All of the Very Best Side Dishes to Serve With A Tasty Spaghetti Meal! (2024)

Wondering what to serve with spaghetti - one of the most versatile and well-loved dishes of families everywhere?! I've gathered a few of my favorite recipes to serve alongside spaghetti if you're looking for ways to take your weekday dinner up a notch!

A list of tasty sides that will perfectly compliment your spaghetti dinner!

Like risotto and gnocchi, a great spaghetti is one of those beloved classic Italian dishes that should always be in a cook’s back pocket. Spaghetti with red sauce is a quick, simple, and delicious meal that’s wonderful on its own but it’s also a great opportunity to let your creativity shine with some amazing side dishes!

Whether it’s classic garlic bread, savory meatballs, or a bright refreshing seasonal salad, choosing any of these dishes will elevate your dinner to an Italian-inspired feast to be remembered.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With Spaghetti

When deciding which side dish you want, it’s important to think about contrasting flavors and textures. Spaghetti does not have much of texture, so crunchy vegetables and salads are always a great choice.

Something else to consider is acidity. Spaghetti can be a heavy dish so choosing a side with bright acidity helps to lighten things up!

Whichever you opt for, here are some of the best dishes to serve with your spaghetti dinner!

1. Garlic Bread

The OG. The classic. There’s something about slathering crispy sourdough bread with a pungent butter full of garlic, cheese, and herbs that makes everything right in the world.

Skip the frozen store bought stuff and make your own! Garlic bread is a classic choice for a reason. It just works, every time.

2. Panzanella Salad

Toasted, day-old bread soaked in vinaigrette with fresh tomatoes and herbs is something to look forward to every summer when tomatoes are at their best. Full of flavor and texture, it’s a perfect compliment to spaghetti marinara.

3. Cucumber Salad

A quick salad of sliced cucumber, feta cheese, and red onion is always in season and makes for a great appetizer or side dish to go along with a big bowl of spaghetti.

4. Caramelized Brussel Sprouts

Wonderful all year round, but especially in the colder months, caramelized Brussels sprouts make for a savory yet light side. Elevate your standard Brussels sprouts by adding a few drops of fish sauce for an umami bomb of a side dish with your spaghetti meal!

5. Garden Salad

The perfect comfort food addition to your spaghetti marinara dinner, the garden salad may be simple but it’s also endlessly customizable so use whatever veggies are in season. Oven-roasted beets, goat cheese, and pine nuts make a great addition!

6. Baked Zucchini

Summer squash and zucchini are best at the height of summer and don’t need much to make them delicious. Baked zucchini with a little salt, pepper, and parmesan is full of flavor and always good with a tomato sauce.

Marinate the zucchini with olive oil, sherry vinegar, and fresh oregano for a stunner of a dish!

7. Caprese

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is hard to beat. Go for cherry tomatoes and the “bocconcini” size fresh mozzarella for easier sharing. Drizzle some aged balsamic and really good olive oil along with some torn basil and you’ve got a perfect dish!

8. Meatballs

Like The Beatles, spaghetti & meatballs will never go out of style. Meatballs are a great side for many dishes, but they truly shine alongside spaghetti.

Use a mix of ground beef & pork and lots of fresh herbs like parsley and oregano for meatballs that will blow your mind!

9. Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli is one of those vegetables that take roasting and charring really well. The high heat and caramelization adds amazing flavor to a simple vegetable. Add some garlic and grated Parmesan to take it over the top!

10. Ratatouille

If it grows together, it goes together. Squash, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes and bell peppers combine into a perfect roasted melody of flavors that pair beautifully with spaghetti!

11. Grilled Romain Caesar

Upgrade your standard Caesar salad by simply grilling the romaine! The smokiness is a welcome addition to the creamy dressing and sharp cheese, all of which pair nicely with a bowl of pasta and red sauce!

12. Sauteed Mushrooms

For an earthy and meaty tasting veggie side dish to spaghetti, sauteed mushrooms are a great choice! Take it up a notch by adding chopped shallots and fine herbs for a great addition to pasta.

13. Roasted Green Beans

This dish has tons of crunchy texture which pairs perfectly with a bowl of pasta. Take your standard roasted green beans to another level by adding sliced fresh radishes and pine nuts!

14. Bruschetta

Super quick and easy, tomatoes and basil dressed in olive oil and a little balsamic on top of crispy bread makes a great dinner side dish. Pro tip: use the garlic bread for your bruschetta to blow some minds.

15. Sauteed Broccolini

A classic gourmet side. A quick saute enhances the flavor of the the broccolini and makes it perfectly fork tender. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and roasted garlic makes an even more delicious dish!

We hope that you enjoy an amazingly tasty spaghetti dinner with these ideas for the best sides to serve with your meal! Be sure to share your personal favorite sides in the comments below and check back in to let us know what you liked best! Enjoy!

📋 Recipe