Is it true that everything pairs well with spaghetti? It is a classic pasta noodle shape that sauces like tomato, alfredo or pesto naturally sticks to.
Spaghetti is one of the most beloved and versatile dishes in the world. It is delicious whether it is tossed lightly in olive oil and garlic or topped generously with meatballs and marinara sauce.
However, there is no need to settle for a plain salad and limp garlic bread on the side of your spaghetti.
What to eat with spaghetti? Spaghetti is one of the most versatile dish compared to other pasta shapes. It can be served as a main entrée or side dish with seafood, beef, chicken, or any type of meat.
Salad with kale or Caesar dressing can make a great starter or side. The classic Bruschetta as an appetizer can easily include flavors that complete the pasta.
Adding roasted broccoli with garlic and lemon is winning veggie side dish to pair with any spaghetti dish, especially one including shrimp or Italian sausage.
In addition, pairing wine is important to enjoy the maximum flavor based on the sauce type. For any classic tomato sauce, Chianti, Barbera, and Montepulciano are the recommended wine selections.
Whether the spaghetti is refreshing tomato sauce or creamy cheesy sauce, it can be enjoyed in many different ways. Simply adding more protein or vegetable to the pasta or serving with side salad and garlic bread to sop up the extra sauce.
This is the moment to take the spaghetti side dishes a notch higher. Answered below are frequently asked questions about the best side dishes to pair with spaghetti.
What is a good dish with spaghetti?
Depending on the sauce type, spaghetti can be a complete meal including side salad, roasted vegetables, meat or seafood, and garlic bread.
If you are looking to enjoy classic spaghetti as it is, here are good dishes that pair well with spaghetti:
- chicken parmigiana
- panzanella salad
- zucchini and tomato ragu
- kale salad with persimmons
- crispy chickpeas and shallots
- bruschetta
- eggplant pizza
- caprese salad with grilled zucchini
- meatballs with the cherry tomato sauce
What meats go good with spaghetti?
To make spaghetti juicy and flavorful to tone down the fresh fruity tomato sauce, adding protein makes a huge difference.
Here are meats that go well with spaghetti:
- Beef: ground meat, especially with penne and rigatoni, tenderloin, filet mignon
- Lamb: ground lamb, lamb shoulder, lamb steak
- Pork: pork chops, tenderloin, ground pork, sausage
- Chicken: ground chicken, chicken breast
- Cured meats: bacon, ham, pancetta, prosciutto
- Seafood: clams, mussels, shrimp, octopus, squid, prawns
What vegetables go well with spaghetti?
Some vegetables make the pasta plate brighter and healthier. For an easy veggie option, include a fresh chopped salad or roasted veggies as a side.
Here are chef approved vegetables that pair well with spaghetti:
- asparagus
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- eggplant
- greens: arugula, radicchio, stritoli
- leeks
- spinach
- zucchini
- mushrooms
What wine goes well with spaghetti?
In Italian cuisine, a glass of house wine is of necessity, and pairing spaghetti with wine is the best way of elevating a dish to greater heights. Wines that go with a classic spaghetti dish include Barbera, Chianti, Red Italian wine, Primativo, and Sangiovese.
It is highly recommended to pair spaghetti with a dry, austere and crisp wine for the most delicious taste. However, wine pairing varies based on the sauce type and pasta ingredients.
- Bolognese: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel
- Butter sauce: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
- Cream sauce: Chardonnay, Soave
- Alfredo: Chardonnay
- Meatballs: Barbera, Chianti, Montepuçiano d’Abruzzo, Valpolicella, Zinfandel
- Mushrooms: Dolcetto, Pinot Noir
- Seafood: Chardonnay, Frascati, Orvieto, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdicchio, Vernaccia
- Shellfish or shrimp: Gavi, Chardonnay
- Tomato sauce: Barbera, Chianti, Montepulciano
What dessert goes well with spaghetti?
Even though the spaghetti with sides can be a filling meal, there is always room for sweet dessert at the end. If you are looking to end the dinner with good note, here are classic desserts that you can serve after spaghetti:
- tiramisu
- affogato
- cheesecake
- semifreddo
- lemon bars
- fruit tart
- key lime cake
- granita
- sorbet
- chocolate cake
- Italian ricotta cookies
Serve With Spaghetti: Conclusion
In general, spaghetti noodles have a unique tangy-sweet taste that complement well with any type of sauce. Adding some meat to the spaghetti helps add flavor, making the whole meal very satiating.
Spaghetti is the most leisurely meal to prepare and can never lack a good side dish to serve together, however the accompaniment ultimately depends on personal preferences.
It can goes well with a side of salad, roasted vegetables or even switching to a different type of sauce to upgrade to a notch. Consider a rich creamy sauce instead of the traditional tomato base.
Furthermore, pairing the right glass of wine is highly recommended. In general, red Italian wine, Chianti, Barbera, Primativo, and Sangiovese is wonderful option to try.
For wine connoisseur, the different type of wine is typically paired based on the sauce and ingredients in the dish.
From vegetables to meat and desserts, spaghetti is subtle and delicious meal that enjoys a wide range of flavor profiles. Use these food pairing ideas in your next spaghetti dinner.