What To Serve With Alfredo (25+ Best Side Dishes)

Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic American favorite that never fails to satisfy. The creamy alfredo sauce, made with parmesan cheese and loads of fresh cream, is the perfect companion to any type of pasta.

But what makes Alfredo even better? The perfect side dish to complement its rich and creamy flavors. From grilled shrimp and sautéed zucchini to roasted asparagus and garlic bread, these side dishes will complete your Alfredo pasta dinner.

So, whether you’re enjoying chicken alfredo or a vegetarian gluten-free version of this classic dish, these sides will make the perfect accompaniment. Let’s create the perfect creamy pasta meal for your dinner table!

1. Grilled shrimp

Grilled shrimp is the perfect side dish to accompany a rich and creamy vegetarian alfredo pasta. The light and delicate flavor of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the heavy cream and parmesan cheese in the alfredo sauce.

For a quick and easy side dish, skewer shrimp and grill them with some olive oil and lemon juice.

Not only does grilled shrimp taste like a gourmet addition to your meal, it also adds a healthy dose of protein and nutrients. Serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying main dish.

We love: Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe (Super Fast!) (by Wholesome Yum)

2. Sautéed zucchini

Sautéed zucchini is a delicious and versatile side dish that is the perfect accompaniment to any alfredo recipe.

Serve the zucchini sprinkled with some pine nuts, drizzled with balsamic vinegar, and finished with freshly cracked black pepper. With its versatile flavors and ability to complement any dish, sautéed zucchini is a great side dish to have on the lighter side of your plate.

We love: Sautéed Zucchini (by Wholesome Yum)

3. Chicken meatballs

While sliced chicken breast in Alfredo is a classic pairing, I love to switch it up and serve it with chicken meatballs instead. These delicious and juicy meatballs are a great way to add some protein to your meal.

For a complete and well-rounded meal, serve the creamy fettuccine topped with chicken meatballs and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Add a side of green vegetables, such as sauteed zucchini or green beans. Or, try a light green salad.

We love: Soft Juicy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe (by Curry Trail)

4. Herb roasted potatoes

Herb-roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish to serve with Alfredo when you’re after something filling and satiating.

The crispy and golden-brown potatoes complement the creamy and rich fettuccine alfredo, creating a satisfying and filling meal.

With minimal ingredients and an easy cooking process, these potatoes are a hassle-free side dish. Serve it alongside a simple salad to balance out the richness of the Alfredo and add some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

We love: Herb and Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes (by The Kitchen Magpie)

5. Balsamic roasted vegetables

Balsamic roasted vegetables are the perfect side dish to complement a rich and creamy main dish. The tangy balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce, and the caramelized vegetables add a delicious depth of flavor to the dish.

Try using butternut squash, broccoli, and red bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful addition to your fettuccine Alfredo.

We love: Balsamic Roasted Vegetables Recipe (by Joy Food Sunshine)

6. Garlic roasted mushrooms

One of my favorite sides to serve with Alfredo is garlic-roasted mushrooms. The rich and creamy sauce of Alfredo pairs beautifully with the earthy and tender texture of garlic-roasted mushrooms.

For a complete meal, you can also add some protein such as shrimp, chicken, or ground beef to your fettuccine Alfredo recipe. And, definitely serve it with a crisp tender salad or some garlic bread for a satisfying dinner that will surely please your taste buds.

We love: Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms (by RecipeTin Eats)

7. Grilled chicken strips

While Alfredo is totally delicious on its own, adding a side dish like grilled chicken strips will complete your pasta meal.

The charred and smoky flavor of the grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy and rich alfredo sauce. Plus, the protein from the chicken adds a satisfying and filling element to the meal.

For a fresh and balanced meal, serve your grilled chicken and Alfredo with a side of fresh salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

We love: Blackened Chicken Tenders (by The Feathered Nester)

8. Caesar salad

A Caesar salad is the perfect accompaniment to a rich and indulgent fettuccine Alfredo. The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory parmesan cheese provide a nice contrast to the heavy pasta dish.

For a delicious twist, add some parmesan croutons to your salad recipe. And if you’re looking to add some protein to their meal, shrimp alfredo pairs brilliantly with a Caesar salad on the side is a classic and tasty combination.

We love: Caesar Salad Recipe (by Spend With Pennies)

9. Focaccia bread

Focaccia bread is a great addition to any fettuccine alfredo dish. The soft and flavorful bread is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy pasta.

This classic Italian bread is perfect to mop up any creamy sauce remaining in your bowl. And for a complete meal, serve with a crispy green salad or try a layered salad recipe.

We love: The Best, Easiest Focaccia (by Alexandra’s Kitchen)

10. Air fryer chicken breasts

When it comes to easy side dishes for fettuccine Alfredo, it doesn’t get easier than air fryer chicken breasts.

Not only is it a delicious and savory option, but it also adds a satisfying and filling element to the meal. Let your air fryer work its magic on these chicken breasts while you perfect your creamy Alfredo sauce!

We love: Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts (by Platings + Pairings)

11. Bacon wrapped asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a simple but delicious side dish that goes perfectly with fettuccine alfredo.

The crispy bacon and tender asparagus add a satisfying crunch to the creamy texture of the alfredo, making it a great pairing for a family-friendly meal or dinner party.

To make this easy side dish, simply wrap a slice of bacon around a few asparagus spears and bake until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. You can even add some chopped garlic or parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.

We love: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (by Life, Love, and Good Food)

12. Steamed broccoli

Steamed broccoli is another easy side dish to serve with fettuccine alfredo. Its light and fresh flavors complement the rich and creamy pasta dish, making it a popular side for many pasta recipes.

Steam your broccoli until it is just tender, then dress it while hot for the best results. Try it with a basic balsamic vinegar dressing or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

We love: Perfect Steamed Broccoli (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

13. Sautéed spinach

Sautéed spinach is the perfect side dish to serve with fettuccine Alfredo. The rich and creamy alfredo sauce pairs well with the light and fresh taste of spinach, creating a well-balanced and flavorful meal.

Serve the sautéed spinach as a side dish, or stir it into your fettuccine Alfredo for a delicious one-pot meal. Top it with some toasted pine nuts if you’re feeling fancy.

We love: How To Make Simple Italian Sautéed Baby Spinach (by Spinach (by The Fed Up Foodie)

14. Parmesan bread bites

Parmesan bread bites are a great side dish to pair with fettuccine alfredo. These bite-sized pieces of bread are coated in delicious garlic parmesan butter and baked until super soft and golden brown.

Use the small bread balls to scoop up any remaining Alfredo sauce. It’s an irresistible combination that you are sure to repeat! Serve with a crisp green side salad.

We love: Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe (by She’s Not Cookin’)

15. Italian salad

When it comes to creamy and indulgent dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, a crisp and refreshing salad is a necessity. Not only does it provide a nice contrast to the rich Alfredo sauce, but it also adds some much-needed veggies to your plate.

For a simple Italian salad, mix together chopped lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress it with a tangy lemon garlic vinaigrette and you have a perfect side dish for your favorite meal.

We love: Simple Italian Salad (Easy Side Dish Salad) (by Valerie’s Kitchen)

16. Layered salad

A layered salad is super retro cool and it’s a classic side dish to add some veggies to your Alredo dinner spread.

You can stick to a classic layered salad recipe, or go wild with layers of your favorite vegetables, grated cheese, a creamy mayonnaise dressing, and chopped lettuce.

We love: 7 Layer Salad (by The Kitchen Magpie)

17. Marinated tomatoes

I adore marinated tomatoes. It’s such an easy and simple side that pairs well with the creamy, garlicky flavor of the alfredo. The tangy and juicy tomatoes taste great when served with the rich and creamy pasta.

To make marinated tomatoes, simply combine sliced tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

We love: The BEST Marinated Tomatoes (by FIVEheartHOME)

18. Garlic bread

Garlic bread is the perfect side dish to serve with creamy fettuccine alfredo. The warm, garlicky flavors pair perfectly with the rich and indulgent sauce.

You can make your own homemade garlic bread or opt for a store-bought version for a quick and easy meal. Serve it alongside a side of green veggies like grilled asparagus or sautéed green beans.

We love: Cheesy Garlic and Herb Bread (by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen®)

19. Roasted Brussels sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with creamy chicken Alfredo. The crispy and caramelized sprouts add a pop of freshness and crunch to the rich and creamy alfredo sauce.

Serve the delicious roasted Brussels as a side dish or stir it into the fettucine.

We love: Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts (by Fox and Briar)

20. Scalloped potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a classic Italian-American side dish that pairs perfectly with creamy fettuccine alfredo. The layers of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and crispy bacon make it a must-have for any chicken alfredo dinner.

You can bulk up your scalloped potatoes with sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower for a delicious vegetable potato bake.

Plus, the leftovers make a great accompaniment for a next-day lunch.

We love: Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (by Salt & Lavender)

21. Roasted broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with alfredo. Its crispy texture and savory flavor provide a nice contrast to the creamy and rich alfredo sauce.

This side dish is also versatile and can be easily customized to fit your preferences. Sprinkle with goat cheese and toasted pine nuts for an indulgent green veggie side.

Roasting broccoli in the oven is a hands-off process, making it a great option for special occasions or as a quick and easy recipe for busy weeknights.

We love: The BEST Crispy Oven-roasted Broccoli (by Baking Mischief)

22. Burrata caprese salad

Burrata Caprese salad is a flavorful side dish that goes well with alfredo. The creamy and rich flavors of the burrata cheese and herb-infused tomatoes complement the creamy sauce of the alfredo.

This easy side dish is perfect for adding a pop of freshness to your meal. Serve it with some crusty bread or focaccia for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

We love: Italian Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe (by What Molly Made)

23. Olive garden salad

Looking for an easy way to elevate your creamy fettuccine noodles? Look no further than this copycat Olive Garden salad. This classic salad makes the perfect side for a family-friendly dinner.

Serve with some parmesan bread bites for a classic meal, or add some wholesome veggies like sautéed zucchini or spinach, or oven-roasted vegetables.

We love: Copycat Olive Garden Salad & Dressing (by The Kitchen is My Playground)

24. Dinner rolls

Alfredo is a rich and creamy fettuccine pasta dish that’s all about that creamy pasta sauce. You don’t need much to complete the meal, a simple dinner roll is perfect to mop up any remaining sauce.

For a well-rounded meal, pair your Alfredo and dinner rolls with a refreshing Caprese salad or simple green salad.

We love: Brioche Dinner Rolls (by Broma Bakery)

25. Zucchini noodles

If you need to serve a gluten-free or low-carb alternative to fettuccine pasta, zucchini noodles are your best bet.

It’s also a great way to add more veggies to your plate. Toss garlic sautéed zucchini noodles with the creamy Alfredo sauce and serve with grilled chicken or shrimp. Or add some spinach to the noodles for a vegetarian one-pot creamy zucchini noodle dish.

We love: How to Make and Cook Zucchini Noodles (by Downshiftology)

26. Arugula salad

Arugula salad is a great side dish to serve with any rich and heavy main dish. The fresh and peppery arugula adds a nice contrast to the rich and creamy white sauce.

Add some classic Italian flavor with sun-dried tomatoes and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Or opt for a refreshing citrusy arugula salad. It’s the perfect compliment to any pasta dish, especially seafood alfredo.

We love: Citrus-Arugula Salad (by EatingWell)

Alfredo is a classic American cream sauce that pairs well with many delicious sides. Whether you’re looking to add some vegetables or protein to your alfredo meal, or just want a delicious side to complement your creamy alfredo, this list has got you covered.

For a low-carb option, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles. And, serve with a side salad and roasted vegetables. Or go the classic Italian route with herb focaccia and a Caprese salad drizzled with balsamic glaze.

No matter how you serve it, Alfredo pasta is always a great way to end the day, perfect for special occasions or a family-friendly dinner.