What to Serve with Spaghetti Dinner – 20 Best Side Dishes!

What to Serve with Spaghetti Dinner – 20 Best Side Dishes!

There’s nothing quite like a comforting spaghetti dinner to bring everyone to the dinner table. Whether you’re serving up a hearty pasta meal with a rich marinara sauce or a creamy tomato sauce, the best part is often what you serve on the side! From warm bread and crisp salads to veggie-packed side dish options, there are so many great ways to round out your pasta dish and satisfy the entire family.

If you’re stuck wondering what to serve next time spaghetti night rolls around, we’ve got you covered with 20 of the best side dishes that pair perfectly with any Italian main dish. Let’s dig in!

First, take a look at some of the sides we’ve posted right here on the Six Clever Sisters website! ⬇️

1. Classic Garlic Bread

You simply can’t go wrong with classic garlic bread. Made with Italian bread, garlic butter, and a dried parsley, this side is a crowd-pleaser. Bake until golden brown with soft interiors and crispy edges—just the way we like it! I add fresh basil for an even better taste!

2. Caprese Salad

Fresh, light, and vibrant, a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze makes a great choice for any pasta dinner. Serve it chilled for a refreshing contrast to your warm spaghetti.

:: PIN FOR LATER! ::

3. Brussels Sprouts with Olive Oil

Roasted brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper are a healthy side dish that even picky eaters may grow to love. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of crunchy almonds for extra flair.

4. Simple Garden Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

Sometimes, simple ingredients shine the brightest. A garden salad with fresh vegetables and a zesty red wine vinaigrette is one of those easy side dishes you’ll come back to again and again. The red onion, slivered almonds, and Parmesan cheese take this salad up a notch!

5. Garlic Knots

These soft, buttery, pull-apart knots brushed with garlic butter are the ultimate easy spaghetti side dish. Serve warm for maximum enjoyment.

6. Air Fryer Asparagus

Quick, crispy, and full of flavor, air fryer asparagus is a great option when you want something green on the plate. This veggie side cooks fast and complements the richness of any pasta meal.

7. Classic Caesar Salad

Creamy, crunchy, and cheesy—a classic Caesar salad is the MVP of salad recipes. It’s one of my family’s personal favorites! Use your favorite dressing, toss with romaine and croutons, and you’ve got a winner.

:: PIN FOR LATER! ::

8. Spaghetti Squash

Try spaghetti squash as a low carb alternative or a different texture next to your main dish. Toss it in olive oil and garlic like the recipe below, or top with a delicious sauce for added flavor.

9. Italian Flat Green Beans

Cooked with olive oil and garlic, Italian flat green beans are a rustic and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with a saucy spaghetti dish.

10. Cucumber Tomato Salad

This light exterior, fresh vegetable salad is tossed with balsamic vinegar, sunflower seeds, and sometimes feta cheese—a crisp and cooling complement to a warm pasta dinner.

11. Homemade Focaccia Bread

Warm, chewy, and topped with herbs and olive oil, this is one of our favorite focaccia bread recipes. Pair with a spread of hummus or enjoy dipped in marinara sauce.

12. Spinach with Pine Nuts and Garlic

Sautéed fresh spinach with toasted pine nuts, a little garlic, and a splash of lemon zest is a quick and easy recipe that’s packed with nutrients and flavor.

13. Baked Kale Chips

Want something crunchy and healthy? A simple kale recipe with a little oil and salt baked until crisp is a veggie side even picky eaters might try.

14. Sun-Dried Tomato-Feta-Olives Salad

This tangy mix of sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and greens is full of flavor and texture. Toss with a lemon vinaigrette for an elegant touch.

15. Homemade French Bread with Cream Cheese Spread

A fresh loaf of homemade French bread served with a savory cream cheese herb spread adds cozy vibes to any family dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests!

16. Roasted Veggie Medley

Chop up your fresh vegetables—zucchini, peppers, onions—and roast them with olive oil until caramelized. It’s a veggie-packed side dish that’s both colorful and delicious.

17. Zesty Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and parsley tossed in balsamic vinegar make for a refreshing and protein-packed salad. Serve chilled.

18. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Another favorite way to sneak in greens—roast broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan. Bake until crispy and golden for a flavorful side dish that disappears fast.

19. Chicken Cutlets

If you want to add some protein to your easy meal, serve crispy chicken cutlets on the side. Breaded and pan-fried, they balance well with the softness of pasta al dente.

20. Leftover Garlic Bread in an Airtight Container

Okay, it’s not exactly a “side dish,” but trust us—classic garlic bread stored in an airtight container and reheated the next day is pure magic. It might even be the best part of spaghetti night leftovers!

Serving the perfect side dishes with your spaghetti dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re going all out with chicken cutlets and homemade recipe salads or keeping it simple with classic garlic bread and a little bit of roasted veggies, the goal is to make your pasta dish shine—and satisfy the entire family.

So the next time you’re planning spaghetti night, bookmark this list of easy dinners and best sides to keep everyone coming back for more.

Mangia! 🍝