When I make Chicken Alfredo for dinner, I always find myself wondering what sides would complement this rich, creamy pasta dish. After years of experimenting in my kitchen (and some memorable dinner party successes and failures!), I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best side dishes for Chicken Alfredo.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, family meal, or just treating yourself to some comfort food, these sides will take your Chicken Alfredo from good to absolutely incredible!
Why Choosing the Right Side Dish Matters
Chicken Alfredo is already pretty indulgent – with its creamy sauce butter cheese, and pasta. The perfect side dish should either
- Balance the richness with something fresh and light
- Complement the creaminess with contrasting textures
- Add nutritional value to round out your meal
Let’s dive into my top recommendations that tick all these boxes!
Best Veggie Sides for Chicken Alfredo
1. Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli is hands-down one of the most popular veggie sides for Chicken Alfredo, and for good reason! The slight bitterness and earthy flavor of broccoli cuts through the richness of Alfredo sauce perfectly.
How I make it special: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon before roasting at 425°F until the edges get slightly crispy. The citrus brightens everything up!
2. Garlicky Sautéed Spinach
This is my go-to side when I’m short on time but still want something nutritious. Spinach is packed with iron calcium, and fiber – making it a superfood companion to your indulgent pasta.
Quick recipe: Heat olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic, then toss in fresh spinach with a pinch of red pepper flakes. It wilts in literally 2-3 minutes! A splash of lemon juice at the end makes all the difference.
3. Green Beans
Green beans provide that perfect crisp-tender texture and slight sweetness that balances rich Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Serving suggestion: Steam them until bright green but still crisp, then toss with a bit of butter, salt, and slivered almonds for extra crunch.
4. Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus brings a sophisticated touch to your Chicken Alfredo dinner. Its unique flavor profile works wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
Pro tip: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then grill until slightly charred. A final touch of lemon zest elevates it even more.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These little green gems become surprisingly addictive when roasted properly! The slightly caramelized, nutty flavor complements Chicken Alfredo amazingly well.
My favorite preparation: Halve the sprouts, toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, then roast at 400°F until the outer leaves get crispy and the centers are tender.
Bread Options That Pair Perfectly With Chicken Alfredo
6. Garlic Bread
Is there anything more classic than garlic bread alongside pasta? I think not! The buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce.
How I make mine: Slice a French baguette, spread with a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a little Parmesan cheese. Broil until golden and aromatic.
7. Rosemary Focaccia
For something a bit more special, homemade or bakery-fresh rosemary focaccia adds wonderful herby notes and a chewy-crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with creamy pasta.
Serving tip: Warm it slightly in the oven before serving, and offer good quality olive oil for dipping.
8. Breadsticks
Simple breadsticks are always a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids! Their mild flavor and satisfying chew make them perfect for dunking into Alfredo sauce.
Easy upgrade: Brush store-bought breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian herbs before warming them up.
Fresh and Light Salad Sides
9. Caesar Salad
The classic Caesar salad is one of my absolute favorite sides with Chicken Alfredo. The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide the perfect contrast to rich pasta.
Make it special: Use really fresh romaine hearts, make your own dressing if possible, and don’t skimp on the Parmesan shavings!
10. Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil dressed simply with good olive oil and balsamic vinegar – this Italian classic brings freshness and color to your plate.
Seasonal tip: This is best in summer when tomatoes are at their peak. In other seasons, consider using cherry tomatoes which tend to have better flavor year-round.
11. Italian Salad
A simple mixed greens salad with Italian dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of Chicken Alfredo.
How I make mine: Mix romaine, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives. Dress with a simple homemade vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and a touch of honey.
Unexpected But Delicious Side Options
12. Blistered Tomatoes
This might be surprising, but trust me – cherry tomatoes cooked until they just start to burst create the most wonderful sweet-tart flavor explosion that cuts through rich Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Quick recipe: Heat a skillet with olive oil until very hot, add cherry tomatoes, and cook without stirring much until they begin to blister and burst. Add a pinch of salt, some minced garlic, and fresh basil at the end.
Drinks That Pair Well With Chicken Alfredo
What you drink with your Chicken Alfredo can make a big difference in your overall dining experience. Here are my favorite pairings:
- White wine: A crisp Chardonnay is perfect with Alfredo’s creaminess
- Prosecco: The light bubbles help cut through the rich sauce
- Lemon cucumber infused water: For a non-alcoholic option that’s refreshing
My Personal Strategy for Serving Chicken Alfredo
When I host dinner parties, I usually serve Chicken Alfredo with at least three sides:
- Something green (like broccoli or a salad)
- Something bread-based (garlic bread is always a hit)
- Something unexpected (like the blistered tomatoes)
This creates a balanced meal with different textures, flavors, and nutritional profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the healthiest side to serve with Chicken Alfredo?
Any of the vegetable options would work, but sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli probably offer the most nutritional benefits while complementing the flavors of the dish.
Can I prep any of these sides ahead of time?
Absolutely! Most of the vegetable sides can be prepped earlier in the day. Salads can be assembled (just add dressing right before serving). Garlic bread can be prepared and refrigerated, then baked just before dinner.
What’s a good side for picky eaters?
You can’t go wrong with garlic bread or breadsticks! Even the pickiest eaters usually love them, and they’re perfect for soaking up that delicious Alfredo sauce.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Alfredo is already a crowd-pleaser on its own, but pairing it with the perfect sides elevates it to a truly memorable meal. My personal favorites are roasted broccoli, garlic bread, and a crisp Caesar salad – but I’d love to hear what combinations you enjoy most!
Remember, the best side dishes balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce while adding complementary flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combinations!
What’s your go-to side dish for Chicken Alfredo? I’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments below!
Good Sides For Chicken Alfredo – Delicious Side Dishes
- A leafy green salad, arugula salad, Caesar salad or chopped salad.
- Roasted vegetables or steamed veggies such as broccoli, asparagus, bell pepper, green beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts or cauliflower. Green vegetables somehow pair the best with this dish and add so much delicious flavor.
- Cheesy garlic bread, dinner rolls or bread sticks.
- Baked potatoes, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
- Stuffed mushrooms or sauteed mushrooms.
- White rice or brown rice.
- Creamed spinach is such a simple side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes.
- Sauteed zucchini and mushrooms.
- Steamed artichokes.
Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese
This scalloped potatoes recipe with cheese is the perfect side dish for any meal. Make it for your next holiday table or family dinner!
You’ll never use a griddle again after you try this air fryer bacon recipe (from Everyday Family Cooking). This 10-minute method will have you serving up the crispiest bacon ever, thanks to your air fryer!
Garlic bread is super easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time!
Classic Garden Salad (from NeighborFood) is an easy side dish and such a nice salad that pairs well with almost anything! Everyone needs an easy side salad recipe in their back pocket, and this one is my favorite!
Make this roasted broccoli recipe to accompany your next meal. Roasting broccoli is super easy and it is so good it tastes like candy!