What To Serve With Carbonara (19 Tasty Side Dishes)

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic pasta dish that has stood the test of time. With its delightfully creamy sauce traditionally made from eggs and pecorino romano cheese (or parmigiano reggiano), it’s no wonder this dish has been enjoyed for centuries.

But, what is better than a bowl of sauce carbonara pasta? The perfect side dishes to complete the meal!

From tangy Caesar salad and crispy garlic bread to grilled zucchini and parmesan crisps, I selected the best sides to serve with your favorite carbonara recipe.

What to serve with carbonara including images of stuffed mushrooms, sauteed spinach and grilled asparagus.

Looking for a quick answer? Here are my favorite sides for carbonara.

Some of the best side dishes to serve with carbonara are Caesar salad, garlic bread, green salad, grilled zucchini, parmesan crisps, sautéed spinach, stuffed mushrooms, steamed greens, stuffed tomatoes, broccolini, goat cheese and aubergine salad, air fryer zucchini fries, cauliflower bites, baked butternut squash, bacon wrapped asparagus, green beans almondine, honey roasted carrots, roasted brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus with lemon zest, and sundried tomato chicken.

1. Caesar salad

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to serve with carbonara, a Caesar salad is a great option. The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy pasta carbonara.

To make it even more delicious, add some grilled chicken for added protein.

We love: The BEST Caesar Salad (+ Homemade Caesar Dressing) (by FoodieCrush)

2. Garlic bread

Garlic bread is the perfect side dish to serve with classic Italian carbonara. 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 to add some balance and freshness to the meal.

Be sure to use the bread to mop up all the delicious carbonara sauce!

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

3. Green salad

A green salad is the perfect side dish for carbonara. The creamy and rich flavors of the carbonara sauce pair perfectly with the crisp and refreshing ingredients of a green salad.

To make your carbonara and salad combination even more delicious, add finely grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper.

Not only does the salad add a fresh element to your meal, but it also helps balance out the richness of the pasta dish. This combination is a must-try for any Italian food and wine lover.

We love: Best Simple Tossed Green Salad (by Creme De La Crumb)

4. Grilled zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a simple and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with any pasta main. The smoky char from the grill complements the creamy egg and cheese mixture of the carbonara sauce.

To make the grilled zucchini, simply slice into thick strips, brush with olive oil, and grill over medium heat until tender and slightly charred. Top with fresh basil and finely grated parmesan cheese.

For a complete Italian feast, serve the carbonara and grilled zucchini with some crusty bread and enjoy an Italian glass of red or white wine.

We love: Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan (by Wholefully)

5. Parmesan crisps

Parmesan crisps are a perfect side dish for carbonara, adding a satisfying crunch and cheesy flavor to every bite.

These crispy, baked cheese chips are a great gluten-free alternative to bread or crackers, making them a popular choice for those with dietary restrictions.

For an extra burst of flavor, add some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the cheese before baking.

We love: Parmesan Crisps (by Taste of the Frontier)

6. Sautéed spinach

Sautéed spinach is a delicious and wholesome side dish that’s perfect for any pasta main.

You can even toss your al dente pasta and creamy sauce with the spinach for a vegetarian pasta dish.

We love: Garlic Sauteed Spinach (by Downshiftology)

7. Stuffed mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious side dish to pair with carbonara. This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is complemented perfectly by the earthy and savory flavors of stuffed mushrooms.

For a complete meal, pair carbonara with sautéed spinach, courgette fries, or cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Or see more side dishes to serve with stuffed mushrooms.

We love: Classic Stuffed Mushrooms (by The Genetic Chef)

8. Steamed greens

Steamed greens is a great side dish to balance out the richness of a creamy bowl of carbonara. It’s the perfect side dish for the hot pasta if you’re not in the mood for a salad.

While the pasta cooks, steam your greens until tender and set aside at room temperature. Then dress with a simple Italian salad dressing

We love: Citrussy Steamed Greens Recipe (by Tesco Real Food)

9. Stuffed tomatoes

Stuffed tomatoes are a delicious side dish to serve with carbonara. The juicy tomatoes, filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs, provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy carbonara.

This dish is also a great way to incorporate some extra vegetables and color into your meal.

We love: Baked Stuffed Tomatoes (by 365 Days of Baking)

10. Broccolini

For an easy and flavorful side dish for your carbonara dinner, try broccolini (Tenderstem broccoli). This long pasta pairs perfectly with Tenderstem broccoli.

You can try this recipe with broccoli rabe too!

I love to serve charred broccolini with a citrus dressing!

We love: Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette (by Vikalinka by Julia Frey)

11. Goat cheese and aubergine salad

When it comes to pairing food and wine, sometimes the best combinations are the simplest ones.

I love to serve my classic classic carbonara with a simple goat cheese and roasted aubergine salad. The tangy and creamy goat cheese provides a pleasant contrast to the rich carbonara, while the smoky flavor of the aubergine adds depth to the meal.

We love: Roasted Eggplant Salad with Smoked Almonds & Goat Cheese (by Kitchn)

12. Air fryer zucchini fries

For a delicious and easy side dish, look no further than air fryer zucchini fries.

The wholesome, savory flavor of the zucchini fries pairs beautifully with the creamy carbonara sauce. And the crispy texture adds a lovely contrast. Add a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

We love: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries – Easy Recipe! (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

13. Cauliflower bites

These crispy bites add a delicious crunch and umami flavor to every bite.

Serve them alongside a refreshing Italian green bean salad or a simple romaine lettuce salad with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of sea salt and ground black pepper for extra flavor.

We love: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe (by Crunchy Creamy Sweet)

14. Baked butternut squash

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that is loved for its creamy bacon and egg cheese mixture. And while it is delicious on its own, pairing it with a side dish like baked butternut squash completes the meal in a delightful way.

The sweet and savory flavors of the butternut squash complement the creamy, bacon-based sauce of the carbonara perfectly. Plus, the bright orange butternut adds a pop of color to the table.

We love: Baked Garlic Butter Parmesan Butternut Squash (by Eatwell101)

15. Bacon-wrapped asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy main dish.

The combination of savory bacon and tender asparagus complements the rich and creamy pasta sauce.

Best of all? This easy weeknight side dish comes together quickly and can be served alongside any simple pasta recipe. Try it once, and you’re sure to love it forever!

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

16. Green beans almondine

Green bean almondine might be a classic French dish, but it is a delicious and easy side dish to pair with pasta!

I love the crunch of the almonds and the freshness of the green beans provide an extra layer of satisfaction to the creamy and rich carbonara sauce.

Plus, the green beans almondine is a great way to incorporate some vegetables into the meal.

We love: Green Beans Almondine (by Mom On Timeout)

17. Honey roasted carrots

Honey-roasted carrots are the perfect complement to carbonara, providing a touch of sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the sauce without being too heavy.

For a complete meal, serve alongisde a light Caesar salad.

We love: Best Honey Glazed Carrots (by Downshiftology)

18. Roasted brussels sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a simple yet delicious side dish that every home cook needs in their repertoire.

They add a nice crunch and freshness, making them the perfect addition to this classic Italian meal.

We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts (by Eatwell101)

19. Grilled asparagus with lemon zest

Grilled asparagus with lemon zest is the perfect side dish for the classic pasta dish. Its bright and refreshing flavors complement the rich and silky sauce of the carbonara, making every bite a delight.

Not only is this side dish easy to make, but it also adds some nutritious vegetables to the meal.

To make this dish, simply grill the asparagus and toss it with some lemon zest, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. It’s a great gluten-free option to add to the table.

We love: Paleo Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest (by Joyful Healthy Eats)

20. Sundried tomato chicken

This Tuscan chicken in a creamy sundried tomato sauce is also called marry me chicken, because it really is that good!

Serve Tuscan chicken with classic Italian carbonara containing cured pork. Or leave the pork and serve your pasta with this chicken recipe for a carbonara chicken carbonara.

We love: Creamy Tuscan Chicken (by Andi Anne)

Frequently asked questions

Spaghetti carbonara is traditionally served with guanciale (cured pork cheek) or thick-cut bacon. However, if you’re looking to add more protein, you can also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp.

The golden rule of cooking carbonara is to quickly whisk in raw egg and cheese once the pan has been removed from the heat to avoid scrambled eggs. It is also tradition to not add any cream to the sauce. Authentic carbonara sauce only needs eggs, cheese, and starchy pasta water to create a creamy and rich texture without the use of cream.

Guanciale (cured pork cheek) is the traditional meat used in carbonara pasta. However, you can also use other types of cured meats such as prosciutto or bacon. And, for a healthier option, grilled chicken or shrimp is also delicious with carbonara.

Some popular side dishes to serve with carbonara, according to Reddit users, include a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Others also suggest pairing it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemon sorbet for dessert.

Spaghetti alla carbonara is a classic Italian dish. The traditional carbonara recipe does not include any heavy cream. Instead, an egg mixture with cheese creates a perfectly creamy, silky pasta dish.

Steamed greens, such as broccoli or asparagus, make a great accompaniment to the creamy egg and pasta dish. Or, for a romantic dinner, serve it with a classic Caesar salad tossed with fresh herbs and shaved parmesan.

With the right side dishes, your carbonara will become a one-of-a-kind meal! Let me know in the comments how you plan to serve your carbonara!

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