Fettuccine Alfredo is a well-loved and simple Italian dish we’ve all had at least once. This is simply made up of fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
While these simple ingredients might be perfect for you, there’s a good chance that you will want something as a side.
The question is – what can you have as a side to fettuccine alfredo? Should you be pairing chicken with it? What about beef or pork? What vegetarian options will work well with this dish?
To find out, just keep reading! We’re going to cover everything from meatballs and chicken to green beans and garlic broccoli.
Let’s dive in.
1. Classic Meatballs
First up, meatballs! While you could go with classic chicken or mushrooms, meatballs can offer you something different and unexpected. They will also give you something more substantial to enjoy with your meal.
2. Green Beans
Green beans are a popular side dish for alfredo as they offer different textures and flavors.
Depending on how you prepare your green beans, they could be charred, garlicky, or anything else. Black pepper and butter are popular, as this accentuates the green bean’s delicious natural flavor.
3. Sautéed Zucchini
Sautéed zucchini is another vegetable option that you could have with your alfredo.
This dish offers great flavors and different textures to enjoy and give yourself a break from alfredo. You could also mix your vegetables in with your alfredo if you wish.
4. Grilled Chicken
Chicken is often the go-to side for alfredo. The flavors marry together perfectly, and chicken is simply delicious. It’s a safe option, but it will always be a good one to go for.
5. Herb Buttered Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is another option for an alfredo side dish. Specifically, herb buttered rice pilaf. This simple but aromatic and tasty dish can have a variety of ingredients, but will always be loaded with interesting flavors.
6. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish for many Italian meals, and for good reason! Everyone loves garlic bread, and it’s easy to make your own at home if you like.
The crunchy and garlicky bread will compliment the alfredo wonderfully.
7. Fresh Salad
A fresh salad is the go-to option for many who enjoy Italian dishes. These salads are refreshing and easy to palate, and you don’t have to worry about it getting cold!
Some salads may even come with croutons, which will add a delightful crunch to oppose the creamy alfredo.
8. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a classic side for many Italian dishes. This option combats the rich alfredo and offers all kinds of new and beautiful flavors to enjoy.
Just ensure that the asparagus is young, as older asparagus will be bitter and unpleasant.
9. Garlic Broccoli
Broccoli will offer a beautiful nuttiness, a way of combating a creamy alfredo. When combined with garlic, the broccoli will be the perfect complimentary side dish to boost the alfredo.
10. Roast Potatoes With Garlic
Garlicky roast potatoes offer strong flavors, warmth, and a welcome break from an alfredo. These potatoes can be loaded up with fresh herbs to be more flavorful than ever, and perfectly bite size for you to enjoy.
11. Bacon
Bacon offers an interesting difference in both flavor and texture.
The rich smoky flavor and crunch will be just what you are looking for, and you can give your taste buds a rest from the cheesy richness offered by the alfredo. Bacon can also be used within the alfredo itself, or kept as a side.
12. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
These buttermilk mashed potatoes are easy and so delicious. You won’t escape the creaminess, but the flavor difference will be apparent and a welcome difference. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to make, and will always be popular.
13. Grilled Shrimp
Simple grilled shrimp is easy and popular around the world. If you are a fan of seafood, then what is stopping you from enjoying fresh shrimp as your side dish?
14. Stuffed Mushrooms
If you love mushrooms, then stuffed mushrooms are a popular option as an alfredo side dish. You can stuff your mushrooms with chicken, creamed spinach, or anything else you like to pair with your main.
15. Seafood Duo
A popular seafood duo is lobster and shrimp, and it works wonderfully as a part of an alfredo. Steamed and buttered lobster with grilled shrimp can be the perfect side dish if you’re a lover of seafood, too.
16. Steak
A succulent steak is sometimes all you need as a side dish. This can be eaten on its own, or incorporated into the alfredo itself.
Either way, the rich beef flavor will be a welcome break, and give you something more substation to sink your teeth into.
17. Creamed Spinach
Although you won’t get away from the creaminess when you go from an alfredo to creamed spinach, the flavor difference will be there!
Spinach has a rich flavor that’s practically the opposite of an alfredo, which means it actually compliments it perfectly!
18. Pork Medallions
This can be a side or incorporated into your fettuccine alfredo. The pork has a pleasant but not overwhelming flavor that will complement the alfredo without overpowering it.
It’s a simple and elegant way to allow your mouth to taste and feel something different.
19. Cornbread Stuffing With Bacon And Pecans
This cornbread stuffing with bacon and pecans is the perfect way to give your taste buds a break while having an alfredo.
There are plenty of strong flavors and different textures in a side dish like this, and they will pair well with your alfredo.
20. Salmon
If you love the rich flavor of salmon, there’s nothing stopping you from using it! Salmon works great as a side, or with the dish itself. It offers a delightful flavor to help break up the cheesy richness of the alfredo.
What Are Some Side Dishes That Pair Well with Chicken Noodle Soup?
Looking for delectable sides for chicken noodle soup? Look no further! A warm and cheesy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this comforting soup. Additionally, a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, try some creamy mashed potatoes or flavorful roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! While you might initially struggle to think of side dishes for fettuccine alfredo, the truth is anything goes!
There aren’t necessarily any rules regarding what you can or can’t have with this kind of dish, so why not do some experimenting of your own?
Also feel free to play around the classic flavors and find something new to enjoy. Add new spices and herbs to the meatballs to complement the alfredo, or use sweet potato instead of yellow potatoes! You might discover something amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protein such as beef, pork, chicken, and various seafood works well with fettuccine alfredo. You can also have mushrooms with this dish.
Creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, garlic potatoes, broccoli, green beans, and zucchini all go well with fettuccine alfredo.
You can, but this won’t always be enough to satisfy you! It’s also nice to have something to break up the rich creaminess of the dish with another side dish, such as meatballs, green beans, or garlic bread.
This dish has simple ingredients – the fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan cheese. This makes up the basis of the meal. Popular side dishes can then be added to the dish.
20 Perfect Sides To Serve With Fettuccine Alfredo
Serving fettuccine alfredo, but aren’t sure what sides to pair with it? Read this article to learn 20 perfect sides to serve with your fettuccine alfredo!
Ingredients
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