What To Serve With Chicken Pesto Pasta? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Alright, let's imagine you just cooked up a delicious batch of chicken pesto pasta. The savory aroma wafts from the kitchen, filling your home with anticipation for the meal to come.

But then, you find yourself wondering what would complete this already delicious dish.

Well, I'm here to give you some great suggestions for the best side dishes to accompany that tantalizing pasta.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with chicken pesto pasta are garlic bread, Greek salad, stuffed mushrooms, antipasto skewers, roasted red pepper soup, Parmesan roasted broccoli, panzanella, Caprese salad, eggplant Parmesan, cauliflower steaks, roasted zucchini, avocado salad, and Brussels sprouts.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Caprese Salad

The freshness of a Caprese salad complements the richness of the pesto chicken pasta perfectly. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction is a delight to the palate. It's a light, refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the pasta.

2. Eggplant Parmesan

This Italian classic is a hearty side dish that's surprisingly easy to make. Thin slices of eggplant, coated in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden, provide a different texture that complements the softness of pasta. The marinara sauce gives a tangy flavor, which cuts through the richness of the pesto.

3. Cauliflower Steaks

Served as thick slices that are beautifully charred on the outside and tender on the inside, cauliflower steaks are a healthy and tasty side dish. Roasted with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, they have a robust flavor that goes great with chicken pesto pasta.

4. Roasted Zucchini

This is a super easy and healthy side dish that's full of flavor. Roasting zucchini brings out its natural sweetness, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory touch. It's light and flavorful, providing a nice contrast to the heavier pasta dish.

5. Crispy Green Beans

Bright and crispy green beans, sautéed with a bit of garlic and lemon zest, are an ideal match for the rich pasta. The beans bring a crisp texture and fresh flavor to the meal, making it a well-rounded dining experience.

6. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

For those who want to add a bit of indulgence to their meal, bacon-wrapped asparagus is the way to go. The salty, smoky bacon paired with the fresh, slightly sweet asparagus is simply irresistible. And let's be honest, everything tastes better with bacon.

7. Avocado Salad

The creaminess of avocado provides a refreshing counterpart to the rich pesto sauce. Tossed with ripe tomatoes, red onions, and a zesty lime dressing, it brings a pop of freshness and color to your dinner table.

8. Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until crispy and caramelized, Brussels sprouts have a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that goes perfectly with the savory pesto chicken pasta. Just toss them in some olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and let the oven do the work.

9. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is an absolute classic when it comes to pasta sides. Crusty bread smothered in a delicious garlic butter spread and toasted to perfection. It's a great tool to soak up any leftover pesto sauce, ensuring you don't miss a drop.

10. Greek Salad

This refreshing salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed in a light vinaigrette, offers a crisp, tangy contrast to the creamy pasta. The Mediterranean flavors harmonize well with the Italian pesto pasta.

11. Stuffed Mushrooms

Earthy, savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant side dish. Whether you fill them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan, or go for a cream cheese stuffing, they bring a different texture to the plate that works well with pasta.

12. Antipasto Skewers

These skewers make for a fun, interactive side dish. Layered with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, and salami, they provide a burst of flavors that pair nicely with the pasta. The best part? They're customizable to everyone's preferences.

13. Roasted Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of roasted red pepper soup is warm, comforting, and filled with flavor, making it a lovely accompaniment to your chicken pesto pasta. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture contrast well with the robust flavors of the pasta.

14. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

The key to making broccoli taste amazing is roasting it with a little olive oil and Parmesan. The edges become crispy and the flavor concentrates, turning it into a side dish that's simple, yet incredibly delicious.

15. Panzanella

This Italian bread salad is perfect if you have some stale bread lying around. Tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette, panzanella provides a textural contrast and balances out the meal perfectly.

16. Sautéed Spinach and Garlic

Sautéed spinach with garlic is a light, nutritious side dish that's quick and easy to make. The earthiness of the spinach and the bite from the garlic provide a nice counterbalance to the creamy, rich pasta.

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