Let’s face it – when someone mentions chicken parmesan, your mind probably jumps straight to a big pile of spaghetti underneath that crispy, cheesy goodness But what if I told you there are some amazing veggie sides that might even gasp be better than pasta with your chicken parm?
I’ve been cooking chicken parmesan for my family for years, and honestly, sometimes we all need a break from the carb overload. That’s why I’ve experimented with loads of vegetable sides that complement that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken topped with marinara and melty cheese.
These veggie sides will not only add nutrition to your meal but will also enhance those Italian flavors we all love in chicken parm, Let’s dig in!
Why Consider Vegetables Instead of Pasta?
Before I share my favorite veggie sides let’s talk about why you might want to skip the pasta
- Lower carbs – Perfect if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake
- More nutrients – Vegetables pack in vitamins and minerals
- Lighter meal – No food coma after dinner
- Fresh flavors – Creates nice contrast with the rich chicken parm
- Dietary needs – Great for gluten-free or low-carb diets
Plus, sometimes you just want something different! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE pasta with my chicken parm, but variety is the spice of life, right?
Best Vegetables to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
1. Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is probably my absolute fav veggie side for chicken parm. The slightly charred, crispy edges of the broccoli contrast beautifully with the tender chicken.
How to make it amazing:
- Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Roast at 450°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and some grated parmesan for extra flavor
The nuttiness that develops when broccoli roasts pairs wonderfully with the tomato sauce and cheese on your chicken parm. My kids actually ask for seconds of veggies when I make it this way!
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re thinking “eww, Brussels sprouts,” then you probably haven’t had them roasted to caramelized perfection. When Brussels sprouts are roasted correctly, they become sweet and nutty.
Quick recipe:
- Halve Brussels sprouts and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until caramelized
- For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving
The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts works amazingly with the rich, savory flavors of chicken parmesan. Trust me on this one!
3. Blistered Green Beans with Pickled Shallots
This side dish adds such a wonderful tangy contrast to chicken parm. The green beans maintain a nice crunch, while the pickled shallots cut through the richness of the cheese.
The toasted breadcrumbs add a nice textural element that echoes the breading on the chicken. My hubby, who normally picks around green beans, absolutely devours these!
4. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Want something that feels indulgent but is actually pretty healthy? Garlic mashed cauliflower is your answer!
Simple preparation:
- Steam cauliflower until very tender
- Blend with roasted garlic, a touch of butter, salt and pepper
- For extra richness, add a spoonful of cream cheese
It’s creamy, garlicky, and satisfying without weighing you down like mashed potatoes might. Plus, the cauliflower soaks up that marinara sauce beautifully.
5. Cucumber Salad
For hot summer days when you’re serving chicken parm, a cool cucumber salad is perfection. It’s light, refreshing, and takes literally minutes to prepare.
Easy recipe:
- Combine thinly sliced cucumbers with a mixture of vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper
- Add some thinly sliced chives
- Let it chill for 30 minutes before serving
The tangy pickled flavor develops as it sits and creates a wonderful contrast to the rich chicken parm. Plus, it’s so refreshing!
6. Baked Eggplant
Eggplant and chicken parmesan are a match made in heaven – they share similar Italian flavor profiles but provide different textures and experiences.
You can either:
- Roast eggplant slices with olive oil and herbs
- Or go for a non-breaded eggplant parmesan as a side
The silky texture of properly cooked eggplant alongside crispy chicken parm is just chef’s kiss.
7. Roasted Baby Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes
If you want something a bit more substantial but still veggie-forward, roasted baby potatoes with cherry tomatoes is a fantastic option.
The tomatoes burst and create almost a fresh sauce that complements the marinara on the chicken. The potatoes give you that carby satisfaction without going full pasta mode.
8. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Ok, I know I said no pasta, but zoodles aren’t technically pasta! Spiralized zucchini makes a light, fresh base for your chicken parm.
How I prepare them:
- Spiralize zucchini (or buy pre-spiralized to save time)
- Sauté briefly in olive oil and garlic (2-3 minutes max)
- Season with salt and pepper
Don’t overcook them or they’ll become mushy! You want that slight crunch. Place your chicken parm right on top and let the marinara sauce mingle with the zoodles.
9. Vegetable Medley
Can’t decide on one vegetable? Make a medley! I like to roast a combination of:
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Yellow squash
- Red onion
- Cherry tomatoes
The varied colors make for a beautiful presentation, and the different textures and flavors keep every bite interesting.
10. Caesar Salad (Hold the Croutons)
A classic Caesar salad works beautifully with chicken parm. The garlicky, tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the cheese and crispy chicken.
For a truly special Caesar salad, make your own dressing with:
- Anchovy paste (the secret ingredient!)
- Fresh garlic
- Egg yolks
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Freshly grated Parmesan
Toss with romaine lettuce and skip the croutons if you’re avoiding extra carbs.
Tips for Pairing Vegetables with Chicken Parmesan
When choosing your veggie sides, keep these tips in mind:
- Consider contrasting textures – If your chicken is crispy, maybe go for something soft or creamy as a side
- Think about complementary flavors – Garlic, herbs, and lemon all pair well with Italian dishes
- Balance the richness – Something acidic or fresh can balance the rich cheese and sauce
- Consider the season – Lighter salads in summer, heartier roasted veggies in winter
- Prep timing – Choose sides that can be ready when your chicken is done
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep any of these vegetables ahead of time?
Absolutely! Most roasted vegetables can be prepped earlier in the day and then popped in the oven while your chicken parm is cooking or resting. The cucumber salad actually benefits from being made a few hours ahead.
What if my family insists on some kind of starch?
If your family absolutely needs that starchy component, consider compromise options like:
- Cauliflower rice
- A small portion of pasta alongside vegetables
- Garlic bread (just a slice or two)
- Quinoa as a base (technically a seed, not a grain!)
How do I make vegetables appealing to picky eaters?
The secret is all in the preparation! Roasting brings out natural sweetness, adding a bit of cheese helps bridge familiar flavors, and presenting vegetables beautifully can make them more appealing. Start with more accessible options like the roasted broccoli with parmesan or the cucumber salad.
Final Thoughts
Chicken parmesan doesn’t need to be served exclusively with pasta. These vegetable sides not only provide more nutritional balance but can actually enhance your chicken parm experience with contrasting textures and complementary flavors.
My personal favorite is probably the roasted broccoli – it’s so simple but transforms into something magical in a hot oven. That said, I rotate through all these options depending on the season and what looks good at the market.
Next time you’re making chicken parm, give one of these veggie sides a try! Your taste buds (and possibly your waistline) will thank you.
What Pasta To Serve With Chicken Parm
Almost any pasta goes great with chicken parmesan. Almost. I’d stay away from smaller pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni, except for maybe the soup. They’d work in the chicken parm soup recipes.
Generally, people like to serve parm with a long-strand pasta like spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine. But I also find it goes just as great with bowtie pasta, penne, or rotini. Honestly, whatever your favorite pasta is, it’ll work.
Also, maybe skip the pasta. Don’t underestimate the power of a chicken parm sandwich.
What Is Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan, or chicken parm, is a simple but classic Italian-American dish consisting of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella and/or provolone cheese. It’s up there among the fanciest of classic comfort food recipes.
The recipe is believed to have been created in the 1930s or 1940s by Italian immigrants living in the Northeast United States – think New York, New Jersey, lower New England. The dish quickly gained tremendous popularity. Probably because it’s mind-blowingly delicious.
At their heart these recipes are all pretty similar with regard to ingredients. After all, it’s chicken parmigiana. However, there are numerous ways to prepare delicious chicken parmesan at home. From classic styles made in a variety of ways to chicken parm soup and lasagna variations, you’re sure to find a few versions of the classic comfort food your family will love. For even more easy chicken parm recipes, check out my post → here
PRO TIP: Always use a calibrated meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Baked Chicken Parmigiana Recipe – This has been one of my kids favorite recipes for a long, long time. Instead of frying the chicken, make this easy baked chicken parm that also uses sour cream as a binder for the breadcrumb mixture. It’s a healthier version of the classic. Get the recipe → here.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan – This is such an easy weeknight dinner to make! Use the air fryer to make crispy chicken pieces. And there’s no mess from pan frying! Plus, without the oil, this is a healthier chicken dinner option. I like to use Italian bread crumbs mixed with parmesan cheese for the breading mixture. Get the recipe → here.
Chicken Parmesan Lasgana – Perfect for the whole family! Just put cooked pasta and chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish for this easy chicken parm bake! Get the recipe → here.
One Pan Chicken Parmesan – Make the whole dish in just one large skillet, including the pasta. This is an easy, quick dinner recipe for busy weeknight dinner time. To start the dish, saute the chicken in olive oil with minced garlic or garlic powder. Get the recipe → here.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe – Dump into a casserole pan and bake for an easy dinner the whole family will love! Use jarred marinara sauce or homemade marinara sauce in this dish. You will bake with aluminum foil and then remove the foil to melt cheese on top of this. Get the recipe → here.
WW Chicken Parmesan Recipe – This Weight Watchers Chicken Parmesan is only 2 Weight Watchers Points per serving! Serve this easy and family-approved dinner recipe with other low-point foods for a delicious and low-point WW dinner! Get the recipe → here.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe – Take the hassle out of dinner and let the slow cooker do most of the work. This delicious Chicken Parmesan Crock Pot is the perfect slow-cooker comfort food. Warning: your house will smell delicious for hours. Get the recipe → here.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup – This crockpot chicken parm soup has all the decadence of the comfort food classic in a thick and delicious soup. This family-friendly dinner recipe takes just minutes to prep. Get the recipe → here.
