Carbonara is a classic and comforting Italian pasta dish, made with a creamy and savory sauce of eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper.

Choosing the perfect side dishes can enhance your pasta carbonara by complementing and highlighting its delicious flavors.

In this post, we'll explore the 15 best dishes that pair wonderfully with carbonara.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with carbonara are garlic bread, bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, butternut squash, roasted cherry tomatoes, focaccia, insalata caprese, bacon wrapped asparagus, caesar salad, sautéed spinach, antipasto platter, and grilled zucchini.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Garlic Bread
2. Bruschetta
3. Stuffed Mushrooms
4. Butternut Squash
5. Insalata Caprese
6. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
7. Caesar Salad
8. Spinach
9. Antipasto Platter
10. Grilled Zucchini
11. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
12. Green Bean Salad
13. Focaccia
14. Arugula
15. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
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What To Serve With Carbonara

1. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with spaghetti carbonara. The warm, buttery bread with a hint of garlic is ideal for sopping up the creamy sauce, ensuring you don't miss a single drop of flavor.

2. Bruschetta

Bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, is a delicious and refreshing side dish for carbonara. The bright and tangy flavors of the bruschetta offer a nice contrast to the rich and savory pasta.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms, filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, make for a delicious and flavorful side dish for carbonara. Their earthy taste and tender texture complement the creamy pasta, while the savory filling adds an extra layer of flavor to the meal.

4. Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash, seasoned with your choice of herbs and spices, is a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with carbonara. The sweet and tender squash provides a pleasant contrast to the rich and savory pasta, while its slightly crispy exterior adds texture.

5. Insalata Caprese

Insalata Caprese, a classic Italian salad made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, is a light and refreshing side dish that complements the rich carbonara. The contrasting flavors and textures create a well-rounded meal.

6. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon wrapped asparagus is a savory and mouthwatering side dish that pairs excellently with carbonara. The smoky and crispy bacon enhances the natural flavors of the asparagus, while the tender-crisp texture of the vegetable complements the creamy pasta. This side dish adds an extra touch of indulgence to your meal.

7. Caesar Salad

A crisp and tangy Caesar salad, made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing, is a great side dish for carbonara. The refreshing salad adds a touch of brightness to the meal, balancing the richness of the pasta.

8. Spinach

Sautéed spinach, cooked with garlic and a touch of olive oil, is a nutritious and flavorful side dish for carbonara. The mild flavor and tender texture of the spinach work well with the bold flavors of the pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

9. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter, featuring a selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables, is a delicious and versatile side dish for carbonara. The variety of flavors and textures on the platter complement the creamy and savory pasta, making for an enjoyable dining experience.

10. Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, is a simple and tasty side dish that pairs well with pasta carbonara. The light, smoky flavor of the zucchini adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta, while its tender texture complements the dish.

11. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted cherry tomatoes, cooked with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, are a bright and flavorful side dish for carbonara. The sweet and tangy tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta, while their juicy texture complements the dish.

12. Green Bean Salad

An Italian green bean salad, made with blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette, is a light and refreshing side dish that works well with carbonara. The crisp and vibrant flavors of the salad help to balance the richness of the pasta.

13. Focaccia

Focaccia, a fluffy and flavorful Italian bread topped with olive oil, herbs, and sea salt, is a great side dish for carbonara. The soft and chewy bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, ensuring you enjoy every bit of the creamy pasta dish.

14. Arugula

Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette An arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, made with fresh arugula, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a tangy lemon dressing, is a light and zesty side dish that complements carbonara. The peppery arugula and bright citrus flavors help to cut through the richness of the pasta.

15. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Prosciutto-wrapped melon is a simple and elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with carbonara. The sweet, juicy melon and salty, savory prosciutto create a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta, offering a unique and delicious combination of flavors.

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