Are you looking for what to serve with pesto pasta? We’ve got you covered! Pesto pasta is already delicious, but when you add these 19 dishes to the mix, it’s like a party in your mouth!
Pesto pasta is a classic Italian dish that’s been around for a long time.
It’s a simple but delicious concoction of fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Some recipes also call for garlic or lemon juice.
It’s one of those dishes that can go with almost anything—especially with other Italian favorites like pizza.
Plus, pesto pasta is a great option if you’re in the mood for something light and fresh.
With its bright flavor profile and fresh ingredients, it will definitely satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious.
But here’s the thing: pesto pasta can be a little boring on its own
It needs a sidekick to make it into a full meal.
And that’s where we come in.
We have some great ideas for what to serve with pesto pasta, whether you’re looking for something simple or something more complex.
If you’d like, pair your pesto pasta with Roasted Herbed Chicken, and you’ll get that extra edge when it comes to taste, but it’s not all about the flavor, either.
You’ll also be able to show off your skills as a cook.
But what if you want something else?
Perhaps some cheesy Crab Artichoke Toasts for a light and creamy meal.
Are you still craving a different dish?
Well, #18 might just do the trick.
Look, we could talk about this all day, but we’ll save it for another time.
So, let’s get into it!
You will love the flavor of this salad.
It’s the perfect combination of tart and sweet, with just the right amount of bitterness from the arugula.
You will especially love to pair it with pesto pasta.
The lemon vinaigrette makes for a nice contrast, and it’s just as good on its own as it is on top of pasta.
The shaved parmesan also adds a nice salty bite to an already complex flavor profile.
This dish is a good way to get your daily dose of greens in one fell swoop!
The anchovies also add a unique flavor that you might not be used to, but it’s definitely worth trying out.
But if you’re not into anchovies, try swapping them out for salmon or sardines — they’ll still add a bit of saltiness and umami flavor but won’t be as strong in the taste department.
Oh, and one more thing about this dish: it’s incredibly adaptable.
You can serve it alongside pesto pasta or rice if you want something more filling, or just eat it by itself as an appetizer or side dish.
Either way, we think you’ll love this Broccoli With Anchovies & Garlicky Breadcrumbs recipe!
Okay, you’re probably thinking, “What are they even talking about?”
But let us just tell you that this is one of the best things that’s ever happened to bruschetta.
The wild mushrooms are just the right amount of earthy, and their flavor marries so well with pesto pasta.
It is also a favorite of ours when we’re in the mood for something light but flavorful.
If you haven’t tried it before, trust us—it’s worth giving a shot!
This Hot Bacon Caprese Salad With Heirloom Tomatoes is the perfect way to kick off any season!
We all know that pesto pasta is the best, but we’ve taken it one step further by adding some hot bacon and heirloom tomatoes to the mix.
It’s like a summertime version of our favorite dish, and it’s even better than before!
The hot, salty bacon complements the freshness of the pesto pasta perfectly, while the creamy mozzarella cheese gives it a nice taste.
And don’t forget about those beautiful heirloom tomatoes—they’re bursting with flavor as you bite into them!
There are so many things to love about Crab Artichoke Toasts.
The first is their taste: it’s like crab and artichoke dip, but in toast form.
And that’s actually enough to make our mouths water, but there’s more!
The second thing we love about these bites is how easy they are to make, and how they go well with that batch of pesto pasta in your fridge.
Not only do they take less than 30 minutes to prepare, but the ingredients are ones that you probably already have on hand!
And third?
They’re great for parties or game day snacking because they’re super shareable.
If you haven’t yet tried the Roasted Aubergine Salad, you’re missing out on a delicacy.
It’s an amazing combination of crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Aubergines are one of the most common types of eggplant, which are greenish-purple on the outside and white on the inside.
Plus, it has a texture like a potato because it has fewer seeds than other kinds of eggplant.
Roasting aubergines also gives them a crispy outer shell while keeping them soft and flavorful on the inside.
And when paired with pesto pasta, this dish is sure to become one of your new favorites!
Butternut Squash Pizza with crispy kale and shallots is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a real chef.
It’s like, “Oh yeah? I’ll show you how it’s done!”
And then you get to eat it!
The butternut squash adds a little tartness and texture to the pizza, and the kale gives it a great crunch.
You can also use spinach if you’re not into kale or if you don’t like leafy greens.
But, if you want to make this experience even more awesome, just add some pesto pasta on the side!
Calamari is one of those foods that’s kind of hard to describe, but once you taste it, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
We’ve also tried just about every variation on the theme, but we always come back to this pairing: pesto pasta with Fried Calamari.
The combination is so good that it’s hard to resist ordering it every time we go out to eat.
In case you’re wondering what makes this combo so scrumptious, here are two reasons why: Pesto pasta is easy to make and has a subtle flavor that goes well with seafood.
And Fried Calamari is crispy and crunchy, which makes it a great complement to the soft texture of pasta.
So, if you’re craving something new, give this dish a go at home.
Butter, garlic, and scallops.
Need we say more?
Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops taste like your favorite pasta dish meets your favorite seafood.
The buttery garlic flavor is so rich and savory that you’ll want to make it a staple in your kitchen.
Plus, the scallops are seared perfectly, so they stay moist and tender, while the garlic adds just the right amount of kick.
This dish goes great with pesto pasta or even regular noodles.
But, for an extra-special treat, try serving it with a glass of white wine!
10. Baked Salmon
Okay, we’re kind of obsessed with this Baked Salmon recipe.
It’s super simple to make, but the flavor is so good that you’ll want to make it again and again.
It also tastes great with pesto pasta or just by itself.
And you know what the best part is?
It’s cooked in the oven, so there’s no fussy stovetop action involved.
Plus, this dish is like a cross between a fish and a cheese pizza—it’s got the crispy crust and tender meat with savory sauce, but it’s also got the fishy goodness that makes you feel like you’re eating something nourishing.
Tired of your usual chicken meals?
We’ve got the new recipe you need to try: Herbed Baked Chicken.
This recipe is a fun way to mix up your typical routine and impress guests.
And besides, the chicken is succulent and juicy, and the herbs add a nice kick that gives it just a bit of bite.
It’s definitely not bland or boring (It actually tastes terrific!).
Some people like to enjoy it with pesto pasta, while others prefer it on top of a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.
The Lobster Thermidor is so good; it’s almost a shame to eat it.
You know how some foods are so flavorful that you almost feel guilty for indulging in them?
That’s the way this dish makes you feel.
The lobster itself is cooked to perfection and has just the right amount of chewiness while still being tender enough to bite through without difficulty.
Then it’s topped with a creamy sauce that is perfect for pairing with pesto pasta or eating by itself.
The overall taste is just so rich, delicious, and complex—it’s not just one flavor but rather a combination of flavors mixed together perfectly so that they complement each other flawlessly as well as stand out on their own.
With their rich, savory flavor and their succulent texture, Lamb Chops with Rosemary & Garlic are a delectable choice for a dinner date.
The first thing that will catch your date’s attention is the smell of rosemary wafting from the kitchen.
Then the sweet, herbal aroma fills the room with an irresistible fragrance that will have them salivating before they even get their first taste.
But what about the taste?
Well, these chops are cooked just right—not too crispy on the outside or too rare on the inside.
And when paired with garlic-infused pesto pasta?
You’ve got one of the most flavorful meals around!
Monkfish with Herb Browned Butter is a dish that you’ll be super proud of.
Plus, you’ll love it because it’s easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
If you’ve never had monkfish before, it’s got a mild flavor that goes well with the brown butter (which is just clarified butter cooked until it turns a dark golden color).
The herb browned butter gives the fish an earthy, piney taste that pairs beautifully with the pesto pasta.
And because this dish has such simple ingredients and only takes about 20 minutes total to make, you’ll like to serve it as an appetizer or side dish at dinner parties.
It’s also great for lunch if you’re looking for something savory but easy to eat on the go.
The Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Shrimp is a tasty dish that you can totally serve with pesto pasta.
It’s so flavorful and light, with appealing sweetness.
And the lemon pepper blend gives the shrimp a slight kick of spice and adds depth to the flavor profile of this dish.
Once you eat with pesto pasta, you’ll experience the creaminess that balances out the spice of the shrimp.
It also gives the dish some substance, which means it doesn’t feel too heavy or rich in texture.
This makes for a great meal when you want something light but filling at the same time!
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are like an Italian grandma’s dream.
These meatballs are packed with lusciousness, not just because they’re covered in cheese.
But because the chicken is juicy, and the parmesan adds that famous nutty taste that’s kind of addictive.
You’ll also love pairing this dish with pesto pasta because it adds another layer of earthy flavor that complements all of the other ingredients perfectly.
When comfort-food cravings hit, nothing satisfies like a juicy Roasted Pork Tenderloin.
This dish is a crowd’s favorite, and we think it’s best served with pesto pasta.
The pork tenderloin itself has a wonderful flavor that combines with the pesto sauce to create an explosion of taste in your mouth.
Plus, pesto has a strong herbaceous flavor that goes well with the tenderness of the meat and its crispy exterior.
The pasta itself complements the meat, too: the starchiness of the noodles helps to mellow out any lingering fatty flavor from the pork and rounds out the meal.
So whether you’re in a rush or just want to treat yourself, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
18. New York Steak
So again, what to serve with pesto pasta?
How about some classic New York Steak?
Well, if you don’t know, New York Steak tastes like a homecoming.
It’s the kind of flavor that makes you feel at peace with the world like you’ve finally come home after a long journey.
And it’s the kind of taste that lingers on your tongue and in your mind for days after you’ve had it.
Basically, New York Steak is the taste of nostalgia, and it never gets old.
It also works well with pesto pasta because it’s rich but not too rich—it’s just right.
Plus, it pairs perfectly with the pasta because it has a similar flavor profile: earthy and bold.
But where pesto pasta is light and fresh, New York Steak has a deep richness that makes it excellent for pairing with other dishes too.
19. Chicken Milanese
Chicken Milanese is a classic Italian dish, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of Italy in your own home.
Made with breaded chicken, this dish will make your mouth water as soon as you take a bite.
But the best part about Chicken Milanese is that it goes well with a variety of side dishes.
We recommend pairing this dish with pesto pasta because it helps balance out its richness.
The pesto is also a nice touch that adds some punchy flavor to an otherwise simple meal.
The bottom line
So there you have it: 19 dishes that go perfectly with pesto pasta.
And if you’re a true fan of pesto, we hope this list has inspired you to try some new things!
After all, what’s better than a big plate of pesto pasta?
A big plate of pesto pasta with some delicious side dishes!
Pesto is also one of those ingredients that pair with almost anything, so the possibilities are definitely endless.
Thanks for reading!
What To Serve With Pesto Pasta 🌿
This easy list of what to serve with pesto pasta has 19 delicious recipe ideas that will pair perfectly with the pasta.
Ingredients
- Arugula & Shaved Parmesan Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
- Broccoli With Anchovies & Garlicky Breadcrumbs
- Wild Mushroom Bruschetta
- Hot Bacon Caprese Salad With Heirloom Tomatoes
- Crab Artichoke Toasts
- Roasted Aubergine Salad
- Butternut Squash Pizza
- Fried Calamari
- Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops
- Baked Salmon
- Herbed Baked Chicken
- Lobster Thermidor
- Lamb Chops With Rosemary & Garlic
- Monkfish With Herb Browned Butter
- Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Shrimp
- Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin
- New York Steak
- Chicken Milanese
Instructions
- Scroll for your favorite recipe from our list of What To Serve With Pesto Pasta.
- Pick out the ingredients needed for the dish.
- Cook then enjoy immediately!