Who knew penne alla vodka needed a sidekick? Well, we’re here to shake things up, and talk sides that play well with this saucy star.
Picture this: penne coated in creamy vodka sauce, just begging for a tasty companion.
We’ve tried all the combos, so you don’t have to. Think crispy munchies, something green and roasted, or even cheesy delights. Maybe you’ve got your own tried-and-true side, but are you ready for an upgrade?
Roll up your sleeves and let’s find that perfect side dish to make your next dinner a hit. With a little insight from us, penne alla vodka is about to hit a whole new level of yum.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Penne Alla Vodka
Here are our top picks for sides that pair perfectly with penne alla vodka:
1 – Garlic Breadsticks
Time for some epic carb action with garlic breadsticks! They’re crusty, chewy, and truly a carb-lover’s dream. Garlic butter makes them shine with each bite. A hint of herbs adds a fancy twist.
We like to toss them in the oven until toasty. Perfect for soaking up all that saucy goodness. Serve them piping hot. Trust us, they’re worth the carb coma. Enjoy these little sticks of happiness alongside your meal. Simple, yet unforgettable.
2 – Caprese Salad
Caprese salad? It’s all about freshness. We’re pairing tomatoes with mozzarella and basil.
A splash of balsamic gives it zing. We can’t get more classic.
Think red, white, green for Italy in a bowl. Basil smells amazing too.
Pro tip: use ripe tomatoes. They sweeten everything.
Mingle these in minutes. It’s a quick assemble.
Every bite juicy and creamy. Tomatoes pop with olive oil.
This dish never fails to make us happy.
3 – Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
Zucchini has a quirky crunch when you crust it with parmesan. We roast them till they get that golden finish with a hint of cheesy flair. They’re addictive little bites. The trick? Slice them evenly and sprinkle loads of cheese.
We’ve got a soft spot for how they turn crunchy yet soft inside. Roasted zucchini has a way of flipping flavors. Try your hand at pepper and herbs for some zing. Kids will chow down like no one’s business.
4 – Balsamic Glazed Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies rock! We glaze them with balsamic for a tangy kick. Crunchy, sweet bites—an instant favorite. Caramelization transforms the veggies. We love them as a quick side.
Balsamic works magic on flavors. Use whatever veggies you like. Cut pieces the same size for even cooking. Easy, fun dish! Keeps meals exciting.
Try with carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli. Balance and variety in each bite. Charring adds depth. Simple, yet packed with taste.
5 – Lemon Arugula Salad
We rate arugula for its peppery zing. Pair it with lemon for a refreshing salad. Takes five minutes, tops. Toss and you’re done.
Salty parmesan amps it up. We go a bit heavy with it. Try pine nuts for a crunch.
Olive oil brings smoothness. Use a drizzle. Focus on fresh ingredients. They make a difference.
Arugula’s bite keeps it exciting. It’s our go-to side for comforting pasta. Simple yet satisfying.
6 – Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers, how cool are they? We grill them to get a smoky taste. Juicy inside, crispy outside. Simple to prepare, skewer them and grill away. Season with herbs and lemon. Adds a delightful zest.
Shrimp are protein-packed. Quick 10-minute cook. Want variety? Toss different spices. Served hot. Easy to devour. An upgrade from plain shrimp. Best side for pasta or salad. Great for BBQs. Not fussy. Just pure deliciousness with minimal effort.
7 – Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Spinach, meet garlic—best buddies in the greens category. We sauté these to get the most flavor.
Toss them in a pan. Garlic adds a spicy hint. Spinach softens but keeps its fire. A bit of olive oil makes them shine.
Finish with a pinch of salt. We like adding red pepper flakes for warmth. Spinach shrinks fast, watch it vanish. Good use for quick iron intake. Nutritious and fast on flavor. This dish shines on its own or as a side.
8 – Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Roasted cherry tomatoes? They pop with flavor. They balance sweet and tangy just right.
Throw them in the oven. Magic happens at high temperatures. Tomatoes burst and caramelize.
A sprinkle of olive oil works wonders. Don’t hold back on the salt and pepper.
Herbs elevate them further. Basil and thyme work well. We eat them fresh out of the oven.
Always a winner on the plate. They complement any main dish. Quick and straightforward, just how we like it.
9 – Italian Herb Focaccia
Focaccia, meet herbs—a duo that’s all about that flavor rush. We’re crazy about the mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano dancing on that dough. Oven-baked to get that crisp edge while keeping the middle soft.
Flour, water, and oil work wonders together. Sea salt sprinkled on top is the real MVP. Dipping it in olive oil? Next level. This bread knows how to soak up flavors. Forget plain bread; herb focaccia is where it’s at.
10 – Burrata with Basil and Olive Oil
Honestly, burrata is the superstar of side dishes. Creamy center and smooth texture, what’s not to enjoy? Basil offers freshness and olive oil brings richness. We can’t resist slicing it open and watching it ooze.
Burrata knows how to bring everyone to the table. Serve it room temperature to get the best flavor experience. Basil awakens the senses. Olive oil ties everything together with flair. Simple ingredients, big impact. Just grab a loaf to scoop up every bite.
11 – Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Grilled asparagus struts onto the scene, fresh and sizzling. We dig it for the zingy lemon zest twist. Crisp spears hold their own. They’re grilling champs, perfect with olive oil.
Keep them on the heat till charred a bit. Lemon zest pops up those tastes. Salt and pepper tick the fresh note. Asparagus sticks stick with us. Fork needed optional. Short grill time for more vibrant green.
Pairs up nicely, spread some flair. Pop the spears in your mouth.
12 – Creamy Polenta
Polenta isn’t just a side dish; it’s a hug on a plate. Made from simple cornmeal, this dish morphs into a creamy delight. It pairs beautifully with rich sauces or roasted veggies.
Cooking it low and slow gives it a silky texture. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. We prefer adding butter and cheese to amp up flavor. Cheese adds that necessary ooze and richness. Polenta is budget-friendly and versatile.
Try serving it as a base for proteins. It’s our go-to comfort option.
13 – Prosciutto Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto wrapped melon: simple elegance in one bite. Salty-sweet combo is seriously addictive. Melon stays cool, prosciutto brings the flavor. Cut melon thick, wrap prosciutto tight. Juicy and savory make a classic partnership.
We’re keen on a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a tangy touch. We share these at parties, always a hit. Melon’s freshness shines with thin-sliced prosciutto. It’s a no-cook wonder for warm days. Easy prep, maximum taste. Keep it fresh, keep it simple.
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.