Hey there pasta lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp pasta for years, and lemme tell you – finding the perfect side dish can really take your meal from good to absolutely incredible. Today, I’m gonna share my favorite sides that’ll complement your shrimp pasta perfectly, whether you’re making a creamy alfredo or a garlicky scampi.
Quick Navigation:
- Seasonal Salad Picks
- Grilled & Stovetop Veggie Options
- Oven-Roasted Vegetables
- Menu Planning Tips
- Seasonal Dinner Combos
Fresh & Crispy Salad Options
Listen up – salads are your best friend when serving shrimp pasta! They’re:
- Super easy to prep ahead
- Add fresh crunch and balance
- Help cut through rich pasta dishes
Here are my top salad picks
- Summer Salad Stars:
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Watermelon Basil Salad
- Best of Summer Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Winter Salad Champions:
- Bacon Kale Caesar (my personal fave!)
- Roasted Pear Spinach Salad
- Apple Spinach Salad
Veggie Sides That’ll Make Your Pasta Shine
On the Stovetop:
I’m telling ya these stovetop options are game-changers
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms (seriously, these are AMAZING with shrimp)
- Sautéed Green Beans
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Garlic Sautéed Spinach
- Lemon Herb Zucchini
From the Oven:
When I’m busy with the pasta I love throwing these in the oven
- Oven Roasted Broccoli
- Perfect Roasted Asparagus
- Garlic Roasted Green Beans
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Seasonal Dinner Combos That’ll Impress
Spring Vibes:
- Shrimp Pasta
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Roasted Asparagus
Summer Fresh:
- Shrimp Pasta
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Sautéed Green Beans
Fall Comfort:
- Shrimp Pasta
- Apple Spinach Salad
- Roasted Broccoli
Winter Warmth:
- Shrimp Pasta
- Roasted Pear Salad
- Brussels Sprouts
Pro Tips From My Kitchen:
-
Make Ahead Magic:
Most salads can be prepped earlier in the day – just add dressing right before serving! -
Veggie Timing:
Start your roasted veggies before the pasta – they can hang out in a warm oven while you finish cooking. -
Extra Special Touch:
Wanna make it fancy? Add some garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side. -
For Alfredo Lovers:
If you’re making shrimp alfredo (which is super rich), go with lighter sides like:
- Easy Green Salad
- Roasted Asparagus
- Sautéed Green Beans
The Bottom Line
Y’all, serving the right sides with your shrimp pasta ain’t rocket science! Just remember:
- Balance rich pasta with fresh veggies
- Choose seasonal ingredients when possible
- Prep what you can ahead of time
- Don’t forget the garlic bread!
I hope these ideas help make your next shrimp pasta dinner absolutely fantastic! What’s your fave side dish to serve with pasta? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
P.S. – Don’t forget to pin this for later! You never know when you’ll need some quick side dish inspo for your next pasta night!
#pasta #shrimprecipes #sidedishes #dinnerinspo #easyrecipes
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FAQ
What is a good side dish with pasta?
- 01 of 15. Cheesy Garlic Bread. …
- 02 of 15. Sautéed Zucchini. …
- 03 of 15. Grilled Caesar Salad. …
- 04 of 15. Roasted Whole Artichokes. …
- 05 of 15. Baked Eggplant. …
- 06 of 15. Caprese Salad With Avocado. …
- 07 of 15. Vegan Bruschetta. …
- 08 of 15.
What pairs well with shrimp fettuccine alfredo?
- Focaccia.
- Garlic Bread.
- Caramelized Mushrooms.
- Steamed Asparagus.
- Bruschetta.
- Caesar Salad.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
- Sautéed Spinach with Garlic.
What pasta pairs well with seafood?
The best pasta to use for seafood is a shape that won’t overwhelm the delicate seafood or be so small that it distracts from the seafood’s juicy texture. Opt for linguine, spaghettini, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta for quicker cooking time.
What side can you eat with shrimp?
- Coleslaw. Creamy and cool, coleslaw is a perfect for any time of year. …
- Grits. This Southern staple is quick and easy to prepare. …
- French Fries. …
- Fresh Vegetables. …
- Rice Pilaf. …
- Build Your Menu Around Gulf Shrimp.