Side Dish	Main Ingredients	flavor	Difficulty	Time
Lemon Herb Orzo	Orzo, lemon, herbs	Light, citrusy	Easy	20 min
Caprese Skewers	Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil	Fresh, tangy	Easy	10 min
Roasted Artichokes	Artichokes, olive oil, garlic	Savory, herby	Medium	45 min
Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks	Bread dough, garlic, Parmesan	Savory, cheesy	Easy	25 min
Eggplant Caponata	Eggplant, tomatoes, capers	Tangy, savory	Medium	35 min
Broccoli Rabe with Garlic	Broccoli rabe, garlic, olive oil	Bitter, garlicky	Easy	15 min
Panzanella Salad	Stale bread, tomatoes, cucumbers	Fresh, tangy	Easy	15 min
Stuffed Mushrooms	Mushrooms, breadcrumbs, cheese	Savory, cheesy	Medium	30 min
Grilled Zucchini	Zucchini, olive oil, herbs	Light, herby	Easy	15 min
Italian Chopped Salad	Romaine, salami, olives, cheese	Tangy, savory	Easy	20 min
Tomato Basil Soup	Tomatoes, basil, garlic	Rich, herby	Medium	30 min
Spinach Ricotta Pie	Spinach, ricotta, pie crust	Savory, cheesy	Medium	1 hr
Antipasto Platter	Cured meats, cheese, olives	Savory, tangy	Easy	15 min

1 - Lemon Herb Orzo

Lemon herb orzo is like a zesty twist on regular pasta. It's light, fresh, and adds a bright flavor to our meals (with bright citrusy lemon and fresh parsley).

This dish combines buttery orzo with tangy lemon and fragrant herbs. If we're feeling fancy, we toss in some roasted veggies for a pop of color.

We can enjoy it warm or chilled, making it our go-to for any occasion and a nice counterpoint to lemon pound cake side ideas.

2 - Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers are the cool kids of the salad world. We've got fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil all hanging out together.

This combo sings with bright flavors and refreshing bites (notably sweet tomatoes and peppery basil). They're perfect for picnics or a light dinner.

We've devoured these at summer barbecues, and they're always a hit.

Plus, they look great on a platter. Drizzle some balsamic glaze, and you've got a simple yet fancy dish.

Enjoy them as a snack or a starter; they fit right in anywhere, and pair well with caprese chicken side suggestions.

3 - Roasted Artichokes

Roasted artichokes are like nature's snack food, just waiting to be devoured. We love their nutty, slightly sweet flavor that makes us feel like we're at a fancy restaurant (the globe artichoke is a Mediterranean thistle).

When we roast them, the leaves turn crispy, and that buttery softness inside? Perfection.

Dipping them in garlic aioli or lemon juice improves the experience, and they also pair nicely with roasted vegetable side options.

4 - Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

They're soft, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness, making a great companion for garlic butter shrimp side pairings.

The blend of garlic and parmesan creates a rich and savory flavor (with nutty umami from aged parmesan). They're like a warm hug for your palate.

We often find ourselves snagging an extra breadstick or two when shared with friends. Dipping them in marinara just takes it to the next level.

5 - Eggplant Caponata

Eggplant caponata is like a party in a bowl. We love its sweet-and-sour vibe, thanks to ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and capers (this Sicilian caponata is a sweet-and-sour eggplant relish).

It goes well with everything from crusty bread to grilled meats and can complement eggplant parmesan side dishes.

We often find ourselves going back for seconds-or thirds-at potlucks. The texture is pleasant, too, with that nice mix of soft eggplant and crunchy bits.

6 - Broccoli Rabe with Garlic

Broccoli rabe with garlic shines as a side we often crave.

It offers a slightly bitter taste that balances beautifully with buttery garlic (broccoli rabe, Brassica rapa, has a pleasantly bitter bite). We enjoy its bright green appearance and hearty texture.

This dish brings warmth to any meal, especially pasta nights, and pairs well with broccoli casserole side ideas.

Drenched in olive oil, it transforms plain food into something special.

7 - Panzanella Salad

Panzanella salad is a summer superstar that we can't get enough of. It combines juicy tomatoes, crunchy bread, and fragrant basil for a fresh, bright dish (a Tuscan bread salad).

The bread soaks up all the delicious juices, making each bite heavenly.

It's like a caprese salad meets croutons! We love how the bread gives it texture while the tomatoes add a sweet burst.

This salad is a staple at our potlucks, disappearing faster than we can blink.

8 - Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are our go-to party snack. They're juicy, tasty, and pop with flavor.

We get a mix of earthy mushrooms, cheesy goodness, and whatever else we toss in-herbs, breadcrumbs, maybe some sausage for a kick (often using cremini or button mushrooms).

These little bites beat chips any day. The savory blend makes every bite irresistible.

Remember those game nights?

We'd demolish a plate in minutes, while others were still figuring out their snacks.

9 - Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a summer grill favorite. It has a mild flavor that absorbs marinades like a champ (zucchini, Cucurbita pepo, is a summer squash).

The smoky char from the grill improves its taste, making it savory and satisfying.

We've tossed it on the grill with olive oil, garlic, and spices. Each bite has a light, buttery feel.

This dish will brighten up any meal, especially alongside rich pasta dishes. It's easy to make and super flexible for various meals.

10 - Italian Chopped Salad

Italian chopped salad is a refreshing mix that never disappoints. We love how bright and crunchy it is, loaded with fresh veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, every bite bursts with flavor (often with a 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio). Compared to usual side salads, this one really stands out.

We often find ourselves reaching for seconds because it's so addictive! It's like a mini garden on a plate, perfect with any main dish.

11 - Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort dish that warms the soul. It's a silky blend of sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil (often made with roasted plum tomatoes and Ocimum basilicum).

We love the way it's creamy yet light, perfect for dipping those garlic breadsticks.

This soup brings a fresh vibe unlike any other. When we savor a bowl, the satisfying taste reminds us of lazy Sunday dinners.

That rich, velvety texture and herbaceous lift is hard to beat, offering a homestyle feel every time.

12 - Spinach Ricotta Pie

Spinach ricotta pie is our go-to for a cozy meal. It's rich, creamy, and has that satisfying cheesy goodness (made with ricotta, a fresh Italian whey cheese).

We love how the fresh spinach gives a pop of green, making it feel a bit healthier.

The flaky crust adds a lovely crunch, balancing the soft filling. Each bite is like a comforting hug.

We often serve it at potlucks, and it vanishes fast-everyone loves it!

13 - Antipasto Platter

Antipasto platters are like a charcuterie board on steroids (an Italian appetizer featuring cured meats and marinated vegetables). We adore the combo of salty meats, tangy cheeses, marinated veggies, and crusty bread.

Each element adds flavor and texture.

Some days, we pile on the pepperoni; other days, it's all about marinated artichokes.

The balance of salty, sweet, and savory keeps us going back for more. It's the perfect starter, or even a meal if we're feeling snacky.

We remember one gathering where the platter was wiped clean in minutes-everyone loves a good nibble!