From sautéed mushrooms to citrusy salads, discover perfect pairings for your favourite pasta dishes

Pairing your cherished pasta dish with the right vegetable side can transform a simple meal into a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re indulging in a creamy carbonara or a hearty chilli mac, the inclusion of a vegetable side not only adds a nutritional boost but also complements the flavours of your pasta. In a recent feature, culinary experts Dillon Evans, Morgan Hunt Glaze, Margaret Monroe Dickey, and Shell Royster introduced a variety of quick-cooking greens and vegetable sides that promise to elevate any pasta dish.

Leading the selection is the Balsamic-Parmesan Sautéed Spinach, a dish where tender spinach leaves blend seamlessly with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sweet balsamic vinegar, offering a quick and flavorful addition to your meal. Not far behind, the Sautéed Oyster Mushrooms with Garlic Butter emerge as a versatile choice. Browned to perfection and finished with garlic and butter, these mushrooms can stand alone or top off a dish of creamy polenta or farro, enriching your pasta experience.

The simplicity of Garlic-Butter Green Beans makes them a universal pairing, their tender-crisp texture achieved through an initial steaming before being sautéed with melted garlic butter and fresh herbs. For those seeking a unique twist, Roasted Kalettes—a cross between kale and Brussels sprouts—offer a quick and easy side that cooks to perfection in a hot oven.

Refreshing and vibrant, the Citrus-Arugula Salad introduces a bright flavour profile with peppery arugula, avocado, and a hint of jalapeño, making it an ideal complement to any pasta dish. The Asparagus with Balsamic & Parmesan stands out for its tender-crisp asparagus spears, drizzled with a glossy balsamic glaze and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, adding an elegant touch to your pasta night.

Other noteworthy mentions include the Zucchini & Mushroom Sauté, perfect for accompanying grilled dishes; the Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, which combines savoury and sweet flavours for a simple yet delicious side; and the Broccolini Amandine, offering a milder and sweeter alternative to traditional broccoli, topped with a nutty almond butter.

For those who prefer their Brussels sprouts with a crisp edge, the Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts seasoned with just olive oil, salt, and pepper provide a nutritious and flavorful option. The Sautéed Cabbage offers versatility, ready to be enjoyed with butter and onion or customized with various add-ins. Meanwhile, the Purslane, Cucumber & Tomato Salad with Mint introduces a refreshing and nutrient-packed choice, highlighting the underappreciated purslane.

Rounding out the selection are the Broccoli Rabe with Olives & Garlic, which softens the bitterness of broccoli rabe with the richness of garlic and olives; the Basic Green Salad with Vinaigrette, a staple that can be dressed up as needed; and the Broiled Broccolini, a quick and sweet alternative to its cruciferous cousin, enhanced with chopped walnuts.

These 15 vegetable side dishes not only promise to complement your favourite pasta dishes but also introduce a variety of flavours and textures to your dining table, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable meal.