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When it comes to a classic Italian dish like chicken Alfredo, there are so many delicious pairing options! From starters to sides to desserts and even cocktails, the hardest part is choosing between them all. Ready for some mouth-watering inspiration? Let's take a look at this list of sides for chicken Alfredo.
Chicken Alfredo is classic comfort food at its finest. When you have tender chicken breast in a creamy sauce nested atop a warm bed of fettuccini noodles and topped with savory Parmesan, what could be better than diving right in?
While this main dish may be a show stealer, don’t forget that what you serve with it can be just just as important! From light starters to rich desserts and everything in between, the (delectable) options are endless. And the right pairing can take a meal from delicious to downright unforgettable!
Whether you need something that can be ready fast or you want to take your time putting together the perfect spread, this list of some of the best side dishes has the right recipe for you. Get ready for some tasty inspiration as we explore a few of my favorite easy sides for chicken Alfredo!
1. Italian Garden Salad
This copycat Olive Garden salad is bright, zingy, and simply irresistible! It’s easy to assemble and balances out rich dishes like chicken alfredo beautifully.
This fresh salad is a combination of vibrant red onion, salty olives, tender tomatoes, and pepperoncini for a little kick is so inviting. Combined with croutons, Parmesan, and Olive Garden salad dressing, it’s the kind of salad you’ll want to come back to again and again!
2. Cesar Salad
Fresh salads are always a good choice for a side and this Caesar salad is a classic. In this version, garlic croutons and homemade Caesar dressing really elevate the green salad recipe for a downright delicious yet simple side. Oh, and the anchovies are completely optional!
Crisp-yet-tender romaine is topped with sourdough croutons, creamy dressing, and freshly-grated Parmesan for simple perfection. It’s the kind of salad that can stand up to just about any main course. especially creamy pasta.
3. Bruschetta Recipe
This recipe comes to us straight from Italy! Ali Martin of Gimme Some Oven is bringing back all the best tips she learned from a mini-cooking class in Rome. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.
Tip number one is to keep the ingredient list minimal. The goal is to let the vibrant, fresh flavors of the bruschetta really shine through!
4. Garlic Bread Sticks
If your favorite part about Olive Garden is the unlimited breadsticks, then stop scrolling! This copycat recipe gives you soft, fluffy breadsticks that you can make right in your own kitchen.
Best of all, they can be ready in about an hour! You can indulge in one (or three) with your pasta, then enjoy the rest of the batch throughout the week. This is definitely one of my favorite delicious side dishes on this list.
5. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
With a main dish as mouth-watering as chicken Alfredo pasta, it’s okay to keep your side dish simple. Garlic Parmesan roasted broccoli is a great way to add some green vegetables to your meal, and this recipe still delivers big on flavor and crunch.
Roasting broccoli in the oven is so easy, and you never end up with a mushy side. It comes out with a perfect tender crisp texture. Combined with the right seasoning and cheese, this dish is surprisingly addicting!
6. Roasted Asparagus
For another easy vegetable dish that always impresses, oven roasted garlic and Parmesan asparagus is a classic crowd-pleaser. It can also be ready in less than 20 minutes!
Minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan are the secret ingredients behind elevating this simple dish. It tastes so good, you might even forget how unbelievably healthy it is for you.
7. Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas
Roasted sugar snap peas are healthy, delicious, and come together in no time! They are on the lighter side of ideas to serve. The secret behind this dish is the Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumb mixture that adds an irresistible crunch.
Just toss the ingredients together, roast for 20 minutes, and you’re ready to serve. Even if you don’t think you like sugar snap peas, this recipe might just change your mind!
8. Garlic Spinach
We all know how healthy dark leafy greens are. Fresh lemon and garlic make this recipe the kind of vegetable dish you’ll want to eat every night! And it’s so easy to make, you can cook it right alongside your chicken alfredo.
Keep in mind that spinach cooks down A LOT! Two people can easily eat a 10 ounce bag. This recipe is an excellent choice to fit in some greens.
9. Shrimp
Looking for a quick appetizer or side you can have on the table in 10 minutes or less? Succulent shrimp tossed in an easy garlic and lemon sauce is the perfect solution!
It’s up to you whether you want to buy fresh shrimp or just use up the bag that’s hiding at the back of your freezer. Combine with a few other basic ingredients, and you’ll have a wow-worthy, tasty side dish to serve alongside your main course.
10. Classic Negroni
Looking for a classic Italian cocktail to serve instead of wine? You only need four ingredients to make this wonderful apertivo (which is the Italian tradition of serving a pre-meal drink intended to stoke your appetite)!
You’ll love the beautiful ruby red color and refreshing flavor of this drink. Top with an orange for garnish and enjoy!
11. Tiramisu
When it comes to decadent desserts, tiramisu is hard to beat. Did I mention that you don’t even have to turn on your oven for this recipe? This is a great recipe that is surprisingly easy to make.
Sweet, creamy mascarpone, crunchy ladyfingers dipped in a strong blend of espresso and coffee liqueur, and a light dusting of rich chocolate make this dessert the perfect way to end your Italian-inspired feast. Top with a little whipped cream or fresh chocolate shavings if desired!
Need a great chicken Alfredo recipe? This is one of our favorites. Don't forget to check out the recipe card for an easy recipe for garlic green beans.
Which sides did you decide to serve with chicken Alfredo? I would love to hear from you, so be sure to let me know in the comments below!
📖 Recipe
Sides for Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place green beans in a bowl and toss with oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread beans out on baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve warm.
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