What to Make with Chicken Alfredo: 25 Delicious Side Dishes That Complete Your Meal

Are you staring at that creamy bowl of chicken Alfredo and wondering what else to serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve been there too! There’s nothing worse than having an amazing main dish but feeling like something’s missing from your meal.

Chicken Alfredo is already delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can transform your dinner from good to absolutely incredible. I’ve gathered 25 mouth-watering side dishes that perfectly complement that rich creamy pasta dish we all love.

Why Side Dishes Matter with Chicken Alfredo

Before diving into the specific sides let’s talk about why they’re so important. Chicken Alfredo is

• Rich and creamy
• High in fats and carbs
• Relatively heavy

This means the perfect side dishes should provide:

• Fresh, contrasting flavors
• Different textures
• Nutritional balance
• Visual appeal

Vegetable Side Dishes for Chicken Alfredo

1. Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli is a classic pairing with chicken Alfredo and for good reason! The slight bitterness and crispy roasted texture balances out the creamy pasta perfectly.

How I make it special: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, grated cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Roast at 400°F for about 15 minutes until the edges get slightly crispy but the stalks remain tender.

2. Garlic Sautéed Spinach

This is my go-to side when I need something quick, nutritious, and flavorful. The garlic adds a punch of flavor while the spinach wilts down to a tender, velvety texture.

Quick recipe: Heat olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds, then add spinach and steam until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ready in under 5 minutes!

3. Green Beans Almondine

These aren’t your grandma’s boring green beans! Blanched until tender-crisp and tossed with toasted almonds and garlic, they add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.

4. Brussels Sprouts

I used to hate brussels sprouts until I learned how to make them properly! Whether you air fry them or roast them with bacon and pine nuts, they provide a satisfying savory flavor that cuts through the richness of Alfredo.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Don’t have time for complicated sides? Just chop up whatever veggies you have on hand—bell peppers, zucchini mushrooms, carrots—toss with olive oil and herbs and roast until caramelized. So easy and always delicious!

6. Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions

This classic Italian-American combo adds beautiful color to your plate. The natural sweetness of the peppers and onions balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

7. Blistered Tomatoes

Cherry or grape tomatoes quickly cooked in a hot pan until they start to burst create little pops of acidity and freshness that cut through the creaminess of your chicken Alfredo.

8. SautéeḊ Dandelion Greens

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these slightly bitter greens. They’re sautéed just like spinach but offer a more complex flavor profile that sophisticated palates will appreciate.

9. Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy glazed carrots add a pop of color and sweetness to your plate. The natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savory cream sauce.

Fresh Salads to Serve with Chicken Alfredo

10. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad with its garlicky dressing and crunchy romaine is my family’s favorite side with Alfredo. The acidity from the dressing helps cut through the richness of the pasta.

Pro tip: Make your dressing lighter with red wine vinegar, olive oil, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and garlic if you want to keep things on the lighter side!

11. Italian Salad

A simple Italian salad with romaine, tomatoes, pepperoncini, croutons, parmesan, olives, and radicchio dressed with Italian vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch to your meal.

12. Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil—this simple salad is a perfect light companion to rich Alfredo pasta.

13. Arugula Salad

I love the peppery bite of arugula mixed with fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and feta cheese (or parmesan if you prefer). It’s light, bright, and takes just minutes to throw together.

14. Kale Salad

For something heartier, try a massaged kale salad with olive oil and parmesan. The sturdy leaves stand up well to the heavy pasta dish and add tons of nutrients.

Bread and Starchy Sides

15. Garlic Bread

Is there anything more satisfying than mopping up extra Alfredo sauce with a piece of buttery, garlicky bread? I think not! Garlic bread is everyone’s favorite side for a reason.

16. Homemade Breadsticks

If you’re going for that Olive Garden experience at home, you gotta make some breadsticks! Soft, buttery, and topped with garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, they’re irresistible.

17. Rosemary Bread

For something a bit fancier, try rosemary bread. The aromatic herb adds another dimension of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.

18. Bruschetta

Top toasted bread with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a burst of fresh flavor that contrasts with the rich Alfredo.

19. Parmesan Bread Bites

These little bread bites covered in garlic and parmesan are perfect for grabbing and dipping into any extra sauce. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes!

20. Scalloped Potatoes

When you’re really hungry or feeding a crowd, scalloped potatoes are a hearty side that turns your meal into a real feast. The layers of potato baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce complement the Alfredo perfectly.

21. Mashed Potatoes

Buttery mashed potatoes might seem like carb overload, but trust me, they’re amazing with chicken Alfredo! The potatoes soak up any extra sauce and make the meal even more comforting.

22. Rice Pilaf

For a gluten-free option, rice pilaf cooked with herbs and broth adds substance to your meal while soaking up that delicious sauce.

Protein-Rich Sides for the Extra Hungry

23. Fried Meatballs

Who says you can’t have two proteins? Fried meatballs (not yet added to sauce) make a delicious side dish that adds another texture and flavor dimension to your meal.

24. Bacon

It might sound strange, but crispy bacon bits can be sprinkled over your pasta or used to garnish your side salad or vegetables. Bacon makes everything better!

Sweet Endings

25. Cappuccino Cake

After a rich meal, a light dessert like cappuccino cake is the perfect ending. It’s not too heavy but satisfies your sweet tooth.

Creative Ways to Use Chicken Alfredo

If you have leftover chicken Alfredo or want to try something different, here are some ideas:

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Transform your Alfredo into a white lasagna with layers of pasta, chicken, roasted broccoli rabe, and garlicky white Alfredo sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser!

Chicken Rabe Baked Ziti

Mix Alfredo sauce with a bit of marinara, ricotta, chicken, and broccoli rabe for a baked pasta dish that’s out of this world. The touch of marinara makes the ricotta extra creamy without needing eggs.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Baked Ziti

Similar to the above but with regular broccoli instead of rabe. This classic combination never fails to please a crowd at parties and family gatherings.

Tips for Serving a Complete Chicken Alfredo Meal

1. Balance your plate: Aim for 1/4 plate pasta, 1/4 plate protein, and 1/2 plate vegetables or salad.
2. Consider timing: Prepare sides that can be made while your pasta cooks or that can wait without getting cold.
3. Think about presentation: Choose sides with contrasting colors to make your meal visually appealing.
4. Don’t overdo it: Pick just 2-3 sides rather than trying to make everything at once.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo is already amazing on its own, but these sides can take your meal to the next level! Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or hearty and comforting, there’s a perfect side dish on this list for you.

Now I’m getting hungry just writing about all these delicious options. Time to head to the kitchen and whip up some chicken Alfredo with sides for dinner tonight!

Chicken alfredo pairs well with a variety of dishes that offer contrast in flavor and texture, such as the classic garlic bread and Caesar salad to cut through the richness, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts for a healthier, lighter option.